Dearborn Group Calls on Muslims to Protest Terror

  A Dearborn-based group who came together on the social networking site Facebook are calling for Muslims to protest against the actions of a Nigerian man accused of trying to bring down Northwest Airlines flight 253 en route to Detroit Metro Airport on Christmas Day.

  Majed Moughni, a Dearborn attorney, told the Detroit Free Press on Sunday that Muslims across the community need to be more vocal in their opposition to terrorism.
  "It's very frustrating to know that these guys are using Islam and committing terror," he said. "Islam stands for peace."
  Moughini's Facebook group, Dearborn Area Community Members, is open to people of all faiths within Dearborn. However, they're specifically calling for local Muslims to rally during the hearing for suspected Nigerian terrorist Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. The rally is scheduled for 1:oopm on January 8th at U.S. District Court in Detroit.
  Information about the protest is being posted on the group's Facebook page. They urge, "Please bring your signs, and American flags: theme: 'NOT IN THE NAME OF ISLAM." And also, "Expect a large presence of the world media."
  Check out the group's Facebook page here. While it's clear not all of their 300+ members are onboard for the protest, it's a hive of healthy discussion about our city and community.

Changing Economy Changes Developer's Plans for 'Muirhead Block'

  The development envisioned by Dearborn Village Partners LLC and the city of Dearborn for the ‘Muirhead Block’ is a mammoth project that has sparked plenty of controversy across town. However, the current plan is significantly more modest in scope and cost than the original proposal.
  In a recent story for the Dearborn Times-Herald, editor J. Patrick Pepper did a great job of summing up what was initially proposed and what residents can now expect if Dearborn Village Partners get the development off the ground in 2010.
The initial $124 million project called for the following:


• 256 condominiums with midrise structures of eight to 10 stories sitting atop a three-story parking deck and including around 8,000 square feet of street-level retail space.
• An 881-space parking deck estimated at nearly $30 million built and financed by the developer. Under the project brownfield plan, the city would reimburse the developer up to $32,500 per space through tax revenues generated by the project.
• Demolition of the existing Michigan Avenue frontage, with the exception of the Oakwood Muirhead building at the northeast corner of Michigan and Military.
• Two commercial buildings with ground-level retail and rental lofts above including a theater complex at the former Bally’s Vic Tanny site.
• Civic space was envisioned in the middle of the Michigan Avenue frontage, which would require the relocation of Fidelity Bank into other space within the new project or elsewhere. The proposal was for DVP to pay $3 million for the parking lot site. In return, the city would invest the same sum into the civic space and land acquisition.
• In total, the original project called for $91.5 million in private investment and $32.5 million in public infrastructure costs.


  Of course, times have changed and the economic and real estate landscapes have changed drastically. Dearborn Village Partners and the city of Dearborn have altered the plans to better meet the new market reality.
  According to a memo by Economic and Community Development Director Barry Murray, the new configuration relies on a combination of the parking lot space and only the Michigan Avenue frontage controlled by DVP. Although a plan is yet to be fully developed, the revised project is expected to include:


• Student housing that would be privately developed to accommodate University of Michigan-Dearborn students. The housing would be built in two phases and house up to 432 students.
• A 110- to 125-room hotel valued at approximately $7.5 million and $10 million in private investment.
• A free-standing parking deck that would no longer be integrated into the retail and housing complex. The separated components would reduce significantly the cost of the deck, Murray said, noting that the Dearborn Town Center deck currently under construction is projected to cost about $21,000 per space.
• An Emagine! Theater for the Bally’s site, adjacent to the Muirhead building. A bowling alley would occupy the lower level with a multiplex movie above.
• In total, the new project would equal about $29.5 million to $38 million of private investment and $7 million in public contributions. Demolition and additional costs could add another $5 to $10 million to the price tag.


