Property owners in southwest Dearborn receiving letters from their mortgage companies that they now are required to purchase flood insurance should know that the issue may be resolved within four weeks, according to Dearborn city officials.

We received e-mails from several readers who expressed surprise at having to purchase such insurance. One reader on Katherine Street said he was informed by GMAC Mortgage that he now resided in a Special Flood Hazard Area when he began the process of refinancing his mortgage.

Dearborn city officials say these letters from the mortgage companies are prompted by the fact that Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) flood control maps for the Dearborn area, adopted in 1996, expired on Feb. 2, 2012. New maps were adopted on Feb. 2, 2012.

However, there is a process that allows property owners to be exempt from purchasing flood insurance even if their property appears within a FEMA floodplain. That process is expected to be resolved within four weeks.

In the past, many homes now receiving letters from their mortgage company were exempted through Letters of Map Amendments (LOMA), issued by FEMA. Those LOMAs expired on Feb. 2, 2012 when the previous flood control map expired.

From 2000 to 2011, FEMA issued 1,400 LOMAs to property owners in Dearborn whose homes fell within the old flood control map.

In the next four weeks, the City expects that FEMA will revalidate and reissue LOMAs exempting property from the need to buy flood insurance.

Dearborn’s Engineering Division will transmit this information to the affected property owners as soon as the City receives the notice from FEMA.

Dearborn’s Doriguzzi Photographic Artistry has come up with a novel way to help the Dearborn Animal Shelter and provide pet owners a keepsake image of their pet.

Beginning Friday, Feb. 17 through Sunday, Feb. 26, Doriguzzi Photographic will take a portrait of pets and their owners for $50 and then send $20 of that fee to the Dearborn Animal Shelter. Owner Rich Duzzi calls it “Pets and Their People” portraits or “people-who-just-love-animals-and-want-to-benefit-animal-rescues” portraits.

Duzzi will place the portraits online for pet owners to download for unlimited use or will create a standard print for $20 in his lab. Wall portraits and framing are also available, he says,  at 25 percent discounts.

Appointments are required. Call Claudia at 313-565-8448.

For more information and to see a sample of photographs from Doriguzzi Photographic Artistry, click HERE.

Goodwill Industries of Detroit is seeking a special land use to open a second-hand store in downtown West Dearborn.

The Dearborn City Plan Commission voted 4 to 4 Monday night on  a request for a special land use from Goodwill Industries to open a second-hand store in downtown West Dearborn.

Like the first meeting, I voted to deny the request for a special land use. Goodwill now plans to come to the Plan Commission for a third time, perhaps as early as next month to seek approval.

Let’s be clear. This isn’t about whether Goodwill is good for Dearborn. It is all about the proposed location. Goodwill could be a good addition to our city. But the building in which it is so aggressively trying to locate its second-hand store is simply not a good fit for our city. There are other locations in Dearborn that are more suitable. But more on that shortly.

The location of the proposed Goodwill store will not encourage other retail to move into the area. In fact, it likely will have the opposite impact and even negatively affect the value of nearby businesses already in this area. Worth noting is that Goodwill said at the last City Plan meeting that it does not plan to install an outside collection bin for people interested in doing after-hour drop offs of used clothing or whatever else they want to purge from their closets. So when the Goodwill store is closed, trash bags will be piled outside for all to see until the store reopens the following day.

In the same two block street that Goodwill wants to locate there are at least three discount stores, including two different types of dollar stores and a Marshall’s, which also sells name brand clothes at deep discounts. Combine that with the fact we also already have places to donate used clothing in our city with ACCESS or easy door pickup with Purple Heart (the Salvation Army is just a short drive away), there really isn’t a need for this type of store in this particular Dearborn location.

In addition, there already are a couple of fantastic second-hand stores in downtown West Dearborn. One is an antique store on Michigan Avenue called Village Antiques, just down the street from the proposed Goodwill outlet. The second is just down the road from the antique store in the Westborn Mall, a second-hand clothing and toy store for children called Sweet Peas Baby Boutique.

Forget the argument that Canton has a Goodwill store on Ford Road. It’s not applicable here. The Goodwill store on Ford Road moved into a thriving retail area. Some of Goodwill’s Canton retail neighbors include Pier 1, Michaels, a stand-alone JC Penny, IKEA and a host of restaurants too numerous to list here.

