Blight Enforcement

When Don was first elected in 1997, Dowagiac was defined by its many boarded up houses. Don was instrumental in having the city adopt a new building ordinance requiring homes, garages, and yards to meet minimum standards of curb appeal. The city also hired a part-time employee to provide routine inspections and cite violators with a warning and fines.

This year, Mayor Lyons was instrumental in changing the process of blight enforcement. The Dowagiac Police Department now has legal authority to write tickets for property neglect, illegal dumping, and structures that endanger public health and the safety of the community. This will greatly increase the dedicated enforcement power the city has to ensure property owners are operating in good faith.