  Clearly, it’s still an ambitious project that will change downtown west Dearborn forever if the plan goes forward (and that’s a big ‘if’). However, it’s interesting to track how the breadth and cost of the development has been forced to shrink to adapt to the ever-changing economic environment.

Merry Christmas

Vacant House Used For Fire Training

  A vacant eyesore in a west Dearborn neighborhood is actually doing the community some good. The Dearborn Fire Department is using a city-owned home on Carlysle Street near Telegraph Road to conduct training exercises.
  The training offers firefighters an opportunity to work in near real conditions and practice firefighting techniques that help save lives and property during real fire emergencies.
  “Working in an actual home presents challenges to the firefighters that are hard to simulate anywhere else, so this training is very important to the continuing education of our firefighters,” said Battalion Chief Paul Spearman.
  The Fire Department regularly uses vacant homes that are scheduled for demolition in order to practice opening a roof for ventilation, running hoses up stairs and working in confined, smoke-filled rooms.
  Although the training is as real as possible, Mr. Spearman emphasized that none of the exercises done in houses like the one on Carlysle will threaten or endanger surrounding homes or residents.
  “We don’t do live burns in the city. We use fog machines to simulate smoke in the home, and we make sure to secure the home and clean up when we are done with our exercises,” Spearman said.

Theater/Bowling Complex Gets Approved-For Royal Oak

  Apparently, the new entertainment/bowling complex slated for Military and Howard by Dearborn Village Partners will not be a one-of-a-kind destination. In fact, there will be a strikingly similar multiplex just 18 miles away.
  Yesterday, Royal Oak officials approved plans for a new movie theater and bowling complex to occupy a spot once slated for loft condominiums. Emagine Entertainment is behind the project that would be built near the corner of 11 Mile and Main Street, on the north edge of downtown Royal Oak.
  Just as Dearborn's City Council was extending the Preferred Developer agreement with Hakim Fakhoury's Dearborn Village Partners in a 5-1 vote last night that would allow them to pursue plans with Emagine Entertainment, Royal Oak's city commission was approving their own bowling alley/movie theater plan by a 5-2 vote. Like many Dearborn officials, some Royal Oak politicians questioned whether there was adequate parking for the expected influx of movie and bowling patrons.
  The Royal Oak complex will feature a 10-screen movie theater, 16 lanes of bowling and accommodate a bar or lounge. When completed, it's expected to be a 73,000-square-foot building. 
  It all sounds vaguely familiar to us. Except that the Royal Oak developers expect to break ground in March with the theater opening by year's end. 

Thanks for Reading

  This site was started a year ago today. Back then, we hoped to engage Dearborn residents in a dialogue about the issues that really affect our town. From the provocative to the mundane, and everything in between.  We'd like to think we've succeeded.
  2009 has certainly been an interesting year for all of us, and has provided no shortage of conversational fodder: chihuahuas, school funding, Rick Springfield, failing businesses, rising foreclosures, a major election and who can forget the drama of "Drivewaygate?"
  When we began, we knew the most compelling thing about Dearborn News Online would be the readers and their comments. It holds true today. We've always considered the stories here to be the spark that ignites deeper conversations between neighbors, and those of you who've been kind enough to add your comments to the discourse here rarely disappoint. Our readers have proven to be a tough, incisive and knowledgeable bunch. At the end of the day, we're sure we've learned more from you than you've learned from us.
  We're happy to be included among the many voices who report on the ups and downs of our town. We hope you keep reading. The next year is sure to be a doozy.
  Thank you. 

City Grants Fakhoury and Partners Extension

  After a long meeting in the City Council Conference Room this evening, the council voted five to one to give a one year extension to the Preferred Developer agreement between the city and Hakim Fakhoury's Dearborn Village Partners (DVP). George Darany was the only holdout and Doug Thomas was not present for the meeting.
  The extension will allow DVP to further pursue a major project near Military and Howard that is expected to include retail shops, a bowling alley, a movie theater and entertainment complex. Student housing is also being proposed for the site.
  With the Preferred Developer agreement in place, the city gives DVP first rights to market and develop the property and lots.

