The Dearborn City Council approves a vendor list for a citywide front porch replacement program during its May 6 meeting.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – As part of a program to improve neighborhood appearance and discourage rat infestations, the city has qualified a list of vendors for its front step porch replacement program.
The first-of-its-kind program will let residents apply for free replacement of porches, railings and steps.
The chosen vendors include Michigan General Contractors, Olson Cement and Top Hat Masonry. Additional vendors may be approved over the next five years as the need arises.
The program, which is designed to repair and replace dangerous front porches or steps on owner-occupied residential properties is aimed at improving resident safety and neighborhood appearance.
The city also hopes that the replacement of substandard porches will help eliminate areas of potential rat infestation.
The program will be funded with $80,000 from the east Dearborn Community Development Block Grant funds and with $80,000 from the city’s general fund per year, for five years.
The properties to be rehabilitated will be chosen by the city’s Economic Development Department.
In the fall of 2024, 1,400 residents submitted applications. Five properties will be chosen at a time for the work to be performed based on the individual residents’ needs and the work required, with the focus on dangerous and unsafe conditions.