Contrast that with the Norm Newman owned building here in West Dearborn where Goodwill wants to locate. We don’t have that kind of retail. If we did this would be a different story. Dearborn needs quality first-hand stores to jumpstart our downtown and attract other businesses to come here. For all the good Goodwill does provide, this great non-profit organization isn’t going to draw new retail business to our downtown.

Just like Norm Newman (the landlord of the vacant building Goodwill wants to lease) has made decisions about what he wants in his vacant properties, the City Plan Commission and the City Council (who must also approve this request) must do the same when it comes to taking a longer-term view of what we believe will help downtown West Dearborn in the future.

Norm Newman said at an earlier meeting he “regrets” that he let the restaurant Applebee’s get away when that chain wanted to move into the very location Goodwill now desires. We regret it, too. Same with the others he has turned away, including Merchant’s Fine Wine, who wanted to move into the building and even La Pita, who simply purchased the building of their current location when they couldn’t work out an agreement many years ago.

We have received dozens of emails from readers who agree that the location Goodwill desires isn’t suitable and the second-hand store should look at an alternative location, such as the vacant Border’s book store building on Ford Road and Mercury Drive. The letters we have received are from young professionals, grandparents, nearby residents and local business owners.

Mary Ray, owner of Cambells Paint & Wallpaper, said she does not support Goodwill moving into the proposed location. “I do not support the Inca location for Goodwill,” Ray said in an email. “I am fine with Goodwill locating in Dearborn. I do not believe that this is a good location nor do I think that it is in the best interest of the City and/or the downtown district to allow Goodwill to occupy this particular space. “

Resident Dan Kosmowski, who lives on Nona Street, a couple blocks behind the proposed store location had this to say:

“I oppose the proposed discount store in the former Inca Computer storefront,” Kosmowski said. “At this moment, the area is saturated with discount retailers. I live one block from the proposed store at Nona and Haigh. I enjoy walking to the retailers, including Bellacino’s and Aco, but beyond these choices, I am forced to take my retailing dollars out of Dearborn.

“I understand the community needs affordable retailing options. I formerly worked in the automotive sector before I decided to return to school, leaving my full-time job for a part-time position and shouldering the burden both of a mortgage and tuition on my reduced salary. I must make difficult choices on what I can afford to buy. On a short budget, I know there are plenty of discount retailers nearby. The Dollar Store anchors the opposite end of the proposed discount store. Walking one block to the west, the Westborn Mall houses a Marshall’s, Bulk Food Warehouse, Dollar Tree, Sweet Peas Baby Boutique, Dots Fashions, Avenue, and Payless. Does the community really need another discount retailer?

“Further, I find it a distraction to label the discount retailer “upscale.” By adding the adjective upscale, is somehow the discount retailer converted to an upscale discount retailer really any different from adding another discount retailer to this community? In addition, I do not think that government can enforce “upscaleness” on a retailer; we must take the retailer at their word that they will maintain an “upscale” factor for years into their lease, a chance I am not willing to take.

“Like many residents, I do not want to see space unused, but at the same time, an anything goes mentality is disheartening. Rather than another discount retailer, I would like to see a restaurant (such as Frida’s) or an inexpensive market alternative to Westborn Market (like the Dearborn Farm Market). Surely saturating the area with discount retailers means people who want other goods must go elsewhere. I know that is my situation. My part-time job takes me to Ann Arbor and Troy. I spend my limited dollars in those communities, instead of literally in my own backyard which is disconcerting. Further, working in these far away places, I am exposed to the negative comments regarding Dearborn. I am told often by my peers in Oakland and Washtenaw counties that I should move, like many young professionals, and join them where there are diverse retail options.

“In conclusion, the Inca Computer storefront needs something other than a discount retailer. The area is saturated with discount retailers all within walking distance. I know because I live within a block of the location and I walk to the retail options.”

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Candyce Ewing Abbatt, who lost by 228 votes (even after a recount) in 2008 to Judge Mark Somers for the 19th District Court seat in Dearborn, is going to try her luck a second time for a seat on the bench.

Abbatt, who spent more than $190,000 in her losing bid in 2008, announced she will seek election for the district bench seat, which currently pays $138,272 annually.

The lifelong Dearborn resident and Fordson High School graduate has been a partner in private practice for 29 years, specializing in family law. She will face incumbent Judge Richard Wygonik, who was recently appointed chief judge for the 19th District Court. Former 19th District Court Magistrate Sam Salamey is also said to be considering a second run for the seat.

Dearborn judges serve six-year terms. Somers, in his third year, has said he will seek a seat on the Wayne County Circuit Court. Even if unsuccessful on the circuit court, Somers would still have three years on the district court bench to ponder his next career choice.