Vote on Fakhoury's Preferred Status Today

  Whether Hakim Fakhoury's Dearborn Village Partners gets an extension as a preferred developer in the city is an issue that is as complicated as it is divisive. Some, like Councilman Abraham and many others, believe Fakhoury is a man with a vision for Dearborn. At the very least, he's seen as the only developer around willing to invest money in the city.
  His detractors, and there are many in this town, say Mr. Fakhoury has helped spur the decline of the west Dearborn business district. They cite the DVP's rancorous relationship with many tenants, their long list of decaying still-undeveloped properties and they point to unattractive new buildings (like the one on Michigan and Military) that have sat mostly empty now for years. Of course, there is also the issue of unpaid taxes on Fakhoury-held properties along Michigan Avenue. In the case of the DVP, many say nothing is actually better than something.
  The vote on the Dearborn Village Partners' preferred status extension is scheduled for tonight, Monday, December 21st at 5:35pm in the Mayor's Conference Room at Dearborn City Hall. Residents are invited to attend the meeting, ask questions and voice their opinion on this issue.
  It promises to be a spirited meeting, to say the least.

Dearborn Students Stand Out at Youth Summit

  Four students from the Dearborn Center for Mathematics, Science & Technology, (DCMST) a high school magnet program in the Dearborn Public School district, spent last spring and summer researching how to reduce greenhouse gases in Michigan. Their work was part of a Youth Policy Summit sponsored by The Keystone Center and open to all high schools in Michigan. The goal of the summit is to advance critical thinking and problem solving skills in our leaders of the future.
  The four DCMST students went to Western Michigan University along with students from six other Michigan high schools. Each student was given a stakeholder role and had to stay in that role during mediation meetings. The assignment was to draft a policy statement that reflects their research and their stakeholder. The project integrated not only a passion for science and the environment but connected science to economics and government policy.
  Senior Alaa Saab represented Fed Ex. She researched what Fed Ex is already doing to reduce CO2 emissions both with their buildings and their fleet. When the students discussed driving and building efficiencies she had to stay in role and make her Fed Ex voice heard. Not always an easy task when your personal views conflict with your role.
  “Being able to participate in this great experience allowed me to not only learn more about policymaking but to combine so many of my interests into a challenge that has made me think much more about the bigger picture and how I fit in,” commented Senior Kristin Patterson. 
  A link to the policy paper can be found here.

Inauguration Day Set for December 30th

  Dearborn will host an inaugural ceremony for city officials elected to serve in 2010-2013 at 8:00pm Wednesday, December 30th inside the Michael A. Guido Theater at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
  The ceremony is expected to last about an hour. A reception will immediately follow in the theater lobby. The public is invited, and there is no charge for this event.
  John B. O’Reilly, Jr. will be sworn-in for his first full term as mayor. He has served as mayor since February 2007 and previously had been City Council president for 17 years.
  Also taking the oath of office for the next four years will be a host of familiar names: Council President Thomas P. Tafelski, new Council President Pro Tem Suzanne Sareini and Councilmen George T. Darany, Mark Shooshanian and Robert A. Abraham. Councilwoman Nancy A. Hubbard and City Clerk Kathleen Buda will join them, as well. Councilman Brian C. O’Donnell is the only newcomer to take the oath this year.

