The era of sitting on empty lots is over … or is it?

The price for sitting on a vacant piece of land has become pricier in Hamtramck.
After years of frustration with owners of vacant lots who just sit on their property year after year, apparently hoping to one day sell it for a huge profit, city officials did something about it.
And, as you would guess, people are not happy about that.
To that we say, “boo-hoo.”
If you don’t have immediate plans to develop your lot, get out of the way and let someone else purchase it and build a house on it.
Not unexpectedly, the mayor and city council caved a bit, and have now suggested some adjustments –or, even, to undo the new fee.
That’s not governing. That’s wishy-washy thinking, and it also betrays just how cowardly elected officials can be at times.
The only way the city can move forward is to forcibly encourage development. If you can’t afford it, get out of the way.
Feb. 16, 2024