Judge, 93, Peeved By Incomplete Housing Discrimination Case

HAMTRAMCK, Mich. (AP) - A judge has ordered taxpayers in a Detroit-area community to pay up as a way to end a housing discrimination case that has been in federal court for more than 40 years.

Three of 200 houses still need to be developed in Hamtramck to make up for civil rights violations against blacks whose neighborhoods were demolished in the 1960s.

A fund was created to set aside certain taxes to pay for the housing, but there's not enough money and the financially strapped Hamtramck can't afford to use its general fund.

In a July 24 order, federal Judge Damon Keith said at least $600,000 shall be collected through winter property tax bills.

The 93-year-old is frustrated by the slow pace. He says: "This thing can't go on."