While Somers is not up for re-election, you can bet his legal troubles will be the focal point in election literature for Abbatt and any other candidate who decides to throw their hat in the ring for the seat. Let’s just hope that between now and the Aug. 7 primary election, the candidates also spend an equal amount of time educating voters on why they think they are best qualified to be a judge.

The city of Dearborn says residents should be aware of important information regarding door-to-door solicitations.

If an individual comes to your door and asks for a contribution to support a political, religious or charitable cause, the individual must have displayed on his person an ID card issued by the Dearborn Police Department.

If an individual comes to your door to espouse his or her views regarding a political, religious or charitable cause but does not ask for a contribution, the individual does not have to have an ID or a permit issued by the City of Dearborn. Door-to-door proselytizing is protected speech under the First Amendment.

If an individual comes to your door to offer goods or services for sale (e.g., new windows, gutter cleaning), the individual must have a vendor’s license issued by the Dearborn City Clerk. This license must be produced upon request.

Door-to-door solicitation is permitted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Individuals seeking contributions or attempting to sell goods or services are prohibited from approaching homes where a “no solicitation” sign appears on the door.

These signs are available at the Mayor’s Office at City Hall and online through the City website HERE.  Check the link for Online Services & Publications and follow it to Homeowners.

Violation of these regulations is a misdemeanor; violators should be reported to the Dearborn Police Department at 313.943.2201.

As always, if a resident observes suspicious activity, the Dearborn Police Department should be contacted immediately by calling 911.

Parents living in the Dearborn Public School district interested in enrolling their child in the Montessori program at Howe School can now pick up application forms.

The forms can be obtained from the Student Services Office in the Administrative Service Center or can be downloaded from the Student Services section of the district website HERE.

Howe School is located at 18000 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn 48124, and the Administrative Service Center is located at 18700 Audette, Dearborn 48124. Registration will continue through the end of the day on April 2, 2012.

An admissions meeting will be held on April 16, 2012, in the Board Room at the Administrative Service Center to identify which applicants will be enrolled for the 2012-13 school year. Interested parents can contact the Student Services office at 827-3005 for additional information or questions.

Parents have been selecting the free Montessori program in Dearborn since the mid 1990s. The program serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade and is one of many programs that are part of the elementary experience in Dearborn Public Schools. District-wide all day kindergarten, foreign language, music, art, a curriculum aligned with state benchmarks and standards, and full implementation of the Daily 5 and CAFÉ reading framework are all part of the elementary education offered to students attending Dearborn schools.

The Dearborn Chamber of Commerce asks the business community to “brace” itself for a brand new approach to its current business awards and expo and announces B.R.A.C.E—short for Business Recognition Awards Ceremony & Expo. This annual event–to be held Thursday, April 26, 2012, 11 am – 2 pm, at the Henry, an Autograph Collection Hotel in Dearborn–combines effective networking, business appreciation and an expo showcasing over 35 business. Presenting sponsor is Ford Land.

“We are always looking for ways to update and invigorate our current events to add value to our members,” says Dearborn Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Mike Kirk. “The name was just the first step in creating a clearer message and branding to recognize innovative and forward-thinking business models.”

This year the Chamber will honor Henry Ford Medical Center—recent recipient of the 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, one of the most prestigious national awards for performance excellence—with the Business of the Year Award. Named after the 26th Secretary of Commerce, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award was established in 1987 by Congress to promote quality awareness, to recognize quality and business achievements of U.S. organizations, and to publicize these organizations’ successful performance strategies.

The Leadership Award will be given to Genevieve Vang, proprietor of Bangkok 96 Restaurant. The Small Business Award will be bestowed on The Glass Academy.

Vang has owned the Thai food restaurant since 1996 and has just embarked on the creation and promotion of a frozen food line of her best culinary offerings. She supports several local charities including the Dearborn Animal Shelter.

The Glass Academy, opened and operated by award-winning artists Michelle Plucinsky and Chris Nordin, exemplify how strong work ethic and great leadership impact growth, profit and community dedication. Housed in a renovated auto manufacturing plant, the art space has become a destination for art enthusiasts throughout the region. In addition to commissioned works of art created for large organizations, the Academy also hosts successful shows featuring beautiful glass pumpkins and holiday ornaments.

The luncheon will also honor a forward-thinking unique business model that breaks traditional molds with its Innovator of the Year. Another new aspect will encourage nominations from the community and chamber membership via an online voting component. Past awardees have included The Henry Ford Makers Faire, Hype Athletics and Severstal North America.

