There is enough heartbreaking news going around these days. Fortunately, in Grandmont we can find balance by focusing on what is good in our community. How can we put our heart into our neighborhood this new year to make Grandmont even better? I’ve read that love isn’t love until you give it away. Please make 2026 the year you give your time and your $30 dues to your community. There is much to appreciate in Grandmont.
Many people are under the misguided assumption when they see things being done by the city, that it’s business as usual. Often, it’s the dedicated work of our volunteer committee members, neighbors, and GCA board that make positive things happen quicker. And remember that our $30 dues pay for our street snow service, done by a great neighbor(s) which has been very evident with our severe winter weather this January! We do “behind the scenes” work that benefits our neighborhood, increases our property values, and adds name recognition together with our GRDC neighborhoods to increase our quality of life in Detroit in District 1. (If you’ve never attended a GCA board business meeting you might not know how we strive to do the most with our limited resources to benefit everyone.)
Problems aren’t always solved. Community comes with many perspectives and ideas, but one common concern in our neighborhood is the safety & security of our families and of our surroundings. We utilize as many tools that are available including the “Improve Detroit App” or (313-876-0974) to report signs down, street lights out, consistent garbage can violations, and other blight. I can attest that warnings are given, but often go ignored and hefty tickets are the result, which is never our intent but it’s your choice as many of these situations can be easily corrected by better actions. Rental compliance and registration is also of concern and acted on in Grandmont. As I’ve been told, it’s a process – and often resolution is slower than anticipated.
We need each other, and we need more civility and understanding. But we shouldn’t keep accepting excuses for solvable problems. High neighborhood expectations should be a standard we all strive toward. As a community, we need more involvement, better communication, and a commitment to be better good neighbors just by taking better care of ourselves, our home, and our property.
So put your heart into your neighborhood; love where you live. Work harder and smarter to keep Grandmont clean and beautiful. Get to know your neighbors and try to be the “Good Neighbor” Grandmont’s motto encourages. When people stop caring about their neighbors and surroundings, we all lose a sense of community that can lessen our identity as a “community of choice.” That reality can be heartbreaking on so many levels. Please think about how your actions (or inactions) can impact our community.
Diane Patterson
