HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – A strange and troubling property situation is unfolding in Highland Park, as a house recently purchased by a local resident appeared on a municipal property auction list.
Dwayne Matthews, a single father, says he bought the house at 209 Geneva in Highland Park two years ago after a fire at his previous home left him homeless.
He holds paperwork from the sale, which involved a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Despite this, Matthews is facing confusion and fear as the same house is now listed in a city-owned property auction.
“It’s very scary. I mean, it’s stomach-turning scary,” Matthews said. “Not knowing what’s going to happen next is my fear.”
Emotionally affected by the situation, Matthews shared that his four-year-old daughter is also impacted by the uncertainty.
“She’s four. Sorry,” Matthews said, visibly upset.
Mayor Glenda McDonald of Highland Park has stepped forward to clarify the situation.
Official city records indicate the house has actually been owned by the city of Highland Park for 13 years.
“The property is owned by the city of Highland Park. It has been owned by the city of Highland Park since 2012,” McDonald confirmed.
Regarding the sale to Matthews, McDonald stated, “Whoever owned the LLC, or who sold him that property, as the LLC, they did not have ownership of that property. It belonged to the City of Highland Park.”
Matthews counters with his own set of documents, including a deed and a property transfer affidavit.
He insists he has been complying with requests and responsibilities related to the property.
When asked if he may have been taken advantage of during the purchase, Matthews replied, “It’s possible. But I’m not sure.”
Facing the prospect of losing his home, Matthews believes his only option, now, is to bid on the house in the city auction.
In response, community members and neighbors have rallied to support him by donating to a crowdfunding fundraiser to help him raise the necessary funds to buy his home.
Those wishing to contribute can find information about the fundraising efforts by clicking here.