DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – Dearborn Heights’ new mayor, Mo Baydoun, says he’s listening to neighbors and moving quickly to address public-safety nuisances — from blight and parking to snow removal and emergency response times.
The administration is shortening correction windows and increasing enforcement as the city prepares for the holiday season.
The city installed its holiday tree outside City Hall on Monday in advance of Friday’s tree-lighting ceremony.
At the same time, Baydoun is reminding residents of a series of operational priorities his office has been hearing about in neighborhood outreach.
“We ran, we sent out a survey across the entire city of Dearborn Heights,” Baydoun said, describing feedback that put snow response and blight at the top of residents’ concerns.
One of the administration’s first policy changes reduces the timeline for blight correction. Where residents previously had seven days to address violations, the city will now give three days for corrections before issuing citations, Baydoun announced.
“We’re saying you’re going to get a first notice by us publicly telling you this is our standard. You’re going to have a 3-day correction notice, and if not, you’ll be ticketed,” Baydoun said.
He added that city leaders are asking local courts to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to repeat or egregious violations.
Neighbors expressed support for tougher enforcement.
“I don’t like blight. My property value goes down if that happens. And nobody does. So, yeah, I think it’s a good idea,” said neighbor Dave Poole.
Baydoun also reiterated snow-safety expectations for residents. Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after a snow event, and the city is intensifying enforcement around on-street parking during declared snow emergencies.
“If we declare a snow emergency, and your vehicle is in the street, even if it’s the holidays, it’s nothing against you, but in order to ensure safety for our residents, we’re going to issue those citations and we’re not going to be ok with it,” Baydoun said.
Officials said the city issued 180 tickets during the last snow emergency after Thanksgiving for vehicles left in the street, which hampered plowing operations.
Residents urged clearer notification about snow emergency rules.
“He has to find a way to notify the people. They are not moving their cars,” said neighbor Lillian Erickson. Others voiced support for enforcement: “I agree with that. If they tell you not to park on the street, don’t park on the street,” said Rose Marie Kalajain.
City staff say they are proactively publishing notices and producing videos to explain the operational changes and to remind residents of their responsibilities.
The Dearborn Heights tree-lighting event will be held this Friday at 6:30 p.m. outside City Hall. Baydoun said there will be some surprises at the ceremony.