WXYZ.COM: Claims of unfair treatment made by homeowners disputed by Dearborn Hills Civic Association

By: Simon Shaykhet

Posted at 6:02 PM, Jul 15, 2020

DEARBON (WXYZ) — Three Dearborn homeowners on Wednesday said they’re being unfairly targeted because of their Arab American decent when it comes to fixing up their homes.

They say the Dearborn Hills Civic Association is preventing them from doing so, but an attorney for the association says it’s completely untrue. “When they find out what their name is, their whole tone changes. Also, their treatment of them,” says homeowner Mariam Sleiman.

Another homeowner, Lindsey Mahanna, says, “I see so many houses in the area with double doors, but they want me to take down my double doors. So many don’t have windows upstairs, but they want me to cut open brick and add windows.

”Homeowner Nasser Beydoun says improvements on the back of his home don’t violate any rules and he’s also got permits from the city to do the work. Referencing the civic association, he says, “There’s one or two individuals who look at your plans and decide if they like them or not. There’s not a set of guidelines or building specifications.”

Others say the color of their brick or style of front entrance have been reason for stopping construction. But attorney Margot Cleveland representing the association disputes claims of unfair treatment. Read more:

https://www.wxyz.com/news/claims-of-unfair-treatment-made-by-homeowners-disputed-by-dearborn-hills-civic-association