Help for Problems

Step 1- CALL to report a problem. The city cannot be aware of a problem, nor can they create a paper trail to help enforcement measures, without the vigilance of the citizens of this community. Help us all help each other.

Handling Property Violations (parking, garbage, indoor furniture on the lawn, uncut grass, etc.) Call the City Code Enforcement Office. The number is 309/833-4944.

For OTHER violations (loud noise, alcohol, large gatherings, etc.)

Step 1- Call the Macomb police NON-EMERGENCY number. It is 833-4505. Dial 0 to get to dispatch. *Call EVERY TIME. If the problem starts up again, CALL BACK.

Step 2- Call the property owner or manager. Explain who you are, where you live, and where & when the problem occured. If the person is rude, inconsiderate, or indifferent, write down quotes and keep a log of the time & date.

Step 3- Call your city alderman. It's best if you call not only your own, but others who might otherwise never know what problems your ward is facing. Let them know of the problem. Ask them to keep an eye on the status of the complaint. If they don't know about the problem, they can't very well help us.

Note- ALL ordinance violation hearings are held Tuesday mornings at 9:30 am. Call the City Attorney's Office to find out whether or not the offending party received a ticket. If they did, ask when they are scheduled to appear. If you have time off, sit in, and let us know the result (so we can track it in our Court Watch section).

EMAIL or CALL the Macomb Journal & Macomb Eagle and request that they list the outcomes of each Tuesdays proceedings so we can all be better informed.

Preventing Problems (A Better Approach)
Top 10 Ways to Foster Good Neighborhoods

1. Meet your neighbors! When you know their name, and they know yours, and you wave to each other occasionally...a bond forms. Building relationships helps people, including transitory renters, feel like a part of a neighborhood. Reach out, if only with a 'hello'. You might be surprised.

2. Keep your porch light on. Put in a low watt bulb, but show that there is a presence in your neighborhood at night. Let people walking by see that you care about your area, if at all possible.

3. Keep up your property, and lead through example when at all possible. Yes, some improvements may be beyond your income, but garbage, lawn mowing, etc. are things that any homeowner should have control over.

4. Get the names and phone numbers of your neighbors...and let them know when there is a problem that you could use their help with. Pay attention to who belongs at that residence...and report anything that seems suspicious. Full year residents can help our students by watching their properties for fire & breakins when they are gone on vacation and break.

5. Know someone who is looking for a house? Be a proponent of home ownership in our city! Instead of sharing the problems, share the good reasons there are for owning a home here (and there are many).