The city of Dearborn is stepping up enforcement of its ordinance regulating commercial vehicles parked in residential neighborhoods.

City leaders say they are taking this action as a way to preserve the residential character of our neighborhoods. Commercial vehicles parked illegally in these areas are subject to $60 citations ($30 if paid within three-business days.) .

In a recent four-day sweep of Dearborn, 164 citations were issued for commercial vehicles in violation of the parking ordinance.

“Dearborn residents want a safe City where people obey the laws,” said Police Commander Jimmy Solomon.

In ever increasing numbers, residents have told police that their quality of life is being affected by commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks, parked in their neighborhoods and along roadways.

“They (residents) tell us about big box trucks and semi-trucks, sometimes parked overnight, in driveways, side streets and even on main streets. These vehicles generate safety issues by blocking drivers’ views, as well as creating noise issues when left running,” Solomon said.

The Traffic and Motor Vehicles section of Dearborn’s Code of Ordinances states that it is “unlawful for any person to park any commercial vehicle on any residential street within the City or upon private property within a residential area of the City.”

Further, it is “unlawful for any person to park any commercial vehicle on any nonresidential street for a period of time longer than one hour between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. of any day.”

People whose jobs require them to use a commercial vehicle and be on call 24-hours a day may apply for a permit through Dearborn’s Traffic Commission.

A processing fee of $50 and proof of employment are required. Details are found in Section 18-356 (Parking of Commercial Vehicles) of Dearborn’s Code of Ordinances.

Additional information may be obtained from the Dearborn Police Traffic Bureau at 943-2275.

The public is invited to attend a free photography lecture-workshop series to be presented by award winning Dearborn photographer Teresa Lousias. The series is part of the Oakwood Arts for the Spirit program and will be held in the Rotunda Room of Oakwood Common, located at 16351 Rotunda in Dearborn.

The four-part lectures and workshop series will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and include:

Photography Travel Lecture, August 31

“The Art of Seeing” Workshop, September 7

“The Zen of Photography” Workshop, September 14

Framing and Exhibiting Your Photos Lecture, September 21

 Photography workshop participants will have an opportunity to showcase their photos at an Exhibition Day event to be held in the Rotunda Room at Oakwood Common on Sunday, October 23, 2011.

“This will be a fun and informative experience that will help to enhance your photography knowledge,” said Delfina Mauricio, Activity Director for Oakwood Common.

For more details and to make a reservation, please call 313-253-9597 or send an email to [email protected].

About Oakwood Common

Oakwood Common offers one and two bedroom apartments located within a beautiful 29-acre retirement community that includes exquisite landscaping, nature trails and scenic views along the historic Rouge River Gateway in Dearborn. Oakwood Common apartments, available with flexible payment options, offer exceptional amenities for independent living and can be readily customized. Assisted living and a comprehensive rehabilitation and skilled nursing center are also available for those with additional needs. For more information and to arrange tours, call 800-642-4663 or visit www.oakwoodcommon.org