3 Detroit neighborhoods to pay more taxes for better city services

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City council has approved a plan allowing the neighborhoods to pay more taxes in exchange for enhanced services.

They're called special assessment districts. Three Detroit neighborhoods - Sherwood Forest, Palmer Woods, and Detroit Golf Club are all on board.

It requires the homeowner to pay extra money for services like snow removal, mosquito abatement, and enhanced security. Detroit City Council approved the first three districts last month.

"This is now an opportunity for residents to engage among themselves to see if this is the direction they want to go to," said Councilman James Tate. "And the majority wins. This is pretty much like any Democratic situation. Fifty-one percent of the residents have to agree to it."

It requires the homeowner to pay extra money for services like snow removal, mosquito abatement, and enhanced security.

Detroit City Council approved the first three districts last month. The annual fee for Sherwood Forest is $250, Palmer Woods is nearly $500 and Detroit Golf Club is $400 with the fee appearing on the summer tax bill.

One longtime Sherwood Forest resident says it's a good idea.

"I do feel the support is very widespread," said Gail Rodwan. "We were trying to create a more equitable system. For years and years about half the residents paid their dues because they were not mandatory."

But Green Acres, a neighborhood near Sherwood Forest decided not to join the special assessment district because some of the services are already being provided through a $25 annual due.

Tate says other neighborhoods are looking to join in, as Grandmont-Rosedale is collecting signatures now.