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Saturday, March 14, 2009

Dearborn Residents and Taxpayers,


Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr.,
Council President Thomas P. Tafelski,
Council President-Pro Tem Nancy A. Hubbard,
Councilman Douglas B. Thomas,
Councilwoman Suzanne Sareini,
Councilman Mark Shooshanian,
Councilman George T. Darany,
Corporation Counsel Debra A. Walling,

In response to the article in the Times-Herald Newspaper regarding


unpaid property taxes on the Garrison Oaks Condominium development, I
feel compelled to write this letter. I want everyone to clearly understand
that I am a member of the corporation that built this development but not
legally responsible for its obligations. However, because of the concern
this situation has caused many in this community, I am personally
promising to pay the taxes on behalf of the organization in the next thirty
days.
I want to offer a sincere apology to everyone who has been affected
by this issue especially my colleagues on the City Council and the Mayor of
the great City of Dearborn. I also want to apologize to the citizens of
Dearborn for any unrest this matter may have caused them.
As you may know, the Garrison Oaks Condominium development was
intended to use an under-developed and under-utilized parcel of land in
downtown West Dearborn. The plan was to build eleven condominium
units and sell each unit. This plan started in late 2003; construction began
in 2004, and the first units were sold in 2006. Unfortunately, after
completing a majority of the construction and incurring a significant portion
of the $1.975 million in development costs, the real estate market began
its downward spiral which has had a significant impact in our community.
This development, like most homeowners, Ford Motor Company, and
businesses throughout Michigan, has not been immune to the economic
downturn, decline in the housing market, or the financial crisis and
conditions of recent times.
These factors put an unusual and uncontrollable financial burden on
this development. The first priority from planning stages through the most
recent times was to complete the project that was started, create a high
quality condominium site, and respect the expectations of the current
condominium owners and neighbors in the area. In this effort, financial
decisions were made to prioritize the available financial resources and
objectives. In the end, all of the units have been issued Certificates of
Occupancy. Four of the units are still held by the development company as
registered rental properties and have tenants.
The combination of the unique, unpredictable, and devastating
financial circumstances beyond my control are the reasons that the real
estate property taxes owed by the corporation are not yet paid. There is
also one other commercial property owned by a corporation that is in the
same situation due to the culmination of economic hardships.
Again, I am sorry that the corporation is in this position. I am also
sorry for the unrest this unavoidable situation has caused. That is why I am
taking this step to resolve this matter to the best of my ability
I hope this promise to pay will be considered as a genuine attempt to
put this issue behind all of us. I truly enjoy serving the people of Dearborn,
and I do not want to jeopardize my position on our Council, the integrity of
the Council, and other elected officials. As you contemplate your course of
action, please consider the contents of this letter, the circumstances I have
outlined, my personal character, my record as Dearborn Councilman, my
desire to serve people of Dearborn, and, most importantly, the resolution
noted that will correct this matter.

Sincerely,

Councilman Robert A. Abraham


City of Dearborn

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