Motion to set aside default01092026.pdf
Makare A Aten, Petitioner Vs. City Of Detroit, Respondent · 25-003884-TT
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Page 1
STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR Makare Aten , MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL Petitioner(s) v MTT Docket No.25-003884 City of Detroit Respondent(s) MOTION TO SET ASIDE DEFAULT 1. A default was entered against me on December 22, 2025 and, if applicable, the default was extended on December 29, 2025 . 2. Good cause exists to set aside the default because: Filed in error. This case was to be filed in Michigan Tax Tribunal Small Claims Court regarding property taxes be lowered. Property is not in fair condition. Petitioner purchased property under $10,000. Property in unsafe, and uninhabitable condition. 3. | ask this Tribunal to set aside the default. her - Party/Representative (sign here) Makare Aten [Print/type name of person signing] | certify that on this date | served a copy of this Motion, and any additional documentation, on the opposing party or their representative. Zz 0-0¢-702¢ y = Date (sign here) MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL - 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 - 517-335-9760 PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 - Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906
Page 2
Residential Building
1
of
1
Building
Type
(31
Roof
(cont.)
X
Single
Femily
Eavestrough
Mobile
Home
Insulation
Town
Home
0
Front
Overhang
Duplex
0 Other
Overhang
A-Frame
Wood
Trams
(4)
Interior
Drywall
Plaster
Paneled
Wood T&G
Building
Style:
TWO FAMILY FLAT
Trim
& Decoration
Yr Built
Remodeled
Ex
X
ord
Wan
1927
2
0
=
ize
cl
s
Condition:
Fair
ha
ob
Hosen
Lg
X
Ord
Small
Room List
Doors
Solid
X
H.C.
Basement
(5)
Floors
lst
Floor
2nd
Floor
Kitchen:
Bedrooms
Other:
Other:
(1)
Exterior
Wood/Shingle
(6)
Ceilings
Aluminum/Vinyl
X
Brick
Insulation
{2)
Windows
(7)
Excavation
Many
Large
Basement:
950
S.F
X
Avg.
X
Avg.
Crawl:
0
S.F.
Few
Small
Slab:
0
S.F.
Wood
Sash
Height
to Joists:
0.0
Metal
Sash
(8)
Basement
vinyl Sash
Double
Hung
Conc.
Block
Horiz.
Slide
Poured Conc.
Casement
Stone
Double
Glass
Treated Wood
Patio
Doors
Concrete
Floor
Storms
& Screens
(9)
Basement
Finish
(3)
Roof
Recreation
SF
Gable
¥
Gambrel
Living
SE
Hip
Mansard
Walkout Doors
(B)
Flat
Shed
No
Floor
SF
=
sm
Walkout
Doors
(A)
4 Asphalt Shingle
(10)
Floor Support
:
i
Joists:
Chimney:
Brick
Unsupported Len:
Cntr.Sup:
+*+
Information herein deemed
reliable
but
not guarantee
Parcel Number:
(11)
Heating/Cooling
Xx
Gas
Oil
Wood
Coal
Elec.
Steam
X
Forced Air
w/o
Ducts
Forced
Air
w/
Ducts
Forced Hot
Water
Electric Baseboard
Elec.
Ceil.
Radiant
Radiant
(in-floor)
Electric Wall
Heat
Space
Heater
Wall/Floor
Furnace
Forced
Heat
&
Cool
Heat
Pump
No Heating/Cooling
Central
Air
Wood
Furnace
(12)
Electric
0 Amps
Service
No./Qual.
of
F
Ex.
X
Ozd.
No.
of Elec.
Outlets
Many
¥
Ave.
Few
(13)
Plumbing
Average
Fizture(s)
3
Fixture
Bath
fe
2
Fixture
Bath
Softener,
Autc
Softener,
Manual
Solar Water
Heat
No
Plumbing
Extra
Toilet
Extra
Sink
Separate
Shower
Ceramic
Tile
Floor
Ceramic
Tile
Wains
Ceramic
Tub Alcove
Vent
Fan
(14)
Water/Sewer
Public Water
Public Sewer
Water Well
1000
Gal
Septic
2000
Gal
septic
Lump
Sum Items:
grrr
01/08/2026
16035594.
