Scrap Metal Reform: State Representative David Nathan, and State Representative Rashida Tlaib

Nearly one hundred people turned out to hear about a variety of public safety topics at the September Neighborhood Safety Meeting, held last Thursday at the North Rosedale Park Community House.

The keynote speakers for the evening were State Representative Rashida Tlaib (District-6), and State  Representative David Nathan (District-8), who spoke about a major safety concern for Grandmont Rosedale  our residents: scrap metal theft. State Rep. Tlaib has spent the last three years working on a package of House Bills that will introduce reasonable reforms to scrap metal commerce. Residents learned that this state legislation will help eliminate illegal transactions, and will empower law enforcement in the following ways:

  •  There will be no cash transactions between scrap metal dealers and scavengers for commonly stolen artifacts and public fixtures.
  • Dealers will be required to use a traceable means of payment, such as, a check, a money order, or an electronic payment card (ATM / Credit) for such artifacts.
  • Dealers must maintain purchase records for one year.
  • Dealers must make copies of scavengers IDs and take thumbprints and must document the items being purchased with photos, or video footage.
  • Scrap metal dealers must train their employees on the legal requirements for transactions.
  • Scrap metal theft will become a felony punishable by five years of imprisonment and/or up to $5,000 in fines.
  • The penal code will be amended to include scrap metal theft as larceny.

Since the Safety Meeting took place, the Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee approved the bills and sent them to the full House for consideration. See the following related article for more details!

 http://www.freep.com/article/20131001/NEWS06/310010077/scrap-metal-illegal-junk-yard-house 

The meeting began with the usual update from the Detroit Police 6th/8th Precinct leadership.  Commander Steven Dolunt, Inspector Johnny Thomas, and Gary Sorka all carefully responded to resident’s questions regarding recent incidents occurring in the Grandmont Rosedale area.  They also provided an update on several police initiatives; including a fall coat drive which will culminate on November 23 (the GRDC Annex Office at 19566 Grand River Ave. will be a drop off location for coat donations).

Thursday night was a productive, focused meeting where the audience came away with new information and hope for improvements in public safety. The next Neighborhood Safety meeting will take place on October 24th at 6:30 PM located at the North Rosedale Park Community House, 18445 Scarsdale.