DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – Fed up with potholes on Cherry Hill Road, 18-year-old Ali Chamy took matters into his own hands recently. He bought asphalt at Home Depot and patched two holes himself.
He then posted the video to TikTok, where it racked up hundreds of thousands of views.
Chamy said he recorded the DIY repair to bring attention to the problem.
“One of them was super deep,” Chamy said. “I’ve now become known as the pothole guy.”
The response was swift: Dearborn Heights’ mayor commented on the post over the weekend.
“The good news is that the city has been awarded a $2.6 million dollar grant to fix all of Cherry Hill from Gully-Inkster,” he wrote. “As for the young man, thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. Even my mother sent me it on WhatsApp. I just ask that you be careful.”
Dearborn Heights Department of Public Works Director John Danci said the city appreciates the attention on the issue, but urged residents to leave road work to professionals.
“Man, next time call the department,” Danci told Chamy. “It’s not safe to be out there.”
Long term, he said, the road is set for a major overhaul.
“This one is slated for a full road reconstruction,” Danci said. “So, it is going to disrupt traffic once it does get started, but I think anyone can agree it’s needed.”
Right now, DPW said they are still working on a timeline for the repairs.
They also encouraged Chamy to apply for a job.
Prior pothole coverage: