230 E Grand River LLC Petitioner Vs. City Of Detroit Respondent

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

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

NOTICE OF SEPTEMBER 1- 15, 2027 PREHEARING GENERAL CALL AND ORDER 

OF PROCEDURE

230 E Grand River LLC,

Petitioner,

v

 

 

City of Detroit,

Respondent.

 MTT Docket No. 26-000961

Please be advised that 26-000961 has been placed on a two-week Prehearing General 

Call commencing September 01, 2027. Unless ordered otherwise, parties will be 

notified at least 28 days before they are scheduled to appear. Scheduling will not 

necessarily occur in the order in which the cases are listed below.

Parties are required to submit a valuation disclosure or written notification that no 

valuation disclosure is required by the dates indicated herein. A “valuation disclosure” 

is defined as documentary or other tangible evidence in a property tax proceeding that a 

party relies upon in support of the party’s contention as to the true cash value of the 

subject property or any portion thereof and contains the party’s value conclusion and 

data, valuation methodology, analysis or reasoning. See TTR 203 and TTR 241.

Users who file documents with the Tribunal are advised that filed documents are 

public records and will appear for public viewing on the Tribunal’s Tax Docket 

Lookup. If a user wishes to file a document for consideration by the Tribunal and 

prevent its publication on the Tax Docket Lookup, the user MUST file a Motion for 

Protective Order under MCR 2.302(C)(8). If a Protective Order is issued, documents 

covered by the order will not be published. Documents filed prior to the issuance of a 

Protective Order will be published.

In accordance with MCR 1.109(D)(9) and TTR 209, the responsibility for excluding or 

redacting personal identifying information (PII) from all documents filed with or offered to 

the Tribunal rests solely with the parties and their attorneys. The Tribunal is not 

responsible for or required to review, redact, or screen documents at the time of filing 

for PII whether filed electronically or on paper. A party, representative, or interested 

person (i.e. third party not part of an appeal) may request that the Tribunal redact PII 

contained in a previously filed document by submitting a Request for Redactions. The 

Request for Redactions form is available on the Entire Tribunal and Small Claims pages 

of the Tribunal’s website. 

Please refer to the Tribunal’s FAQs and Glossary of Terms pages on the Tribunal’s 

website for more information.

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 26-000961

Page 2 of 3

IT IS ORDERED that the parties shall:

a. If no valuation disclosure is required, notify the Tribunal and the opposing parties 

in writing within 21 days of entry of this order that no valuation disclosure is being 

filed. The notice shall indicate the reason or reasons why no valuation disclosure 

is required (i.e., exemption claim, etc.).

b. If a valuation disclosure is required, file and exchange their valuation disclosures 

by May 5, 2027. Valuation disclosures will not be admitted into evidence unless 

disclosed and furnished in accordance with this order (even though admissible) 

except upon a finding of good cause by the Tribunal.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties shall file and exchange their Prehearing 

Statements by May 5, 2027. Witnesses, with the exception of rebuttal witnesses, will 

not be allowed to testify unless disclosed in the Prehearing Statement and the 

Prehearing Statement is furnished in accordance with this order except upon a finding 

of good cause by the Tribunal. Failure to file the Prehearing Statement may result in 

holding a party or parties in default. See TTR 237. 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that “Pre-Valuation Disclosure” discovery is CLOSED on 

May 5, 2027, which means all discovery has been requested, all Motions to Compel 

have been filed, and all requested or ordered discovery has been exchanged by that 

date. Discovery relative to the valuation disclosure prepared for purposes of litigating 

this case or the valuation expert that prepared that valuation disclosure is not permitted 

during “Pre-Valuation Disclosure” discovery.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that “Post-Valuation Disclosure” discovery is CLOSED on 

September 1, 2027, which means all discovery has been requested, all Motions to 

Compel have been filed, and all requested or ordered discovery has been exchanged 

by that date. “Post-Valuation Disclosure” discovery is limited to the opposing party’s 

valuation disclosure, the opposing party’s valuation expert, and the witnesses identified 

on the opposing party’s Prehearing Statement.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that if this case is not scheduled for a date certain 

prehearing conference during the time frame indicated it may be scheduled for a date 

certain prehearing conference at any time subsequent to the completion date for this 

Prehearing General Call. Parties will, however, be notified in writing approximately one 

week before they are scheduled to appear. 

