The city of Dearborn removed the foundations that were to be used to build additional condos in West Village Square.

The city of Dearborn has ripped out the rotting foundations that were to be used to build condominiums on in West Village Square, removing an eyesore for nearby residents.

Known as the Abbey Lane condos, just off of Mason in what was the former overflow parking lot for Jacobsen’s department store, the foundations were poured sometime in 2008.

The development was part of the project by developer Burton-Katzman, who the city sued for failing to complete the West Village Commons project on Michigan Avenue. The condo development was part of the unfinished project.

While the city had to pay for the removal of the foundations, a lien will be placed on this property for the city to recoup its costs when or if the property is sold again.

The removal of the foundations is good news for the residents of the Abbey Lane condos who will now have a green space to use for the near term. However, it is an expense (however small) that some readers of Deepsaidwhat.com are questioning, particularly given the city’s financial situation.

“More mismanagement by the city!,” wrote one reader. “The neighborhood begged the city to put less density on that 1.7 acre lot! The neighborhood begged the city to consider 36 units rather than 48 units in that development and to make more green space and PARKING between the units. The city was too bullheaded and tax revenue hungry to listen. So they went with 48 units, built 36 units and stuck it up the neighborhoods’ collective arses! Now they have to pay to remove two of the units foundations to create a green space at the end of the development which makes no sense whatsoever. These same baffoons that are in office now are the same ones that wouldn’t listen to the neighborhood . . .”

Another reader had this to say: “ . . . in the city’s pursuit to be in the real estate business, they (we taxpayers) are now going to have to pay the costs to rip out all of this prepared building slabs to make way for a “green space”. Nice job once again City of Dearborn leaders!! Remember this when voting day nears.”

They are valid arguments. On the other hand, Dearborn city leaders have an obligation to properly maintain our city, even in tough economic times. No one can deny that the green space now at the corner of Michigan and Brady is far more attractive to look at than the abandoned motel that once occupied that piece of land. The city paid for that demolition, too.

There are many more vacant buildings along Michigan Avenue that need to be demolished to help clean up West Dearborn. If this city is going to attract new residents and businesses, looking the part is a good first step.