Latest news with #Hamtramck
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
How Detroit mayoral candidates say they'd ramp up affordable housing, tackle homelessness
Housing took center stage as mayoral candidates shared their vision — and plans — to tackle an issue Detroiters say is top of mind. Six mayoral hopefuls answered questions about how to build housing Detroiters can afford, attract funding for services and strengthen the city's homelessness response system. Homelessness increased 16% from 2023 to 2024, according to one-night counts of people experiencing homelessness in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park that take place every January. Homelessness has many root causes, from mental health challenges to substance abuse, but experts have long pointed to housing as a central hurdle. To fully meet the need of people estimated to experience homelessness in Detroit a year, the city's homelessness response system needs to add at least 275 emergency shelter beds and 870 units of permanent supportive housing, according to a five-year plan released last year by the city of Detroit and its partners. Earlier this year, the city's homeless response system was under scrutiny after two children died while living unhoused in a van and city officials revealed that their mother had contacted city and county services several times prior to the siblings' death. Mayor Mike Duggan released a seven-point plan to improve access to services for the unhoused following the tragedy, including expanding night outreach teams. The forum, organized by a coalition of social service agencies, took place at the Central United Methodist Church in Detroit, home to Noah at Central, a nonprofit helping people experiencing homelessness. Participants included Mary Sheffield, Saunteel Jenkins, Fred Durhal III, DaNetta Simpson, Jonathan Barlow and write-in candidate Rogelio Landin. All Detroit mayoral candidates were invited. Zara Northover, a business consultant and founder of the Moving in Faith brand, and Andrew Stein, president and CEO of the Children's Foundation, moderated the discussion. Here are the top takeaways: More: Here's who is running for Detroit mayor in the 2025 election The homelessness response system Candidates said they'd prioritize homelessness services in the budget and take steps to prevent housing instability in the first place. "Some people are homeless because of addiction issues. Some people are homeless because they lost their jobs. Some people are homeless because of domestic violence issues and mental health issues and we have to address those root causes that led to homelessness in the first place. And then on the other end make sure that there is quality, affordable, appropriate housing for every one of those demographics," said Jenkins, former Detroit City Council president and CEO of the nonprofit Heat And Warmth Fund (THAW). Council Member Durhal called for an expansion of the Coordinated Assessment Model, or CAM, which directs people facing homelessness to shelter and other housing resources in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. "We do have a CAM system now that has lower wait times but sometimes the wait times are still long. We still hear folks say that when they call the CAM system that they are told that there are not enough beds," Durhal said. There's a need for more domestic violence shelters, connecting veterans with services and reaching unhoused children, he said. Simpson, a three-time mayoral candidate, said she'd create a taskforce that meets with people who are facing homelessness and find out why they are unhoused. City Council President Sheffield said prevention is key and touted the initiatives, such as the right to counsel program providing lawyers for families facing eviction, that she's pushed. Building 'truly affordable' housing Durhal said there's a difference between low-income housing and affordable housing, between 60% to 80% of the area median income (AMI), a regional measure set by the federal government to determine housing affordability. "There are not enough vouchers that are accessible to our folks here in the city of Detroit. ... We need more vouchers," Durhal said, to provide low-income housing. At the same time, there's a need to build housing, too, he said, and cited the so-called PILOT Fast Track ordinance, which passed last year to speed up development by offering property tax cuts to developers based on rent prices. In response to a moderator's question on how candidates would build affordable housing for those at 30% of the area median income and below, Landin said "we've gotta build it," but said "this is not a quick fix." Simpson said she'd forge relationships with people with lower incomes, who need affordable housing, and landlords, to gauge how far they can reduce rents. Homeowners also struggle to afford repairs, she said. Partnering with nonprofits, churches Candidates said they'd collaborate with faith-based organizations and nonprofits to bolster housing development. Jenkins said she'd use "affordable housing bonds" to ensure there's an inventory of affordable housing and work with nonprofits and the faith-based communities. Sheffield discussed a "community anchor plan" — partnering with nonprofits and churches to provide access to capital and technical assistance to develop neighborhoods. More: How a scrappy Google map tries to fill the gaps in Detroit homeless services Attracting new funding for services, housing Durhal said he'd prioritize funding by looking at the root causes of homelessness, whether that is mental health or substance abuse. He suggested expanding services at the city's health department and the housing and revitalization department. Said Jenkins: "What we have to have is a leader who is willing, able and has a track record of fighting to bring resources to the city of Detroit and to the agencies on the ground." Resources for low-income Detroiters, unhoused students Candidates addressed how they'd bring together different groups and institutions, from law enforcement and nonprofits to hospitals and developers, to support low-income Detroiters with complex needs. Sheffield said she'd create a homeless family and services department with wraparound services in one place. Simpson said she'd ensure police officers are trained to handle encounters with people experiencing mental illnesses. Businessman Barlow said coordination starts with leadership and said there are overlooked communities. "The LGBTQ+ community continues to suffer because of being unwelcome in their homes," Barlow said. Asked how they would better support students experiencing homelessness, candidates said they'd partner with schools to provide basic services, such as housing, and place counselors in schools. Contact Nushrat Rahman: nrahman@ Follow her on X: @NushratR. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit mayoral candidates talk affordable housing, homelessness Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
03-07-2025
- CBS News
Two men arrested after armed robbery outside Detroit-area jewelry store, police standoff
Two men were taken into custody after they allegedly robbed three people outside a jewelry store on Monday in Hamtramck, Michigan. Leon Devonte Richardson and Michael Edward-Martell were arraigned on Thursday on 19 felony charges, including armed robbery, larceny, larceny of $1,000 but less than $20,000, carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearm. Both suspects received a $500,000 cash/surety bond. They must be on house arrest if released. Leon Devonte Richardson (left) and Michael Edward-Martell Hamtramck Police Departmente Hamtramck police say on June 30, three people were leaving Gold and Glitter Jewelry on Joseph Campau Street when a white Nissan Rogue pulled up beside them. One of the suspects got out of the car and allegedly snatched a chain from one of the victims, police said. The suspect also chased a second victim, who was on crutches, stealing his glasses, and stole a woman's purse at gunpoint. Police said officers located the two suspects less than an hour after the robbery, arresting one of them. The second suspect went to a house in Detroit but eventually surrendered after a standoff. Police said both men are charged as habitual fourth offenders, which carries up to life in prison if found guilty.