By:_____________________________________

Patricia L. Halm, Tribunal Chair

Entered: October 1, 2026

Page 3

MTT Docket No. 26-000961

Page 3 of 3

PROOF OF SERVICE

I 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 provide by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives.

By: Tribunal Clerk

Page 4

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

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

NOTICE OF SEPTEMBER 1- 15, 2027 PREHEARING GENERAL CALL AND ORDER 

OF

Page 5

MTT Docket

Page 6

M

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

1 

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING & REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

 230 E. Grand River LLC 

 

Petitioner, 

 

 

 

 

 

v 

CITY OF DETROIT, 

 

 

 

Docket No. 26- 000961 

 

Respondent 

 

 

 

 

Parcel No. 23002017.017N 

____________________________________________________________________________/ 

ANSWER TO PETITION and 

AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES 

Now Comes Respondent, City of Detroit, by and through it undersigned counsel and in Answer 

to the Petition filed in this matter states the following: 

1. Respondent, City of Detroit, neither admits nor denies and leaves Petitioner to its 

proofs. 

2. Respondent admits as true. 

3. Respondent admits as true that respondent determined the taxable value of the parcel 

at issue for tax year 2026 is $2,316,541, however Respondent denies that resulting 

state equalized value is $4,996,300 and instead is $3,941,000. 

4. Respondent admits as true. 

5. Respondent admits that this appeal contains issues of (a) valuation (b) assessment 

(c) taxable value and (d) uniformity as it relates to the subject property, but further 

states that these allegations lack merit. 

6. Respondent neither admits nor denies as Respondent lacks specific knowledge 

regarding any value of a loss, and therefore and therefore denies these allegations.

Page 2

2 

 

7. Respondent denies as untrue. 

8. Respondent admits as true as to the values established by Respondent’s Board of 

Review. 

 

CONCLUSION and REQUEST FOR RELIEF 

Wherefore, Respondent respectfully requests that this Honorable Tribunal dismiss the 

Petition in this matter and award attorney fees and costs to Respondent. 

Dated: August 25, 2026 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/Mary Beth Cobbs 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Mary Beth Cobbs ( P40080) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin C. Richard ( P 43417) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attorneys for Respondent 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City of Detroit Law Department 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Woodward Ave., Ste. 500 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Detroit, MI 48226 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES 

 

NOW COMES Respondent, City of Detroit, and asserts the following Affirmative 

Defenses to the Petitioner’s claims: 

1. 

Petitioner’s lacks standing and/or capacity to bring forth this Petition. 

2. 

Petitioner’s claims may be barred by the applicable statute of limitations.

Page 3

3 

 

3. 

This Tribunal lacks subject matter jurisdiction. 

 

4. 

Petitioner has failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. 

Wherefore, Respondent respectfully requests that this Honorable Tribunal dismiss the 

Petition in this matter and award attorney fees and costs to Respondent. 

Dated: 

August 25, 2026 

 

/s/Mary Beth Cobbs 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Mary Beth Cobbs ( P40080) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin C. Richard ( P 43417) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attorneys for Respondent 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City of Detroit Law Department 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Woodward Ave., Ste. 500 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Detroit, MI 48226 

 

 

 

 

 

 

313.237.3075 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cobbm@detroitmi.gov

Page 4

4 

 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING & REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

 

230 E. Grand River LLC 

 

Petitioner, 

 

 

 

 

 

v 

CITY OF DETROIT, 

 

 

 

Docket No. 26- 000961 

 

Respondent 

 

 

 

 

Parcel No. 23002017.017N 

____________________________________________________________________________/ 

 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

 

On August 25, 2026, I mailed by first class mail, a copy of Respondent’s Answer and 

Affirmative Defenses to: 

 

 

 

Aaron M. Fales, Esq. 

 

 

 

330 Hamilton Row, Ste. 350 

 

 

 

Birmingham, MI 48009 

 

 

 

I declare that the above statement is true to the best of my information, knowledge, and 

belief. 

