Residents of Sterling Heights voiced strong concerns during a recent city council meeting regarding a proposed millage increase aimed at funding various community projects, including park improvements and public safety initiatives.

Yvonne Niaz, a local resident, raised questions about the environmental impact of the millage proposal, specifically regarding the removal of old-growth trees in Rotary Park to make way for new amenities. She expressed skepticism about the long-term benefits of such changes, arguing that taxpayers would ultimately bear the cost of both tree removal and subsequent replanting efforts, which would take decades to mature. Niaz also highlighted concerns about the permanence of green spaces, questioning the city’s assurances that deed restrictions would prevent future development on these lands.

Paul Smith, another resident, echoed Niaz's sentiments but took a broader stance against the proposed tax increases. He criticized the city for what he described as a \"tax-hungry\" approach, suggesting that the proposed millage would extract significant funds from the local economy without delivering meaningful benefits to residents. Smith characterized the millage as a \"Trojan horse,\" alleging that it would fund unnecessary projects and create a slush fund for the city to purchase land at inflated prices, rather than addressing the community's actual needs.

Both speakers emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and transparency in local government, urging fellow residents to reconsider their support for the millage proposal. The discussions reflect a growing unease among Sterling Heights residents about the implications of increased taxation and the management of public resources.