The newly branded B.R.A.C.E. will connect and showcase organizations in the Dearborn community. The luncheon, including a new video component spotlighting each awardee, will also highlight businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries, from 5 years to 100 years. The expo will enable companies to promote their products and services to more than 300 business owners, community leaders and corporate professionals.

The cost to attend the event is $50 for Chamber members and $65 for non-members; $500 for table of 10 with signage. Space is limited. Register online at www.dearbornchamber.org.

The Dearborn Chamber of Commerce promotes the best interests of over 500 member organizations by enhancing leadership opportunities, connection with prospective customers, endorsement of products and services, increasing sales and saving money.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will host “Hiring Our Heroes – Dearborn/Detroit, ” a hiring fair for the region’s veterans and their spouses on Tuesday, April 11 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.

The City of Dearborn is a sponsor of the free event, which includes the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce and many partners.

The event is part of the U.S. Chamber’s 100-city “Hiring Our Heroes” initiative. To date, more than 85 fairs have connected 84,000 veterans with more than 4,300 different employers. More than 7,300 veterans have landed jobs.

This event is designed to be one of the Chamber’s largest fairs to date, with the goal of bringing 100-area employers together with hundreds of local veterans. These companies will range from America’s biggest employers to dozens of small companies from across the state. These companies are looking for veterans of all levels of rank and experience.

Employers and job seekers must pre-register for this FREE event by visiting www.hoh.greatjob.net

Registration closes on April 3, 2012. Job seekers please bring along proof of military service.

Beginning February 15, and for a limited time, Dearborn residents can order affordable trees that will be planted on the easement in front of their homes.

The City of Dearborn encourages the planting of trees as a way to keep neighborhoods attractive, reduce energy consumption and support a healthier environment.

The annual spring tree planting program is open to Dearborn residents only.

This year trees cost $175 each, and the supply of trees for the program is limited. Trees range in size from 8 – 10 feet in height and are sold on a first come, first served basis through Dearborn’s Department of Public Works.

Residents can choose from an assortment of trees. Each species offered meets American Association of Nurserymen standards and is zone hardy.

To place an order after Feb. 15 or to request a selection guide, residents can call 943.2317 or visit www.cityofdearborn.org.

This year’s selections include: “Ivory Silk” Japanese Tree Lilac, Corktree, Celebration Maple, American Hornbeam, Golden Rain Tree, Corzam or Corinthian Linden, American Yellowwood, Ginkgo Tree/Maidenhair Tree, “Lustre” Allegheny Serviceberry and Sugar Maple “Legacy”.

Homeowners can suggest an easement planting location and city personnel will have final approval.

The area between resident’s sidewalk and curb must be a minimum of 4 feet wide to accommodate a tree. Public Works officials will decide if there is adequate space in the easement of a property owner’s home for a tree. Multiple trees may be ordered if correct spacing is available.

Trees will be planted by a contractor and have a one-year warranty. Planting usually takes place in late April and should be complete by June 1. The contractor is responsible for planting, mulching, staking, pruning, watering and clean up at the time of planting.

At the end of the first year, the contractor will provide a final inspection and remove tree stakes and bracing.

Residents, who are responsible for maintaining the health of the tree through regular watering, will be billed by the City of Dearborn after tree planting is complete, usually in late June or July.

The Dearborn Community Arts Council (DCAC) invites the public to attend the Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8 inside the Michael A. Guido Theater in the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.

It is free.

The awards were created by the DCAC and the late mayor, Michael Guido, to honor those members of our community who create, perform, educate and the support the fine and performing arts in the greater Dearborn area.

The Master of Ceremonies for this year’s prestigious event will be Dearborn’s multi-talented Brian Townsend.

Among the groups slated to perform during the evening are the Prysm School of the Arts and the Dearborn High Thespians. There will also be a film montage created by the DHS Film and Video program.

The 24th Mayor’s Arts Awards honorees are as follows:

Frank Padzieski The Mayor’s Award

Isabelle Renaud Artist/Performer Award

Kurt Doelle Arts Educator Award

Leslie Greeneisen DCAC Bravo Award

Cynthia Frabutt Volunteer Award

University of Michigan- Dearborn Patron Award

Artists Society of Dearborn Organization Award

The public is also invited to a reception immediately following the ceremony in Studio A, next to the theater.

For more information, call the DCAC office at 313-943-3095.