 

Dated: August 25,2026 

 

 

 

 

 

 /s/Mary Beth Cobbs 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Beth Cobbs ( P40080) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City of Detroit Law Department 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Woodward Ave., Ste. 500 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Detroit, MI 48226

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR

Entire Tribunal Case Information Sheet - Respondent

MTT DOCKET NO. 26-000961

Section 1: Respondent’s Contact Information

Filer Type: 

Local Unit of Government

Local Unit of Government

City of Detroit (Wayne)

First Name

M.I.

Last Name

Home Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

City or Town

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail)

 

Section 2: Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information

First Name

Mary Beth

M.I.

Last Name

Cobbs

Firm Name (if any)

City of Detroit

Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

2 Woodward Avenue

Suite 500

City or Town

Detroit

State

 Michigan

ZIP Code

48226

Telephone Number

(313) 237-3075

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail)

cobbm@detroitmi.gov

Electronic Signature *Typing your name below will serve as your signature

Respondent or Authorized Attorney/Representative’s Signature: 

Mary Beth Cobbs

/s/

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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

230 E GRAND RIVER LLC, 

Petitioner, 

v. 

MTT Docket # 26-000961 

CITY OF DETROIT, 

Respondent. 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

) 

} ss. 

COUNTY OF OAKLAND) 

Aaron M. Fales, being duly sworn, deposes and says that on August lb 

2026 he served a copy 

of Petitioner's Petition on the parties named on the attached list. 

Aaron M. Fales

Page 2

BY CERTIFIED UNITED STATES MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED: 

CLERK 

DETROIT 

804 CAYMC, 2 WOODWARD AVENUE 

DETROIT, MI 48226 

ASSESSOR 

DETROIT 

804 CAYMC, 2 WOODWARD AVENUE 

DETROIT, MI 48226 

AND BY FIRST-CLASS UNITED STATES MAIL: 

CLERK 

. 

WAYNE COUNTY 

CAYMC. 2 WOODWARD AVENUE #211 

DETROIT, Mi 48226 

DIRECTOR OF EQUALIZATION 

WAYNE COUNTY 

500 GRISWOLD ST. 21ST FLOOR 

DETROIT, Mi 48226 

SECRETARY OF SCHOOL BOARD 

DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

7321 2ND AVENUE, 14TH FLOOR 

DETROIT, MI 48202-4050 

STATE TREASURER 

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY 

: 

TREASURY BUILDING 

430 W. ALLEGAN ST. 

LANSING, MI 48922

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON |. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

230 E Grand River LLC, 

Petitioner, 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

v 

MTT Docket No.: 26-000961 

City of Detroit, 

Respondent. 

NOTICE OF DOCKET NUMBER 

TAKE NOTICE that an Entire Tribunal petition has been filed and the above-noted 

docket number has been assigned to that petition. This docket number shall be noted 

on the petition and the petition shall be served within 45 days of the issuance of 

this notice, as required by TTR 227 and MCL 205.7354, even 

if the petition was served 

when filed. A proof of service shall also be filed with the Tribunal within 45 days of the 

issuance of this notice evidencing the service of the petition. 

If you submitted a proof of service with the petition, you must still serve the petition and 

file a second proof of service including the docket number, pursuant to this notice. 

Failure to serve the petition and file a proof of service within 45 days of the issuance of 

the notice may result in the dismissal of this case. 

Under TTR 235(1), “[t]he respondent shall file an answer or responsive motion within 28 

days after the date of service of the petition with noted docket number.” Failure to do so 

will result in Respondent being placed in default. 

The docket number also needs to be noted on all other documents submitted in this 

case. 

Further, the assignment of the docket number does not mean that the Tribunal 

has authority over the petition or that the petition complies with statutory requirements 

or the Tribunals rules. 

By: Tribunal Clerk 

Entered: June 23, 2026 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

| certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the

Page 4

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

MICHIGAN ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS SYSTEM 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

230 E GRAND RIVER LLC, 

Petitioner, 

MTT Docket #26-00 2%" 

vs. 

Parcel No. 23002017.017N 

CITY OF DETROIT, 

Respondent. 

PETITION 

230 

E Grand River LLC ("Petitioner"), through 

its attorneys, Law Office of 

Aaron M, Fdles, P.C., says: 

1. 

Petitioner's principai office address 

is PO Box 2652, Birmingham, 

Mil 

48012. 

