As the late Pope John Paul II was fond of saying, “Paybacks are a bitch.”The Historic District Commission is the one entity in the City of Ypsilanti with the courtesy to publish a meeting agenda in a timely manner. I knew where I was on the agenda and showed up accordingly. When it came time for me to present, they glossed over me and put me at the end because I wasn’t there for a pre-meeting roll call. An hour and a half later, it was my turn. Of course they rubber-stamped my request because I’m down with the HDC, but somewhere in the building tonight there was a City official laughing her ass off about my predicament.

The regular City Council meeting was moved to the Senior Center due to the outpouring of support for the Parkview Apartments. I wanted to get up and voice my concern over the condition of 107 East Cross Street, but one famous local slumlord was in attendence, and I didn’t want to get on his bad side only to have him burn my house down too. Allegedly that is.

I think this is irony. In fact, I’m sure it is.

107 East Cross had another event and now there are two entire window units missing. This is a violation of the Dangerous Buildings Ordinance. I’m not positive, but I think the event occurred after the Vacant Buildings Ordinance went into effect (April 1st) and is a triggering event for said ordinance. As you’ve probably figured out by now, the City hasn’t done anything about it yet. To be fair, the City is in litigation with the owner over its condition and can’t do much to enforce any violations occurring there. As a funny aside, Mr. Boulard told me that the two missing window units actually help the City in their court case. An ordinance that most of City Council thought was critical to have in it’s fight against blight is not being enforced because it’s more beneficial to have the building destroyed by neglect. If I had something witty to say, this is where I’d say it. As it is, I’m dumbfounded.

If you want to read all about the Parkview Apartments hubbub, you’ll have to spend the $24.95 a month and sign up for Premium East Cross Street, or just wait until tomorrow.