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Residents press council on overgrown lots, towing and alleged predatory landlord
Summary
Multiple residents used public comment at the July 6 Inkster council meeting to raise long-running concerns about overgrown lots, a vehicle towing incident at a community center and allegations that a landlord named William Asper harasses tenants and faces federal action. The mayor said staff would clear an alley and the council did not take legal action during the meeting.
Several residents told the council on July 6 that neglected properties and enforcement actions were creating safety and fairness concerns in Inkster.
Betty Ward, who identified herself as a resident of New York Street, said vines and overgrowth from adjacent vacant lots have encroached on her alley and fence, caused allergic reactions that required hospitalization, and repeatedly resisted previous cleanup efforts. "They just run... I get blisters," Ward said, asking the council to intervene. The presiding officer replied that the city had the address and would have someone clear the alley the next day.
A different commenter alleged a vehicle-towing dispute after a private meeting at a community center and urged the council to review the timeline and ensure policies were applied fairly. Another resident described an incident in which vehicles were towed from a community center where they volunteer and asked the council to determine whether the actions followed city policy.
Speakers also raised allegations about a landlord identified in remarks as William Asper. One speaker said he is a former tenant and accused Asper of harassment, threats and filing "false lawsuits." A separate commenter said they possess a federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice that they said documents similar conduct; the commenter said two properties had been recently purchased in Inkster and tenant complaints had been filed with police. The council acknowledged the complaints but did not take immediate enforcement or legal action during the meeting.
The public-comment period also included repeated calls for quicker code enforcement to address tall grass and overgrown lots, and one speaker warned that an overgrown corner lot had left a fire hydrant encased in grass, potentially limiting fire-department access.
No formal staff report, enforcement action or hearing schedule was recorded in the meeting minutes; the mayor recorded a pledge to have staff follow up on the alley-cleaning request and the clerk and relevant departments should be contacted for records or next steps.