Printed
on
(15)
Built-ins
(15)
Fireplaces
(16)
Porches/Decks
(17)
Garage
Appliance Allow.
Interior
1 Stcry
Area Type
Year
Built
Ceock
Top
Interior
2
Story
154 CPB
Car Capacity:
Dishwasher
2nd/Same
Stack
28 Wop
Class:
C
Garbage
Disposal
Two Sided
=
Exterior:
Siding
Bath Heater
Exterior
1
Story
Brick Ven.:
0
Vent
Fan
Exterior
2
Story
Stone
Ven.:
©
Hot
Tub
Prefab
1
Story
Common Wall:
Detache
Unvented
Hood
Prefab
2
Story
Foundation:
18
Inch
Vented Hood
Heat Circulator
Finished
?:
Intercom
Raised Hearth
Auto.
Doors:
0
Jacuzzi
Tub
Wood
Stove
Mech.
Doors:
0
Jacuzzi
repl.Tub
Direct-Vented
Ga
Area:
360
oven
¥ Good:
0
Microwave
Class:
©
Storage Area:
0
Standard Range
Effec,
Age:
55
No Conc.
Floor:
C
Self Clean Range
Blot
Bren:
1.862
o
Sauns
Tara) mes moans
MORAES
BGG oo Cees
(PT
otal
Depr
Cost:
,
:
0.7
Trash Compactor
Estimated T.C.V: 77,09
Carport hres:
Security System
soe
Cost Est.
for Res.
Bldg:
1
Single Family
TWO FAMILY FLAT Cls
C
Blt
1927
(11)
Heating
System:
Forced Air
w/o Ducts
Ground Area
=
850
SF
Floor Area
= 1862
SF.
Phy/Ab.Phy/Func/Econ/Comb.
$ Good=45/77/100/100/34.85
Building Areas
Stories
Exterior
Foundation
Size
Cost
New
Depr.
Cost
2
Story
Brick
Basement
912
1
Story
Siding
Basement
38
Total:
275, 383
95,412
Other Additions/Adjustments
Plumbing
2
Fixture
Bath
1
3,263
Porches
CPP
154
3,348
WpP
28
1,718
Garages
Class:
C Exterior:
Siding
Foundation:
18
Inch
(Unfinished)
Base Cost
360
16,985
5,885
Totals:
300,677
104,183
Notes:
ECF
(2R223-FITZGERALD GROUP C.D. (0043C})
0.740
=>
TCV:
77,086Page 3
Parcel Number: 16035594. Grantor Grantee ATEN, MAKARE ATEN, MAKARE UV REAL ESTATE LLC ATEN, MAKARE CHASE DETROIT LLC THOMAS, CHARLES Property Address 15730 INDIANA Owner's Name/Address ATEN, MAKARE 29203 PLYMOUTH RD, LIVONIA MI 48150 BOX 150 Tax Description E INDIANA 93 B F MORTENSONS UNIVERSITY PLACE SUB L46 P59 PLATS, W C R 16/342 35 X 114 Comments/Influences 10/2/25--FIELD REVIEW. CONDITION IS UNSOUND. UNOCCUPIED. PARTIALLY BOARDED AND OPEN TO ELEMENTS. VISIBLE HOLES IN ROOF, OLD GUTTERS, AND PORCH, CRUMBLING FRONT STEPS ROTTED SOFFITS. EJK Copyright (c) The Equalizer. 1999 - 2009. Licensed To: City of Detroit, County of Wayne, Michigan +++ Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed*™~ Printed on 01/06/2026 Jurisdiction:, CITY OF DETROIT County: WAYNE sale Sale Inst. Terms of Sale Liber Verified Brent Price Date Type & Page By Trans 0 07/09/2025 OTH 18-LIFE ESTATE 2025206603 0.0 9,000 04/04/2024 WD 21-NOT USED/OTHER 20245130285 PROPERTY TRANSFER 100.0 1 08/28/2013 PTA 21-NOT USED/OTHER PROPERTY TRANSFER 100.0 30,000 08/01/1993 WD 21-NOT USED/OTHER 26737:048¢€0 PROPERTY TRANSFER 0.0 Class: RESIDENTIAL-IMPRO Zoning: R2 Building Permit (s} Date Number Status School: DETROIT CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT P.R.E. 0% WARD#: 16 2026 Est TCV 80,648 TCV/TFA: 43.31 ¥ Improved Vacant Land Value Estimates for Land Table 2R223.2R223-FITZGERALD GROUP C.D. (0043C Public ~ Factors * Improvements Description Frontage Depth Front Depth Rate *Adj. Reason Value Dirt Road 35.00 114.00 1.0000 0.0000 100+ 0 Gravel Road SQ FT RATE BY SIZE 4,008.000 sg Ft 0.72 100 2,875 % paved Road + denotes lines that do not contribute to the total acreage calculation. X Storm Sewer 35 Actual Front Feet, 0.0% Total Acres Total Est. Land Value = 2,875 X Sidewalk X Water : ¥ Sewer Land Improvement Cost Estimates X Electric Description Rate Size * Good Cash Value ¥ Gas D/W/P: 4in Concrete 7.58 400 20 606 ) Crh Fencing: Wire Mesh, #11 3.55 100 20 7X % Street Lights Total Estimated Land Improvements True Cash Value = 877 ¥X Standard Utili Underground U 5. Topography of Site X Level Rolling §d X Low High Landscaped Swamp Wooded Pond Waterfront Ravine Wetland Flood Plain fear Land Building Assessed Board of Tribunal/ Taxable Value Value Value Review Other Value : Whe When What 2026 1,400 38,900 40,300 40,3008 EJK 10/02/2025 FIELD REVI 2025 1,400 45,400 46,800 46,8008 TYL 04/19/2016 TYL-FINAL 5p24 500 10,700 41,200 12,546¢C TYL 05/21/2015 TYL-ADV RE 2023 500 33,100 33,800 11,948C