Petitioner 

is 

a 

party 

in 

interest 

with 

respect 

to 

property 

faxes 

on 

contiguous real property tax parcel no(s). 23002017.017N ("Petitioner's Property"), 

af 230 E Grand River, Detroit, Ml, 48226. 

2. 

Respondent, City of Detroit assesses and collects property taxes on 

Petitioner's Property. 

3. 

In 2026, Respondent determined the taxable value of Petitioner's 

Parcel to be $2,316,541 and assessed Petitioner's Property at $4,996,300 resulting

Page 5

4. 

Petitioner's 

Property 

is 

classified 

as 

Commercial 

Real 

Property. 

Petitioner's Property is commercial property. 

Petitioner believes that Petitioner's 

Property was designed to be used as a commercial purposes. 

5. 

This matter involves issues relating to: {a} valuation, (b) assessment, 

(c) taxable value, and (d) uniformity. 

6. 

Af this time, Petitioner believes, as 

it relates fo taxable value, that 

there is a dispute relative to the value of a loss. 

7. 

The 2026 assessment, including state equalized value and taxable 

value, 

imposed 

on 

Petitioner's 

Property, 

and 

the 

taxes 

to 

be 

levied 

and 

collected thereon, are invalid and unlawful and operate as a fraud upon the 

taxpayer for the reasons that: 

{a} 

The 

assessment, 

including 

state 

equalized 

value 

and/or 

taxable value, exceeds the amount permitted by the Michigan Constitution and 

applicable statutes; 

(b) 

The 

assessment, 

including 

state 

equalized 

value 

and/or 

taxable value, are at higher percentages of true cash value than permissible 

under the Michigan Constitution and applicable statutes; 

[c}) 

The 

assessment, 

including 

taxable 

value 

and/or 

state 

equalized value, are based upon an erroneous determination of the true cash

Page 6

(d}) 

The 

assessment, 

including 

state 

equalized 

value 

and/or 

taxable 

value, 

and 

the 

mode 

of 

assessment 

adopted 

by 

Respondent, 

discriminate against Petitioner and deny Petitioner 

its constitutional 

rights to 

uniformity, equal protection and due process of law. 

WHEREFORE, Petitioner requests that the Tax Tribunal enter an 

Order reducing the 2026 taxable value of Petitioner's Parcel from $2,255,639 to 

$1,000,000, and reducing the 2026 assessed and state equalized values of 

Petitioner's Property from $4,996,300 to $1,000,000, and requiring Respondent to 

pay Petitioner the refunds attributable to such reductions, plus interest and costs, 

Respectfully submitted, 

| 

LAW OFFICE OF AARON M. FALES, P.C. 

Attorney for Petitioner 

By: 

7. 

SZ 

Aaron M. Fales (P72864) 

330 Hamilton Row, Ste 350 

Birmingham, Mi 48009 

(248) 767-9840 

May 12 

Dated: 

, 2026

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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

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

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

Docket Number: 26-000961

Is this case currently pending in the Small Claims Division? No

Party Filing Document 

Petitioner

Files

Document Type: Proof of Service: Petition

Attachment File Name: 230 POS

Fee Information

Filing Fee: $ 0.00

Payment Information

Payment: $ 0.00

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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

MICHIGAN ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS SYSTEM 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

230 E GRAND RIVER LLC, 

Petitioner, 

vs. 

CITY OF DETROIT, 

Respondent. 

/

 

 

 

MTT Docket #26-00 

Parcel No. 23002017.017N 

 

 

 

 

PETITION 

 

 

230 E Grand River LLC (“Petitioner”), through its attorneys, Law Office of 

Aaron M. Fales, P.C., says: 

 

1. 

Petitioner's principal office address is PO Box 2652, Birmingham, MI 

48012. Petitioner is a party in interest with respect to property taxes on 

contiguous real property tax parcel no(s). 23002017.017N ("Petitioner's Property"), 

at 230 E Grand River, Detroit, MI, 48226. 

 

2. 

Respondent, City of Detroit assesses and collects property taxes on 

Petitioner's Property. 

 

3. 

 In 2026, Respondent determined the taxable value of Petitioner's 

Parcel to be $2,316,541 and assessed Petitioner's Property at $4,996,300 resulting 

in a state equalized value of the same amount based on the tenative 

equalization factor.