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Adults, children rescued after pontoon boat flips over in Michigan lake
GM investing $4B into 3 plants; Hamtramck's suspended city manager; and more top stories GM investing $4B into 3 plants; Hamtramck's suspended city manager; and more top stories GM investing $4B into 3 plants; Hamtramck's suspended city manager; and more top stories A group of people, including children, was rescued on Wednesday after a pontoon boat flipped over in Commerce Lake. According to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, no injuries were reported, and authorities were working to recover the boat. It is unknown how many people were rescued. The sheriff's office did not release any additional information.
CBS News
11-06-2025
- CBS News
Deceased body found in car at Shelby Township park, circumstances under investigation
GM investing $4B into 3 plants; Hamtramck's suspended city manager; and more top stories GM investing $4B into 3 plants; Hamtramck's suspended city manager; and more top stories GM investing $4B into 3 plants; Hamtramck's suspended city manager; and more top stories The body of a deceased person was discovered in a car Saturday morning at a Southeast Michigan park while youth recreational games were taking place. Macomb County officials have confirmed a body was transported from River Bends Park on 22 Mile Road, Shelby Township, to the medical examiner's office. There were youth recreational games scheduled that day at the township park along the Clinton River, which were then canceled after first responders went to the scene around 10 a.m. Further queries on the investigation were referred to Shelby Township Police, which has not yet issued a report on the incident. CBS News Detroit will continue to follow this story.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Like a James Bond novel': Explosive lawsuit against Hamtramck mayor, police chief
The Brief A new lawsuit has been filed by the suspended Hamtramck city manager and a police officer. The suit makes wild claims including corruption at the highest level by some city leaders. Named in the suit is the mayor, suspended police chief and city council. FOX 2 - A new lawsuit claims widespread corruption in Hamtramck, coming amid an FBI investigation and a Michigan State Police look into the residence of a couple council members. The backstory Max Garbarino was placed on leave last week after suspending Hamtramck's Police Chief. Now the city manager is firing back through a scathing whistle-blower lawsuit."This is like a James Bond novel. It's chock-full of the craziest things, all in one case," said attorney Jon Marko. The lawsuit, filed against Hamtramck's mayor, police chief and city council, alleges corruption at the highest levels. The action, field by Marko, is on behalf of Garbarino, who is currently suspended, and a police officer, David Adamczyk, who is also suspended. The suit focuses on Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri discussing an alleged history of domestic violence as well as allegations involving a presidential pardon of a rich New York investor reportedly convicted of a financial crime - and that's not all. "Allegations of trying to funnel millions of dollars to secure a presidential pardon for a benefactor," Marko said. "Allegations of stolen automobiles being hidden away. Allegations of creating fake identifications for police officers to make money. Allegations of trying to secure bribe funds and all kinds of money." The police chief has denied the allegations, but was suspended by City Manager Max Garbarino while an investigation was launched. Last week Hamtramck City Council put the city manager on leave. They say to ensure a fair investigation into the chief. Related: Hamtramck city manager plans to sue after suspension due to police chief controversy That is what prompted the city manager to file this suit. "I think enough was enough, too much was too much, and finally he has an obligation, and as a good citizen," Marko said. The lawsuit also names all members of Hamtramck City Council and touches on investigations into two of those officials allegedly not living in the city they serve. It references investigations into alleged election fraud as well. "If they are true, then I think they need to be prosecuted," said Mike Petrack, a resident and city business owner. "The city government is problematic. It's borderline corrupt. Four of six council members are under investigation for voter fraud. "Two probably don't even live here, and now we have this with the police chief." Karen Majewski is Hamtramck's former mayor. "You know, I think everybody is concerned - just like what happened," she said. "What is going on?" FOX 2: "Should there be a house cleaning or something? "We have an election coming up. So, we have three council seats up, and the mayor's seat up for re-election. We have a primary in August, and I think that we will probably see," she said. "I'm hoping personally, that we see quite an upheaval in the make-up of the city council." The other side Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib released a statement: "There is a comprehensive investigation that is being conducted and it will include allegations against the police chief, city manager and Officer Adamczyk. "The three of them are on paid administrative leave at this time, but whoever is found clear and innocent, he would be reinstated to his job. No one is immune to questioning and accountability. "I learned from our city manager that we always get sued, mostly for nonsense, so that doesn't mean anything at this point because we have to wait for the investigation outcomes, and based on that, we would know how valid is everyone's case and what are their chances of winning such lawsuits." Suspended Chief Altaheri also released a statement: "My message from day one has been very clear, I call on the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, state police and FBI to follow-up on these false accusations and all those behind these fabricated stories." The Source Information for this report is based off the lawsuit, an interview with Jon Marko and statements from the mayor and police chief. The Source This story is based on the lawsuit as well as interviews with attorney Jon Marko, community members and statements from the police chief and mayor of Hamtramck.
