Well said Mary. I have spent mny peaceful nights at that foutain. the place for quiet time and reflection from the regimore of our busy lives. The city has raised my property tax to over 5000 a year and I live in east dearborn. The least tey can do is maintain our city with some of that money. The "swamp" in front of the arts building is discusting. Leave it all field or give us that outdoor pool with water slides like we were told we would have when they originally built this.

This post is baloney. It is based on hearsay, rumor, and inaccuracies. The city does not fund school improvements to name just one.

The City used to take pride near City buildings, but that was before we got a sloppy Mayor. Our Mayor doesn't seem to care what the properties look like, much like himself.

It's a shame what Dearborn looks like now. They're letting landmarks just rot, they're not keeping up the parks. I understand that the city is strapped for money, so go ticket the homeowners and business owners that are not keeping up their property, and start fixing up the city. It's a disgrace and Mayors O'Reilly, Hubbard, and Guido are rolling over in their graves and what the city they once prided themselves on, is rotting to hell.

Dearborn is a nice, safe place to live. When you look at the surrounding cities we can appreciate what we have. Things change with the times, fountains grow old and ponds have overgrowth. People get old just like the trees in the neighborhood. Being positive and looking at things optimistically can help Dearborn grow. Pick up the papers in front of your house, mow the lawns, trim the weeds. A city is no better than the people who live there. Vote, if you don't like what is going on.

Amal you are absolutely right. People remember our City the way it used to be, and its a crying shame. Some people feel we try to keep our property up, but look at the Mayors house by DuVall School that is a sin, and he should be setting an example instead of letting his lawn look like it is -- but then again thats our fearless leader -- no priide.

How about the ice arena sign that has been a wreck for many many months?

OOPS! Almost to tell you how bad a resident I am by not picking up all the trash that the school kids leave around the neighborhood every day after buying ice cream and whatever. Gosh - can't wait for the Spring "We Proud of Our City" School Cleanup Parade.

It seems to me that the fountain has been down for a LONG time so at some point in time, the words "economic crisis" weren't a reason. It never ceases to amaze me how our city officials (I live in Dearborn Heights) can justify one thing but not the other. Also, I want to mention our "City Beautiful Commission." They are a volunteer group. Perhaps Dearborn has the same but I hope they're better at it than ours and I think that pond needs professionals working on it. It seems it's gotten to be more of a wetlands than a pond. I go to our library and pass by the Police Station and see weeds growing all over. Our Mayor and City Council asked us to pass the Headlee Override so they could collect more money from us. Have they made any additional cuts that were promised since that passed? Absolutely not. We can't even get our city to pass a law that no one can be parked on the street on garbage day or when the street cleaner comes down the street. I'm just disgusted with politics and politicians in general. Seems most of them want to line their pockets instead of help their constituents. With all due respect, Mr. Bart, I will say that I don't see what you mean about the Mayor's house. I go by there all the time and don't see any problem with the lawn. Perhaps a few too many things decorating the lawn, but then - that's personal and what they like may not be what I like.

The city officials have given up- in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights. There is so much laziness, corruption in the city government they couldn't care less what their city looks like. Who sells the city hall w/out having the funds for a new one? Dearborn does. What happened to the city fireworks? gone. What happened to the city Parades? gone. Mary wrote this article focusing on the fountain and the pond, but in general, this article encompases the entire city. The city has ordinances that are in place, why aren't they being enforced? Starting with the elected officials. I lived in Dearborn for almost 40 years before moving up to Dearborn Heights, and I can tell you that in 5 years, Dearborn Heights will be Dearborn's twin city. While us few who still take pride in what our homes look like do the best we can, we are surrounded by a lot more people who don't care. @RICH- my parents live by a school, so we are VERY familiar with the litter from school kids. Is it really too much to put a trash can on the corner of the school instead of having them pitch whatever is in their hands? Honestly so few little people care anymore. What a shame where we were, and we are now.

Have you noticed the weeds growing over the curbs and into the street on the boulevard on Outer Drive? The Boulevard between Ford Rd and Cherry Hill is the worst I've ever seen it. It looks ghetto. In fact, the grass was just cut, but no attention paid whatsoever to the weeds growing in the street! I've called the city twice.

You know, I've noticed weeds growing in the streets all over. What gives? I don't ever remember seeing weeds in the cracks in the streets - at least this big.

@Tom maybe I should have been more specific and said the School District but one has to pause and ask where does the School District get their money once its collected from us....@Samia alot of people have sent me inboxes remembering those evenings by the fountain as well. @Amal i don't think that the officials have given up more than I believe that it hasn't been a priority for the them to do things that cost them money. You mentioned on my wall that the pond looks like a swamp and prone to spreading potential diseases. I totally agree. Today while passing I saw one lone duck and something stirring in the weeds. I will no longer walk my dogs there for fear of some thing flying around infecting them. My biggest fear since the water has risen at a higher level, a child could get hurt. As far as the other things in need of repair I suggest that phone calls and emails be sent to City Hall. Regarding the weeds on the sidewalk it seems then that the pond is not an isolated thing. I hope something will be done soon. Thank you for your comments.

Have you seen the grass and weeds at city hall? It's a total disgrace! The mayor should eat his peanut butter and jelly sandwich and then take a walk around the building he works at and take some pride in it or maybe he's waiting for art space to clean it up. That may be a good job for cascardo in building and safety, I understand he has time on his hands with his $75,000 salary!! Another coverup by this administration.