Councilman Abraham: Fakhoury Deserves Preferred Developer Status

Councilman Robert Abraham sent this statement to us this morning. The matter of assigning Preferred Developer Status to certain developers in Dearborn has become an increasingly contentious issue. Mr. Abraham weighs in with his opinion here.
  Dearborn has been seriously affected by the American auto industry collapse, home foreclosures and the terrible recession, which has resulted in us losing 60,000 white collar auto jobs further hurting our business districts, especially downtown west Dearborn. Meanwhile no new developers are approaching us to develop in downtown west Dearborn and projects approved during better times, now require going back to the drawing board.
  One developer is requesting a one-year extension of the preferred developer agreement with the City of Dearborn; that is Hakim Fakhoury’s – Dearborn Village Partners (DVP). The DVP project is proposed on the north side of Michigan Avenue between Military and Howard. DVP is planning a three story building with first floor retail and a bowling alley, a second and third floor movie theater offering food and alcohol, along with other amenities. In cooperation with HFCC and U of M - Dearborn, plans also include 2 - 4 bedroom college dorm housing, which could have a very positive impact.
  In order to satisfy proposed DVP tenants and loan companies, a one year extension of the preferred developer agreement is necessary so that DVM can submit revised plans for this project. The agreement would guarantee that for one year the City of Dearborn would not market that lot to anyone and allow DVP to market and develop the property and lots. There is no cost to the City of Dearborn or the taxpayers to extend this agreement.
  Mr. Fakhoury and his companies have invested multi-millions into downtown west Dearborn, he is one of the largest developers and property owners and this is an attractive opportunity at a time when there simply are not any other options; except to do nothing. No developers returned proposals on the Quality Inn property controlled by the Dearborn Historic Museum.
  Without this one year extension of DVM’s preferred developer agreement, this project would collapse at a time we cannot afford to allow this to happen.
  Therefore, I am planning to support the extension to DVP based on the proposed project, current economic conditions and facts presented to the Council by DVP, the Mayor and the Administration; as well as the important point that we have no other viable alternatives at this time.

Building and Safety Officials Arraigned on Fraud Charges

  A pair of Dearborn employees were arraigned in 19th District Court today on misdemeanor charges related to two allegedly fraudulent home sales that took place while they were officials of the former Building and Safety Department.
  The employees have been indefinitely suspended without pay. Andrew Pizzino of Dearborn is charged with four misdemeanor counts: two counts of fraud and two counts of ethics violations of the City of Dearborn Charter.
  The charges stem from a Dearborn house Mr. Pizzino purchased under allegedly fraudulent circumstances on Beech in 2004 and resold for a profit in 2005; and also for a home on Chestnut he purchased in 2002 and resold for a profit in 2003.
  At the time of the transactions, Pizzino was a supervisor in the Building and Safety Department. He was reassigned to the Residential Services Department after a restructuring in 2009.
  Robert Deberardino of Dearborn was charged with two misdemeanor counts of aiding and abetting Pizzino in the alleged fraudulent property transactions in 2003 and 2005.
  Mr. Deberardino was the deputy director of the Building and Safety Department at the time of the transactions. He had been reassigned to the Economic and Community Development Department following a restructuring in 2009.
  Each misdemeanor fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of $500 and 93 days in jail. Each ethics violation carries a maximum penalty of $500 and 90 days in jail. 19th District Judge Mark Somers presided over the arraignments.
  The misdemeanor charges are the result of a police and F.B.I. investigation of the former Building and Safety Department that has lasted more than two years and was initiated by Mayor John B. O’Reilly.
  No other city employees are expected to face criminal charges stemming from the investigation of the former department.

First Round of Layoffs Hit DPS

  Pink slips went out to nearly 100 non-educational employees of the Dearborn Public Schools today. The staff cuts were no surprise, and were approved by the School Board at last night's meeting. The union representing many school workers rejected a contract proposal that called for significant concessions.
  Of course, this could be just the tip of the pink slip iceberg. If the teachers' union and the district can't reach an agreement in the coming weeks, over 120 educators are scheduled to be laid off on February 1st.
  In all, 385 positions in the school system may be eliminated due to a budget crisis that is affecting districts across the state.