Page 2

4. 

Petitioner's Property is classified as Commercial Real Property. 

Petitioner's Property is commercial property. Petitioner believes that Petitioner's 

Property was designed to be used as a commercial purposes. 

 

5. 

This matter involves issues relating to: (a) valuation, (b) assessment, 

(c) taxable value, and (d) uniformity. 

 

6. 

At this time, Petitioner believes, as it relates to taxable value, that 

there is a dispute relative to the value of a loss. 

 

7. 

The 2026 assessment, including state equalized value and taxable 

value, imposed on Petitioner's Property, and the taxes to be levied and 

collected thereon, are invalid and unlawful and operate as a fraud upon the 

taxpayer for the reasons that: 

 

 

(a) 

The assessment, including state equalized value and/or 

taxable value, exceeds the amount permitted by the Michigan Constitution and 

applicable statutes; 

 

 

(b) 

The assessment, including state equalized value and/or 

taxable value, are at higher percentages of true cash value than permissible 

under the Michigan Constitution and applicable statutes; 

 

 

(c) 

The assessment, including taxable value and/or state 

equalized value, are based upon an erroneous determination of the true cash 

value of that portion of Petitioner's Property that is taxable under Michigan law, 

and are based upon the application of wrong principles; and,

Page 3

(d) 

The assessment, including state equalized value and/or 

taxable value, and the mode of assessment adopted by Respondent, 

discriminate against Petitioner and deny Petitioner its constitutional rights to 

uniformity, equal protection and due process of law. 

 

WHEREFORE, Petitioner requests that the Tax Tribunal enter an 

Order reducing the 2026 taxable value of Petitioner's Parcel from $2,255,639 to 

$1,000,000, and reducing the 2026 assessed and state equalized values of 

Petitioner's Property from $4,996,300 to $1,000,000, and requiring Respondent to 

pay Petitioner the refunds attributable to such reductions, plus interest and costs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: ___________, 2026 

Respectfully submitted, 

 

LAW OFFICE OF AARON M. FALES, P.C. 

Attorney for Petitioner 

 

By: _________________________ 

 

Aaron M. Fales (P72864) 

 330 Hamilton Row, Ste 350 

 Birmingham, MI 48009 

 (248) 767-9840 

 

 

 

 

May 12

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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR

Entire Tribunal Case Information Sheet - Petitioner

MTT DOCKET NO. 

 

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information

Filer type: 

Organization 

Local Unit of Government

First Name

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name

230 E grand River LLC

Home Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

PO Box 2652

City or Town

Birmingham

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48012

Telephone Number

2487679840

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail)

afaleslaw@gmail.com

 

 

Section 2: Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information

First Name

Aaron

M.I.

Last Name

Fales

Firm Name (if any)

Law Office of Aaron M Fales, P.C.

Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

330 Hamilton Row

Suite 350

City or Town

Birmingham

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48009

Telephone Number

248-767-9840

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail)

afaleslaw@gmail.com

 

Section 3: Issue 

Please designate one: 

Valuation 

 

Section 4: Subject Property Information 

How many parcels are you 

appealing?

1

Property Address (No., Street, City, ST, ZIP) [If multiple, list first property’s address]

230 E Grand River

Detroit

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR

Michigan

48226

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

City of Detroit (Wayne) 

County

Wayne

If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining? 

(*If no, you must file separate appeals for each non-contiguous or non-adjoining parcel.)

N/A

 

 

Section 5: Check which of the following you are appealing (check all that apply) 

True Cash and Taxable Values

If “Other”, please explain:

 

 

Section 6: Valuation Information for Each Parcel under Appeal

Parcel Number:

23002017.017N

Classification of Property: Real (check one)

Commercial (check one)

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the Board of Review:

4996300

Current Taxable Value as established by the Board of Review:

2316541

What do you believe is the fair market value (also known as True Cash Value)?

2000000

Multiply the True Cash Value by 50% and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value).

1000000

If you belive the Taxable Value differs from your contention of Assessed Value, enter your contention of Taxable Value.

1000000

Fee Information

The filing fee is based on the greater of State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention. If you are appealing more than one parcel, the parcel with the 

highest State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention will be used to determine your filing fee, plus $25.00 will be added for each additional parcel being 

appealed.

