scpetition_classification.pdf
Ursula Kelley-Wash Petitioner V City Of Oak Park Respondent · 26-002905-TT
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STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM CLASSIFICATION APPEAL MTT DOCKET NO. Petitioner’s Contact Information: Filer Type: Local Unit of Government: Individual First Name M.I. Last Name Ursula Kelley-Wash Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 13101 Northfield Blvd. City or Town State ZIP Code Oak Park Michigan 48237 Telephone Number (313) 613-0066 E-mail Address ukelley2006@gmail.com Subject Property Information: How many parcels are you appealing? If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining? *If 1 no, you must file separate appeals for each parcel N/A Property Address (No., Street, City, St, ZIP) [If multiple, list first property’s address] 13101 Northfield Blvd. Oak Park Michigan 48237 Taxing Authority (City or Township) County City Of Oak Park (OAKLAND) Oakland Please Explain the Reason for this Appeal: Dear Members of the Board of Review: I respectfully submit this letter requesting that you reconsider and reduce the assessed taxable value and property taxes for my home located at 13101 Northfield Boulevard, Oak Park, Michigan. I understand the importance of property taxes in supporting our community and the essential services they provide. However, the current tax burden on my home has become increasingly difficult to manage, particularly when considering the significant repairs my property now requires and the continuing increase in my annual tax obligation. When I purchased my home in 2021, my monthly mortgage payment was $1,989.00. Due primarily to the continued increase in my property taxes, my monthly mortgage payment has risen to $2,552.23 in 2026—an increase of more than $563.00 per month, or nearly $6,800 annually. This significant increase has placed tremendous strain on my household budget and has made it increasingly difficult to keep up with both my mortgage obligations and the necessary maintenance of my home. According to the City's records, my 2026 summer property tax bill is $7,825.01, and my property taxes have steadily increased over the past several years. My summer taxes alone have increased from approximately $6,677.78 in 2022 to $7,825.01 in 2026. While my tax burden continues to rise, the condition of my home reflects several costly issues that require immediate attention and significantly affect its value. My home currently requires several major repairs, including: Replacement of the 40-gallon hot water tank. 1 of 3
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STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR Replacement of the sump pump, which has failed and allows my basement to flood during heavy rainstorms. Each rainfall leaves me worried about additional water damage, mold, and costly structural repairs. Repair or replacement of the cracked sidewalks and driveway, which present safety hazards and continue to deteriorate. Repair or replacement of my fence, which sustained significant wind damage. These are not cosmetic improvements. They are essential repairs necessary to preserve the safety, integrity, and value of my home. Unfortunately, the increasing cost of my mortgage and property taxes has made it extremely difficult to afford these critical repairs. Like many homeowners, I purchased my home with the hope of building stability, investing in my community, and creating a place where I could remain for many years. Instead, I now find myself facing mounting financial pressure caused not only by rising housing costs but also by increasing property taxes that continue to outpace my ability to keep up. I am also deeply concerned that my experience is not unique. A recent FOX 2 Detroit news report highlighted the concerns of Oak Park residents who believe that continually increasing property taxes are forcing longtime homeowners out of the community because they can no longer afford to remain in their homes. Many residents expressed that escalating tax bills are making homeownership unsustainable and are placing an unfair burden on those who simply want to stay in the neighborhoods they have worked so hard to build. I never imagined that owning my home would become financially overwhelming because of rising property taxes. I have worked hard to maintain my property, pay my mortgage on time, and fulfill my obligations as a homeowner. However, each increase in taxes pushes me further away from being able to make the necessary improvements that my home requires and closer to the possibility that I may no longer be able to afford to remain in the community I love. I respectfully ask the Board to consider not only the assessed value of my property but also its actual condition, the substantial deferred maintenance and repair costs, the significant increase in my monthly housing expenses, and the financial hardship these increasing taxes have created. A reduction in my taxable value would provide meaningful relief, allowing me to make the necessary repairs, protect my investment, and continue contributing positively to the Oak Park community. My goal is simple: I want to remain in my home. I want to continue being a responsible homeowner, maintain my property, and preserve the value of my neighborhood. I respectfully ask for your compassion, understanding, and careful consideration of my circumstances. Thank you for your time, your service, and your thoughtful review of my appeal. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to present my request and respectfully ask that you grant a reduction in my property's assessed taxable value and property taxes. Respectfully, Ursula Kelley-Wash 13101 Northfield Boulevard Oak Park, MI 48237 Jurisdictional Issues: Did you protest the classification at the March Board of Review? Yes If No, please check the applicable reason(s): Explanation: Year(s) Under Appeal: 2026 2 of 3
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STATE OF MICHIGAN GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR Classification Information: Parcel Identification Number: 52-25-29-160-003 Current Classification of Property as established by Board of Review: Real (check one) Residential (check one) What do you believe is the property’s classification? Real (check one) Residential (check one) If improved property, how is the property currently being used? If improved property, for what use was the property designed? Electronic Signature *Typing your name below will serve as your signature Petitioner’s Signature: /s/ Ursula Kelley-Wash Attorney or Authorized Agent’s Signature: /s/ Fee Information: If you do not have a Principal Residence Exemption of at least 50% at the time of the filing of this petition, you are required to pay a filing fee for the filing of this appeal. A fee of $75.00 is required for the filing of a classification appeal. Does the subject property have a principal residence exemption of at least 50% as of the date of the filing of this petition? 3 of 3