District Hosts H1N1 Flu Shot Clinic

  The Dearborn Public Schools, in cooperation with the City of Dearborn Health Department, will host a flu shot clinic in the lobby of the Administration Building at 18700 Audette, Friday, December 11th and Monday, December 14th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. The clinics are open to residents and non-residents of Dearborn. Both the seasonal flu shot and H1N1 flu shot will be available.
  The seasonal flu shot will cost $20 for adults, $10 for children age 3 through 18. H1N1 flu shots will be available for free, but will only be offered to the following priority groups:
• Pregnant women
• Children age 3 – 24
• Adults below the age of 65 with a chronic medical condition
• Adults who care for children who are less than 6 months old
  Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For additional information, please contact the City Health Department at 943-2090.

Remember Snow Emergency Guidelines

  With winter storms barreling our way, the city reminds residents that during a snow emergency, all vehicles must be removed from the street. Vehicles left on the street may be ticketed or towed. Police do not issue warnings.
  A snow emergency may be declared when snowfall of three inches or more over a short period of time is predicted. You can check to see if a snow emergency has been declared via any of the following methods:


-Snow emergency hotline at 943-2444.
-Notice will be posted on www.cityofdearborn.org, and on CDTV (Channel 12 on Comcast and Channel 10 on WOW).
-Sign up for notifications through the social media site, Twitter.com. Sign up at www.twitter.com to follow the “cityofdearborn.”
-Media websites like this one.
-You may also hear the City’s emergency warning sirens go off when a snow emergency is declared.


  Remember, whether a snow emergency has been called or not, it’s a good idea to get your vehicles off of the street during heavy snowfalls so plow crews can do their jobs more efficiently and more safely.

Police Announce Crime Crackdown and Murder Case

  Today, the Dearborn Police Department announced a crackdown on crime. And a murder.
  During the months of October and November, according to the Department, Dearborn Police officers arrested more than 40 suspects for crimes that are directly related to “Quality of Life” and “Public Safety” concerns. Chief Ronald Haddad credits the citizens of Dearborn and the tenacious efforts of the department’s officers for the outstanding results.
  Since early October, these combined efforts have resulted in six arrests for robbery, 16 arrests for home invasion and breaking and entering, eight arrests for possession of a stolen vehicle, 12 for larceny from vehicles and three for sex-based charges. Many of these perpetrators have been linked to multiple crimes in the Dearborn area.
  Chief Haddad sent a strong warning to criminals: “If you decide to commit crimes in Dearborn, the vigilance of our citizens and the dedication of our police department will greatly increase your chances of being caught. If you think you got away with a crime, don’t relax, as the vigilance of Dearborn citizens and the dedication and abilities of the Dearborn Police Department may result in a knock on your door in the near future.”
  The Department also announced news of a grimmer nature: “On Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at approximately 11:30 pm, the Dearborn Police Department responded to a residence located in the 22000 block of Outer Drive for an individual who had been stabbed. The 31-year-old male victim was transported to Oakwood Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
  The Dearborn Police Department’s initial investigation has lead to the arrest of a 32-year-old male suspect, who also resides in Dearborn. The investigation is on-going, names are being withheld pending further investigation and proper notification of the victim’s relatives.”
  Chief Haddad said, “This appears to be an isolated incident between known individuals and Dearborn officers responded effectively in the arrest of a suspect.”

School Workers Reject Contract, Face Layoffs

  The support staff for Dearborn Public Schools rejected the district’s latest contract offer on Sunday. Although it’s not a surprise to many observers, the move will spur a round of layoffs that could take effect within the next few days.
  The Dearborn Federation of School Employees (DFSE) cited the proposed pay cuts as the primary reason for their refusal to sign on. The new contract would demand employees take a 6.3 percent pay cut this year, with further cuts throughout the length of the agreement. Longer step increases and higher health plan co-pays were among other concessions the district asked of the DFSE. The union defeated the contract by over 100 votes.
  The DFSE represents non-educational staff throughout the school system, such as bus drivers, custodial personnel, secretaries, para-professionals and food service workers. All told, the union covers about 1,150 employees.
  Talks will continue between the union and the district, but in the meantime, the School Board will begin compiling a list of employees who could be pink-slipped almost immediately.