If the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: Your filing fee is:

 

 $100,000.00 and under $250.00

 $100,000.01 to $500,000.00 $400.00

 $Over $500,000.00 $600.00

* Plus $25.00 for each additional parcel, not to exceed a total filing fee of $2,000.00.

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR

A fee of $250.00 is required for the filing of a Special Assessment Appeal.

A fee of $250.00 is required for the filing of an Equalization Tax Appeal.

A fee of $250.00 is required for the filing of a Non-Property Tax Appeal.

A fee of $150.00 is required for the filing of a Classification Tax Appeal

Electronic Signature *Typing your name below will serve as your signature

Petitioner or Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Signature: 

/s/ Aaron Fales

Payment Information

Amount: 600

Success: True

Message: ""

Waiver Code:

Transaction Number: 26051284969783

Supporting Waiver Documents:

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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

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

230 E Grand River LLC, 

Petitioner,

 MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

v

MTT Docket No.: 26-000961

City of Detroit, 

Respondent.

NOTICE OF DOCKET NUMBER

TAKE NOTICE that an Entire Tribunal petition has been filed and the above-noted 

docket number has been assigned to that petition. This docket number shall be noted 

on the petition and the petition shall be served within 45 days of the issuance of 

this notice, as required by TTR 227 and MCL 205.735a, even if the petition was served 

when filed. A proof of service shall also be filed with the Tribunal within 45 days of the 

issuance of this notice evidencing the service of the petition. 

If you submitted a proof of service with the petition, you must still serve the petition and 

file a second proof of service including the docket number, pursuant to this notice. 

Failure to serve the petition and file a proof of service within 45 days of the issuance of 

the notice may result in the dismissal of this case.

Under TTR 235(1), “[t]he respondent shall file an answer or responsive motion within 28 

days after the date of service of the petition with noted docket number.” Failure to do so 

will result in Respondent being placed in default.

The docket number also needs to be noted on all other documents submitted in this 

case. Further, the assignment of the docket number does not mean that the Tribunal 

has authority over the petition or that the petition complies with statutory requirements 

or the Tribunal’s rules.

By: Tribunal Clerk

Entered: June 23, 2026

PROOF OF SERVICE

I 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.

By: Tribunal Clerk

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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

MICHIGAN ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS SYSTEM 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

230 E GRAND RIVER LLC, 

Petitioner, 

vs. 

CITY OF DETROIT, 

Respondent. 

/

 

 

 

MTT Docket #26-00 

Parcel No. 23002017.017N 

 

 

 

 

PETITION 

 

 

230 E Grand River LLC (“Petitioner”), through its attorneys, Law Office of 

Aaron M. Fales, P.C., says: 

 

1. 

Petitioner's principal office address is PO Box 2652, Birmingham, MI 

48012. Petitioner is a party in interest with respect to property taxes on 

contiguous real property tax parcel no(s). 23002017.017N ("Petitioner's Property"), 

at 230 E Grand River, Detroit, MI, 48226. 

 

2. 

Respondent, City of Detroit assesses and collects property taxes on 

Petitioner's Property. 

 

3. 

 In 2026, Respondent determined the taxable value of Petitioner's 

Parcel to be $2,316,541 and assessed Petitioner's Property at $4,996,300 resulting 

in a state equalized value of the same amount based on the tenative 

equalization factor.

Page 2

4. 

Petitioner's Property is classified as Commercial Real Property. 

Petitioner's Property is commercial property. Petitioner believes that Petitioner's 

Property was designed to be used as a commercial purposes. 

 

5. 

This matter involves issues relating to: (a) valuation, (b) assessment, 

(c) taxable value, and (d) uniformity. 

 

6. 

At this time, Petitioner believes, as it relates to taxable value, that 

there is a dispute relative to the value of a loss. 

 

7. 

