Addressing Neighborhood Blight in Westland, Michigan
WESTLAND, Mich. (WXYZ) — Residents in Westland are raising serious concerns regarding **neighborhood blight** that has persisted and worsened over the years. This ongoing issue has prompted city officials to formulate a plan to take effective action.
Watch the video report below:
Westland aims to hire additional ordinance officers to combat the growing problem of **neighborhood blight**.
Residents Voice Their Concerns
Local resident Tommi-Jean Mason, a lifelong Westland inhabitant, expressed her worries by stating, “In my neighborhood, I see a lot of **trash**. A lot of **overgrown lots** and such.” Many community members particularly point to the **Norwayne neighborhood** as a focal point for these issues.
“You can hardly walk further down by the fire department due to **overgrowth**, trees, and weeds that have grown out of control,” Mason added, highlighting the reality faced by many residents regarding deteriorating conditions.
The Impact on Homeowners
Homeowners in Westland who maintain their properties diligently are growing frustrated with the proximity to neglected homes. Gloria Mason shared her feelings: “There are people that own their homes, take good care of them, and live next to someone who doesn’t take care of theirs.” The disparity in **property conditions** can lead to tension within the community.
Inconsistent Responses to Blight Issues
Residents have expressed frustration over the inconsistency in how **blight issues** are addressed. Mason commented, “They overlook a lot of things, but then get nit-picky on other issues.” This inconsistency adds to the anxiety of homeowners who invest their time and resources in maintaining their properties.
City Council President Pro-Tem Melissa Sampey affirmed the residents’ concerns, noting that many of the neglected properties are **rented**. “A lot of times, the property owners don’t live in the state of Michigan,” she explained, shedding light on the challenges faced in enacting proper property management.
City’s Response to Blight Concerns
To respond to the residents’ concerns effectively, the city is planning to hire two additional **ordinance officers**. These officers will expedite the process of addressing problem properties. Sampey stated, “Our ordinance officers do an amazing job, but with 22 square miles to cover, they can only handle so much at a time.”
Mayor Kevin Coleman, who was unavailable for an interview, sent a statement regarding the city’s efforts. His proposed **2025-2026 municipal budget** includes funding to hire two more ordinance officers dedicated to improving property conditions in Westland. He emphasized, “While many care deeply about the aesthetic of our city, we still face challenges in keeping our streets clean.” Mayor Coleman is committed to prioritizing **ordinance compliance** in the future.
Community Involvement is Key
City officials are urging residents to assist in combatting the blight issues plaguing Westland. “We have a process where people can submit their ordinance issues, concerns, or complaints through our **Click and Fix app**,” Sampey noted. This tool aims to streamline reporting of property concerns to improve response times and enhance neighborhood conditions.
Residents can conveniently report blight issues using this link. They also have the option to download the city’s Click and Fix app for mobile reporting.
As Westland navigates these **challenges**, it becomes increasingly clear that community engagement and proactive city management are essential for creating a cleaner, safer, and more aesthetically pleasing environment for all residents.
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