Housing

When property values go up, so do taxes. But with such a spike in the value of homes in Detroit, can residents expect the same increase in taxes?

The city said several issues at the complex had led to it posting a "Do Not Occupy" note on the building, which has 147 units.

Detroit saw a 9.2% increase – beating out Miami as the fastest-appreciating housing market in a metro area, according to property analytics firm CoreLogic.

Basement backups are a persistent problem in Detroit, which lead to property damage and health issues. The program fully pays for repairs to sewer lines and backwater valve installations in eligible homes.

"Me and my family, we just trying to seek help. We don’t have no hot water. No heat," the Detroit father said.

As part of the Choice Neighborhoods housing grant program, these initiatives aim to ensure that housing remains affordable in Corktown while introducing new, reasonably priced options across the neighborhood.

It's been a nightmare year for Joanie Dickerson, who moved into an apartment after a house explosion damaged her townhouse. Her current residence has a broken kitchen that's missing a wall.

A restoration project is unfolding block by block in Highland Park. But the restored French doors and ornate sconces that now decorate the once vacant home only tell part of the story.

“I met three people coming in who are here, who were homeless before they moved in here," said Mayor Mike Duggan. "We're guaranteeing that people of all incomes stay in this neighborhood."

The first of several public hearings began on Wednesday, at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School in Detroit. The next public meeting will be virtual, on Feb. 7.

The Land Value Tax Plan is still a ways away from becoming law. But citizens can find out how much they would save now.

Motor City Mitten Mission travels around metro Detroit and finds people living on the street. It connects them with housing and other resources. This winter, it'll offer the same services while sheltering people overnight.

The average Detroit homeowner will see their property taxes reduced by 17%, the city said.

The group running the shelter is made up with volunteers who used to be homeless themselves. They talked to FOX 2 about their experiences and why the shelter is badly needed ahead of the winter.

Mass Timber buildings are made from wood - but are as strong as steel and concrete. As industry takes off in Michigan, its workers are training to meet demand.

When the house hits the market, it'll be priced at $224,500.

For those who are eligible, they could see hundreds of dollars help them with heating bills as the winter moves in.

Real progress is taking shape in Detroit. For community members who need to see it to believe it, they should turn their heads to the corner of Michigan and Trumbull.

To offset the cuts in property taxes, the city would more than double the tax rate on land. It's meant to make property tax rates more in line with suburban cities like Southfield, Warren, and Grosse Pointe.