Page 4
To: Office of the CFO - Office of the Assessor Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Avenue - Suite 804 Detroit, MI 48226 From: Makare Aten 29203 Plymouth Rd, Box 150 Livonia, MI 48150 925-498-3127 m. NOTICE OF REQUEST 01/09/2026 Regarding the property located at 15730 Indiana St, Detroit, Ml 48202. 1, the Petitioner, Makare A. Aten purchased said property April 4, 2024 in the amount of $9,000. Currently, being charged by the City of Detroit Property Tax Office of the Treasury $4,527.65, which includes Winter and Summer tax balances. Realizing the extensive damage to the property, | am requesting that the property taxes be lowered. The property is not in fair condition. The property has been vacant for over 10 years, which explains the extensive damage throughout the property. EXTREME POOR CONDITION O OPERTY The property is in extremely poor condition. It is uninhabitable, unsafe, and needs total rehab. The stairs collapsed going to the basement. All the staircases in the home need to be rebuilt. Because of severe water damage, the floors have to be rebuilt throughout the entire house. Water damage has caused a large hole going from the second floor all the way down to the basement. The property needs a total rewiring for electrical, plumbing, heating cooling systems throughout. The asbestos in the house is not completely removed. There are areas in the house where it needs to be restored. New walls and floors need to be installed in all rooms and reconstructed. All windows need to be removed and frames need to be cleaned out. The large window in the
Page 5
The front porch of the property is cracked and bricks are bulging out of place. Bricks have fallen apart with cement damage. The garage in the back of the property needs to be replaced; and or torn down. Please see property pictures and property valuation card that are attached at the end of this request. Resolution In regard to extensive, severe damage to the property; | am requesting that the property be changed from Fair Condition to Extremely Poor Condition; with the property taxes reduced accordingly. Also requesting any and all property taxes that have been paid last year for 2025 be refunded to Makare A. Aten. Declaration |, Makare A. Aten, | declare under penalty and perjury, that the foregoing is to the best of my knowledge true, and correct. Respectfully Submitted, Makare A. Aten
Page 6
STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON |. BROWN, DPA GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM VALUATION / UNCAPPING Do not use this form to appeal Classification, Principal Residence Exemption, Qualified Agricultural Exemption, Other Exemptions, Special Assessments, or Non-Property tax disputes. Pursuant to Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 279, you MUST submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (i.e., Board of Review Decision or other notice) with this petition, if applicable. If you do not submit this document, you may be held in default. Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information First Name M.1L. Last Name/Company Name Makare A Aten Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 29203 Plymouth Street, Box 150 City or Town State ZIP Code Livonia MI 48150 Telephone nmergo 5498-31 27 Email Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via email) mbey.works @ gmail.com Section 2: Petitioner’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information First Name ML Last Name Firm Name (if any) Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) City or Town State ZIP Code Telephone Number Email Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via email) Section 3: Subject Property Information *use the multiple parcel form for additional, contiguous parcels. How many parcels are you If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining? appealing? [J vest [1 no **If No, you must file separate appeals for each parcel Property Address (No., Street) 15730 Indiana Street City or Town State ZIP Code Count; Michigan "Wayne MI |48238
