Hamtramck City Council Tackles Tree Planting, Social Media Policy, and Bazaar Concerns

The council discussed a range of community issues, from park upgrades to social media conduct.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:55pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty city council chamber, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and casting long shadows across the room, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and civic responsibility.The Hamtramck City Council grapples with community issues, from park upgrades to social media conduct, in a somber, introspective setting.Hamtramck Today

The Hamtramck City Council met on March 24, addressing topics such as a tree-planting block party, the city's 'Tree City' designation, park improvements, concerns over a mosque's call to prayer, and a proposed social media policy. The council also debated the monthly Night Bazaar event and discussed comments made by council members on social media.

Why it matters

This city council meeting covered a diverse range of issues that impact the Hamtramck community, from public spaces and events to religious and social media concerns. The discussions highlight the challenges and priorities facing this diverse, urban city as it navigates growth, community engagement, and governance.

The details

The council announced plans for an April 18 tree-planting block party in Pulaski Park, funded by a grant. The city has also been named a 'Tree City' by the Arbor Day Foundation. The Hamtramck Parks Conservancy gave an update on park upgrades, including renovations to basketball and tennis courts, and the addition of restrooms at the historic baseball stadium. During public comment, residents raised concerns about a mosque broadcasting the call to prayer before the city's 6 a.m. limit, as well as the council's hiring process and management of city affairs. The council also discussed forming an employment sub-committee, consolidating city departments, purchasing police vehicles, and creating a social media policy to monitor comments on the city's pages. After debate, the council approved the Night Bazaar street closure but rejected the social media policy proposal.

  • The tree-planting block party will happen on April 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • The city has been named a 'Tree City' by the Arbor Day Foundation.

The players

Isabel Allaway

The manager of the Community Economic Department, who said the city's 'Tree City' designation opens up new resources and grant opportunities.

Tom Habitz

The Executive Director of the Hamtramck Parks Conservancy, who said the organization has made significant progress on park upgrades.

Phillip Kwik

A resident who complained about a mosque broadcasting the call to prayer before the city's 6 a.m. limit.

Nayeem Choudhury

A city council member who questioned the benefits of the monthly Night Bazaar event and criticized fellow council members' social media conduct.

Adam Alharbi

The mayor, who encouraged women to participate more in the city and said he wants to set standards for the council's operations.

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What they’re saying

“The city charter is not optional. It must be respected.”

— A resident

“When lines are crossed, there should be accountability. There should be apologies being made. Let's just get better with the social media, guys.”

— Naji Choudhury

“It's my freedom of speech, my freedom of expression.”

— Nayeem Choudhury, City Council Member

“I encourage everybody to participate: women, men, everybody in our city. We do want our women leaders to step forward.”

— Adam Alharbi, Mayor

“The system we have is very good. I'm not going to give my power to you.”

— Mohammed Hassan, City Council Member

What’s next

The council will look into the concerns raised about the ambulance service response time and the possibility of restoring the fire department to provide ambulance service.

The takeaway

This city council meeting highlighted the diverse range of issues facing Hamtramck, from community events and infrastructure to religious and social media concerns. The discussions showcased the challenges of governing a diverse, urban city and the need to balance various stakeholder interests.