The 2026 assessment, including state equalized value and taxable 

value, imposed on Petitioner's Property, and the taxes to be levied and 

collected thereon, are invalid and unlawful and operate as a fraud upon the 

taxpayer for the reasons that: 

 

 

(a) 

The assessment, including state equalized value and/or 

taxable value, exceeds the amount permitted by the Michigan Constitution and 

applicable statutes; 

 

 

(b) 

The assessment, including state equalized value and/or 

taxable value, are at higher percentages of true cash value than permissible 

under the Michigan Constitution and applicable statutes; 

 

 

(c) 

The assessment, including taxable value and/or state 

equalized value, are based upon an erroneous determination of the true cash 

value of that portion of Petitioner's Property that is taxable under Michigan law, 

and are based upon the application of wrong principles; and,

Page 3

(d) 

The assessment, including state equalized value and/or 

taxable value, and the mode of assessment adopted by Respondent, 

discriminate against Petitioner and deny Petitioner its constitutional rights to 

uniformity, equal protection and due process of law. 

 

WHEREFORE, Petitioner requests that the Tax Tribunal enter an 

Order reducing the 2026 taxable value of Petitioner's Parcel from $2,255,639 to 

$1,000,000, and reducing the 2026 assessed and state equalized values of 

Petitioner's Property from $4,996,300 to $1,000,000, and requiring Respondent to 

pay Petitioner the refunds attributable to such reductions, plus interest and costs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: ___________, 2026 

Respectfully submitted, 

 

LAW OFFICE OF AARON M. FALES, P.C. 

Attorney for Petitioner 

 

By: _________________________ 

 

Aaron M. Fales (P72864) 

 330 Hamilton Row, Ste 350 

 Birmingham, MI 48009 

 (248) 767-9840 

 

 

 

 

May 12

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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR

Entire Tribunal Case Information Sheet - Petitioner

MTT DOCKET NO. 

 

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information

Filer type: 

Organization 

Local Unit of Government

First Name

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name

230 E grand River LLC

Home Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

PO Box 2652

City or Town

Birmingham

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48012

Telephone Number

2487679840

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail)

afaleslaw@gmail.com

 

 

Section 2: Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information

First Name

Aaron

M.I.

Last Name

Fales

Firm Name (if any)

Law Office of Aaron M Fales, P.C.

Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

330 Hamilton Row

Suite 350

City or Town

Birmingham

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48009

Telephone Number

248-767-9840

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail)

afaleslaw@gmail.com

 

Section 3: Issue 

Please designate one: 

Valuation 

 

Section 4: Subject Property Information 

How many parcels are you 

appealing?

1

Property Address (No., Street, City, ST, ZIP) [If multiple, list first property’s address]

230 E Grand River

Detroit

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR

Michigan

48226

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

City of Detroit (Wayne) 

County

Wayne

If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining? 

(*If no, you must file separate appeals for each non-contiguous or non-adjoining parcel.)

N/A

 

 

Section 5: Check which of the following you are appealing (check all that apply) 

True Cash and Taxable Values

If “Other”, please explain:

 

 

Section 6: Valuation Information for Each Parcel under Appeal

Parcel Number:

23002017.017N

Classification of Property: Real (check one)

Commercial (check one)

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the Board of Review:

4996300

Current Taxable Value as established by the Board of Review:

2316541

What do you believe is the fair market value (also known as True Cash Value)?

2000000

Multiply the True Cash Value by 50% and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value).

1000000

If you belive the Taxable Value differs from your contention of Assessed Value, enter your contention of Taxable Value.

1000000

Fee Information

The filing fee is based on the greater of State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention. If you are appealing more than one parcel, the parcel with the 

highest State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention will be used to determine your filing fee, plus $25.00 will be added for each additional parcel being 

appealed.

If the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: Your filing fee is:

 

 $100,000.00 and under $250.00

 $100,000.01 to $500,000.00 $400.00

 $Over $500,000.00 $600.00

* Plus $25.00 for each additional parcel, not to exceed a total filing fee of $2,000.00.

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR

A fee of $250.00 is required for the filing of a Special Assessment Appeal.

A fee of $250.00 is required for the filing of an Equalization Tax Appeal.

A fee of $250.00 is required for the filing of a Non-Property Tax Appeal.

A fee of $150.00 is required for the filing of a Classification Tax Appeal

Electronic Signature *Typing your name below will serve as your signature

Petitioner or Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Signature: 

/s/ Aaron Fales

Payment Information

Amount: 600

Success: True

Message: ""

Waiver Code:

Transaction Number: 26051284969783

Supporting Waiver Documents:

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