Page 7
STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR Section 4: Check which of the following you are appealing (check all that apply) [J True Cash and Taxable Value [0 Taxable Value Only (calculation) Uncapping of Taxable Value Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal Property is not in fair condition. Petitioner purchased property in April of 2024 "as is" under $10,000. Property in unsafe, uninhabitable condition. Please see pictures of said property attached. Please see City of Detroit Tax description print out | received from the Michigan Tax Assessor office dated 01/06/2026. Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues Did you protest the assessment at a Board of Review (BOR)? ves No If Yes, check which BOR you attended: O March O July O December If No, please check the applicable reason(s): O Not required to attend Appealing a purported Clerical Error or Mutual Mistake of Fact (if yes, include explanation in Section 5) Oa Appealing within 35 days of State Tax Commission Order Appealing within 35 days of receipt of Notice of Uncapping [1 other If you checked “other” above, explain:
Page 8
STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON |. BROWN, DPA GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR Section 7: Valuation Information use the multiple parcel form for additional, contiguous parcels. Parcel Number: 1 6035594 Classification of Property: Real] Personal [4 (check one) Agricultural J Commercial J Industrial J Residential Timber-Cutover (J ~~ Developmental [J ~~ Utility [J (check one) Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) established | Taxable Value established by the Board of Review: by the Board of Review: $40,300 $40,300 What do you believe is the fair market value (also known as true cash value)? $12, 300 What do you believe is the assessed value? (multiply true cash What do you believe is the taxable value? (cannot exceed value by .5) $1 2,300 assessed value) $1 2,300 Fee Information Does the property have a Principal Residence Exemption of at least 50% as of the date of the filing of this petition for all tax years at issue? O Yes No If you answered yes to the above question, you are not required to pay any filing fees. If the property does not have a Principal Residence Exemption of at least 50% as of the date of the filing of this petition for all tax years at issue, the filing fee is based on the greater of the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in dispute. If you are appealing more than one parcel, the parcel with the highest State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in dispute will be used to determine your filing fee, plus $25.00 will be added for each additional parcel being appealed, not to exceed a total filing fee of $1,000.00 If your property is residential property (see MCL 205.762) and the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: Filing Fee is: $100,000.00 and under $125.00 $100,000.01 to $500,000.00 $200.00 $Over $500,000.00 $300.00 If the property is NOT residential property (see MCL 205.762) and the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: Filing Fee is: $100,000.00 and under $250.00 * Plus $25.00 for each additional parcel, as indicated above. If the property is NOT residential property and the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in dispute is $100,000.01 or greater the appeal does not qualify for Small Claims. Therefore, an Entire Tribunal petition must be filed. Signature ‘required Petiti or Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Signature: - oi 09-201
Page 9
Pics for 15730 Indiana St. Detroit, MI 48238
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PROOF OF SERVICE | certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized representatives. ol-04-20tl Jen me Thee reas eS