Dearborn Tears Out Condo Foundations
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.
August 12th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Dearborn is quickly becoming a community where the property is being bought by absentee landlords and leased to itinerant renters with section 8 entitlement funding. Everything that supports strong neighborhoods like strong schools, parks, pools and libraries are being cut, reduced and eliminated, all the while this mayor hires more consultants, contractors, and planners. How much money was spent on the consultant to report citizen commentary on the community redevelopment plan? Anyone with even a half wit knows that community development does not work like this. Why did O’Reilly just show up himself and listen to the people, because he does not want to hear what he already knows people want schools, libraries, and pools to remain funded. If there is not a ribbon to be cut or a check to cash O’Reilly will not come. Stop the consultants, committees, and contractors and demand the council hire a forensic accountant and audit O’Reilly’s budget.
August 12th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
I am curious how concrete poured a couple of years ago to city code can be “rotting”. if it was highly important to have this concrete installed 1200 days ago, why is it necessary to spend dollars to remove it today. A flat concrete slab is not much of an “eyesore” compared to the nearby parking decks.
August 12th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Finally people are starting to realize that unless there are ribbons to be cut, so he can get that ugly pus of his in the picture he won’t show up. The man wants only yes men, and thats thegroup that he currently has as department heads, when there is a chance of controversey so you won’t find the Big Boy out there. He doesn’t want to listen to nobody, and thats why he keeps making these stupid mistakes over and over — here is an idea, since you love Somers so much why don’t u run for judge, so u can screw the local courts, and give us taxpayers a break for your ineptitude as Mayor. Tafalski step up, and run this guy out of office, he hasn’t got a clue. When will the next purchase come up Big Boy, we simply can’t afford you or your stupid ideas any longer.
August 13th, 2011 at 3:26 am
Tony G
You trust Tafelski????? Not me.
August 15th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
I would love to hear Doug Thomas’ reaction to all of this crap.
August 19th, 2011 at 12:26 am
I agree Donna, even though Doug was a flaming idiot, he at least was a little wiser that our present Dufus Mayor.
August 19th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
“Concrete Rot” is a slang/loose term referring to the rusting of steel rods embedded within concrete. This is a result of moisture getting into the concrete due to no drainage system protecting the concrete. The slabs are exposed to weather, therefore deteriorating and unsafe to use at this juncture.
One can surmise that:
a) The city expects no more building activity on that site.
b) It is unsafe to leave the slab exposed as is.
c) The cost of removal maybe passed onto B-K damages.
August 20th, 2011 at 12:12 am
Did the city perform tests on the concrete and determine it must go? Are the tests available for the public to see? I have seen concrete slabs for garages here in Dearborn poured and a garage never built. 10-15 years later they are fine with no “drainage system” installed. How were the original slabs passed by our inspectors if the required “drainage systems” were not installed? The site has to be inspected before any concrete is poured, was it allowed to continue to be built without the drainage system? Are the inspections performed at the site during the build available to the taxpayers or will they be tied up in red tape requiring a FOI request? Lots of questions.
August 20th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
I do not know if the city performed tests. I am not certain what information is withheld or not. Garage “slabs” and foundations are mutually exclusive construction. The load bearing is much more significant for a medium-sized building than a two-car garage. You would have to ask the commercial inspection department about their policies and procedures about that site and construction.
I speculate that the construction came to a screeching halt when the lawsuits started getting heated and it was evident that there was not going be any more progress.