The city of Dearborn’s decision to be more “compassionate” with residents in relation to exterior property maintenance codes in these trying economic times isn’t working, according to an article in the Dearborn Times Herald.

Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr., appears to acknowledge his policy adjustment isn’t working and hints that changes are coming.

“I realize that it isn’t always easy to stay on top of (maintenance), but it became clear that we need to re-examine things,” O’Reilly told the Times-Herald.

We agree with some of the assertions made by Dearborn community leaders quoted in the Times Herald story. Many readers of DeepsaidWhat.com apparently do, as well. Several readers sent  links to the Times-Herald story that was written by J. Patrick Pepper.

“This is an important issue and needs the widest possible dissemination so that the residents of our city know and understand the direction the administration is taking us and why our city is looking more and more like Detroit and other blighted areas around us,” one reader said in an e-mail to DeepsaidWhat. “If the Times Herald thought enough of this story’s importance to put it on the front page above the fold, I would think you would attach a similar importance to it as well, so that the widest possible discussion is made possible. I know a great many of our city leaders and employees read your blog daily, and they need to see this and the comments it will generate.”

As the Times-Herald article points out, part of the change in how some neighborhoods look is the result of relaxed city enforcement. Another cause that can’t be overlooked is the simple elimination of city workers whose job it was to regularly patrol neighborhoods. Cuts in the city budget have eliminated some of those dedicated resources.

The good news is that residents do have a phone number to call in the city if they spot something in their neighborhood.

The Residential Services phone number for neighborhood complaints is 313-943-2161. Of course, you can always call the director of Residential Services, Nick Siroskey.  A lifelong resident, Mr. Siroskey came to this city position from Ford in July 2009 as part of a comprehensive restructuring of the functions of Dearborn’s Building & Safety Department, developed by O’Reilly, as a way to enhance customer service.

To read the full Times-Herald article, click HERE.