Flooding in Berkley - What Can We Do?

Berkley has flooded once again. A heavy downpour filled our streets and many basements.

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Candidate Interview with Dennis Hennen

I was interviewed regarding my candidacy for city council, my goals, and my qualifications.

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The State is Raiding the City's Piggy Bank

I was able to attend the Save MI City event this morning.

Since 2002, the state has siphoned 5.6 million dollars from Berkley. Spending at the state level has gone up while cities must cut services to keep budgets balanced.

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One year later...

I'm happy to report the dumpster I posted about on Tuesday is now gone!

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Who is Writing the Laws?

I was out meeting residents this weekend and saw a dumpster in the road. I know this is illegal, and several residents told me it has been there for more than a year, so I took a picture and reported it to our code enforcer. Imagine my surprise to find that city staff decided 16 years ago that they’d just let builders break this law when it became inconvenient for them.

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Communication is Key - Opening a Dialog Between the City and Residents

In any relationship, communication is key. The same holds true for the relationship between a city’s officials and its residents.

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Code Enforcement - Setting the Right Priorities

Collapsed excavation

Berkley is a densely packed community with very close lots. That is one reason why it's important that the city does a better job enforcing and prioritizing safe building practices.

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Tree Ordinance Update Coming

Look up into trees

I attended the tree board meeting tonight where they are discussing potential changes to our tree ordinance.

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Berkley fireworks survey results

I asked folks on Facebook to let me know their thoughts on fireworks in Berkley. 288 people responded and there were a few surprises.

Survey results about Michigan's fireworks law

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Fireworks in Berkley - The limits of city power

Fireworks over downtown Detroit

It's that time of year again where the citizens of Berkley will see a spectacular light show every night from now until July 5th.

Or, depending on your perspective, be subjected to a non-stop barrage of noise and have the real risk of their home burning down.

 

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