Judging Begins for Home Holiday Displays

  Now’s the time to light up the night and let Dearborn shine with holiday displays as the judging for the annual “Dearborn Aglow” holiday home decoration awards starts this weekend.

  Judging for the awards will take place nightly from 6:00pm-10:00pm on Saturday, December 12th through Monday, December 14th.

  Members of the City Beautiful Commission will be on patrol throughout the city during the above days and times, looking for the most compelling, imaginative, and awe-inspiring displays.

  Residents are encouraged to alert the judges of outstanding homes by calling 313-943-2415 before 5:00pm on Thursday, December 10th.

  Each City Beautiful Commission member will choose finalists from his or her assigned sector of the city. Finalists will be honored during a special ceremony at Dearborn City Hall in 2010.

  We’ll post pictures of some of the city’s more spectacularly decorated homes right here.

Forum on School Start Times Set for Tuesday

  In the spring of 2009 a committee of parents and staff members began discussing the merits of changing the high school start time at all Dearborn public high schools from the current 7:20am to a later time. To assist the committee in gathering additional input on this topic they are inviting parents, students, staff, and community members to a meeting Tuesday from 6:00-8:00pm at the Administrative Service Center, 18700 Audette, Dearborn.
  It’s important for all parents to take note of this discussion because any change at the high school level will most likely impact the middle and elementary grades as well. In order for those attending the meeting to see how changing one time impacts the other grade levels, different examples of possible start times will be shared for discussion purposes only. The committee will collect feedback, ideas and suggestions so they can determine an overall sense of how the community feels about changing high school start times. Members of the committee have also attended several PTSA meetings over the past month to gain further insight from parents on this topic.
  In the fall, an informal on-line survey was done to help the committee make a decision on whether or not a later high school start time was a topic of interest in the community. Sixty percent of those responding to the survey were in favor of some type of change in the start time, even if it resulted in changes at other levels. Any proposal developed by the committee would be shared with the community for further public comment before any formal action is taken.

Glass and Ornament 'Extravaganza' Starts Saturday

  Our friends at The Glass Academy and Furnace Design Studio are hosting a “Holiday Glass Art & Ornament Extravaganza” this weekend from 10:00am-6:00pm Saturday and from 11:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday. The event will feature more than 15 styles of hand blown glass ornaments and other unique glass art.
  “We’ll be decorated for the holidays and shoppers can select from dozens of glass candy canes, a wide variety of twirl and bubble ornaments, one-of-a-kind beads, tree toppers and glass straws,” said Michelle Plucinsky, a glass artist and co-owner of the Glass Academy. “Visitors can also enjoy glass blowing and lampworking demonstrations that will be held throughout the weekend sale.”
  Plucinsky hopes the event will become a distinctive annual tradition for people throughout the community. One good way to start: admission is free.
  Local ice-carver Jeff Prather will demonstrate his artistry outside the Glass Academy on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. will stop by to design a glass vase that will be raffled off during the two-day event.
  Throughout the weekend, visitors will also be able to purchase or commission custom work created by Master glassblower Chris Nordin.
  It’s a great opportunity to see your neighbors and get a unique gift, all while supporting a vital Dearborn business. The Glass Academy is located at 25331 Trowbridge, near Gulley Road and Michigan Avenue in west Dearborn. For more detail, call 561-4527 or visit www.glassacademy.com.

Chihuahuas Raise Money For Shelter

  Two of the over 100 Chihuahuas rescued from a Dearborn home earlier this year, are stepping up to help their animal friends this holiday season.
  The dogs, named Poco and Amigo, are featured on the front of greeting cards being sold by the Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter.
  The cards are being sold online for $10 for a package of 10, plus shipping. They can also be purchased directly from the Dearborn Animal Shelter.
  Obviously, the shelter has been extraordinarily full in 2009. Hundreds of animals have been rescued from Dearborn homes in the past several months, and the Dearborn Animal Shelter is struggling to care for them all while also trying to find new homes for the animals.
  Find out more about the greeting cards at www.dearbornanimals.org.

