An excellent article.
The City of Detroit failed to properly communicate and planwith the following groups before enacting their new policy:
- Residential Community Groups, NeighborhoodAssociations, and Block Clubs.
- The Insurance Industry
- The Business Community
Disregard & Disrespect To Community Groups
Residential Community Groups were not actively engaged inthe planning process of this new policy nor were they informed in a timely mannerprior to enactment. The City of Detroitshould have talked to various community groups to receive feedback and input. The Community could have creatively helpedthe City reduce false alarms. It ishighly disrespectful to not involve theCommunity in talks that involve the Community.
In addition, by not giving the community at least 3 months toprepare, the new policy took the citizen by shock. If given fair preparation time, homeownercould have upgraded their alarm system, buy a gun, buy a dog, and/or relocate. This action by the City of Detroit is a totallack of regard and respect to the community it serves.
The Insurance Industry Raises Rates Again!
The Insurance Industry plays a vital role in the vitality ofthe City of Detroit. I have conversedwith many former residents who moved out of Detroit based upon high homeownerand auto insurance. The only course ofaction for Insurance companies with this new policy is to raise homeowners ratesfor property owners. The City of Detroitshould have had prior communications with Insurance Companies regarding theiractions. The Insurance Industry wouldhave guided the City of Detroit of ways that would have reduced alarms and not adverselyincrease homeowners rates.
In 3-6 months, I expect Insurance rates to skyrocket in theCity of Detroit.
The Exodus of the BusinessCommunity
Major retail chains have left the city of Detroit because ofone common denominator: The High Costof Insurance. If you do not think thisis true, talk to the managers and the corporate offices. High Insurance is the reason why Kroger andTarget have left the City of Detroit. How long do you think CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Family Dollar, etc canhold out with the rise of Insurance to due to the new policy. If the Insurance premiums adversely cutsinto their profits, then businesses areleft with no option but to close doors.
The businesses climate in Detroit will suffer because ofthis new policy. Every business ownerthat owns a building will contemplate leaving the City of Detroit. Listen closely and you will hear the sound ofmoving trucks.
The Bad Outweighs The Good
Prior to initiating the policy, the City of Detroit failedto consider the consequences. They did not see the overall effect on theentire Community. The negative effects of this new policy willfar outweigh its benefits.