Charity Burn Drive Tonight

  The 25^th annual Christmas benefit fundraiser for the Dearborn Firefighters Burn Drive takes place tonight at Cheli’s Chili Bar at 21918 Michigan Avenue.

  The event takes place from 6:00-11:00pm, and will feature a chili bar, music and dancing, a cash bar, raffles, and gifts being given away every 30 minutes.

  The Dearborn Firefighters have raised thousands of dollars over the years, and all proceeds from tonight’s event will be used to benefit children who are patients at southeastern Michigan hospital burn units.

  Admission is free. Ages 18 and over only.

  For more information, contact John Ewing at 943-4145.

Arab Film-Fest This Weekend

 The annual Arab Film Festival opens with a gala Thursday night that kicks off a weekend of movies at the Arab American National Museum.  
  The fest shows feature-length films made by Arab filmmakers from around the world.  Most films focus on topics of particular interest to our large Arab American community, but according to the AANM, they are accessible to audiences of all backgrounds. 
  Many of the films scheduled this weekend are rarely screened commercially in U.S. theaters. However, one film in particular has garnered a lot of stateside attention. “Garbage Dreams” (see the above clip) has made the Academy Awards short-list and has received raves at the Sundance and South By Southwest Film Festivals.  
  For more information on tickets and schedules, visit www.arabamericanmuseum.org.

Police Wrestle Gang Graffiti Problem

  Dearborn Police are looking for information regarding increased acts of graffiti that have been occurring throughout the area. Much of the 'tagging' is presumed  presumed to have been committed by juveniles associated with gangs.

  Late this fall, Dearborn Police patrol officers observed two Hispanic males, one a Detroit resident, one a Dearborn resident, spray-painting the walls of the Sparkle Car Wash on Telegraph.

  After interviewing the youths involved, they admitted they came into Dearborn as  “Apprentice/Associates” of the Latin Counts Gang that is based regionally in southwest Detroit. They explained they were covering existing graffiti from another gang.

  The rival group is identified by the initials “CTN”. CTN is a very small group of Dearborn youths that are associated with defacing public parks, sidewalks, stop signs and parking structures late this summer.  The youths associated with the “CTN” graffiti were eventually identified as Dearborn residents.  They admitted to five different incidents of graffiti, and will perform extensive community service to make up for their actions.

  The suspects associated with the Latin Counts were also charged with malicious destruction of property.

   Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad said, “Our youth are our community’s future and we must all get involved and assist these children in finding a path that promotes family, citizenship and community”.

Tree Lighting and Sing-Along Tonight

  Dearborn’s holiday tradition continues with the annual lighting of the official city Christmas tree and community sing-along tonight. All are invited to this free event, which begins at 6:00pm at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
  The evening will include musical performances, a sing-along led by Mayor O’Reilly and a chance to visit with the big man himself (we're referring to Santa, of course).
  “Just as in the past, this year’s program promises to be an uplifting event,” O’Reilly said. “The tree lighting is one my favorite Dearborn traditions, the sense of community and belonging that it fosters stays with me all year.”  
  The Dearborn High School Jazz Band will kick off the festivities with a performance near the entrance to The Center’s Michael A. Guido Theater. After the band, five-year-old Maryam Majed will help Mayor O’Reilly light the tree. Maryam is a kindergarten student at Lowery Elementary School where her favorite subject is English.
  Following the lighting ceremony, everyone is invited into The Center for a performance by the Verdi Opera Theater of Michigan, the Dearborn Public Schools’ Honors Choir and the Dearborn Community Chorus. Mayor O’Reilly will follow the performance and lead the audience in a Christmas sing-along.