Grosse Pointe Park

Murder case not reflective of city, say neighbors, officials

By K. Michelle Moran
C & G Staff Writer

» Click on image to view full size « Photo by K. Michelle Moran Television news trucks line Middlesex in Grosse Pointe Park near the home of Bob Bashara. Some neighbors and city officials are unhappy with the extensive and, some say, speculative coverage of the case. Photo by K. Michelle Moran Television news trucks line Middlesex in Grosse Pointe Park near the home of Bob Bashara. Some neighbors and city officials are unhappy with the extensive and, some say, speculative coverage of the case.

It seems not everyone is eager to be part of a reality television show.

For the residents of the normally quiet, tree-lined Middlesex Road, the glare of the media spotlight stemming from the Jane Bashara murder case has been harsh and unwelcome.

Neighbors have lived with a string of news trucks, reporters and photographers virtually camped out in front of the Bashara home since the story broke Jan. 25, and more than a few of them aren’t happy about it.

As one woman walked down the street, she expressed her frustration with the barrage of attention — even when nothing has been going on, as was the case the afternoon of Feb. 2, when there appeared to be no activity at the home.

“I think they’re all a bunch of vultures,” the resident said. “I think it’s rude. They’re invading everyone’s privacy. (The case is) going to take time, and it’s going to be processed.”

Although police have said Bob Bashara is a “person of interest” in this case, he had not been named a suspect as of press time, nor had anyone else. Public Safety Chief David Hiller declined any comment on the case Feb. 2.

For some city leaders and employees, the issue is with the potentially negative light this case has thrown on their city. Building Inspector Ken Allen and Public Service Director Pat Thomas point to the many positives in their community, including: two beautiful lakefront parks, a reflecting pond, excellent services, a new neighborhood library and stable leadership. Thomas, a lifelong Park resident, takes special pride in serving the community he’s always called home.

“I think (longtime Mayor) Palmer Heenan has done a tremendous job, (City Manager) Dale (Krajniak) and (Finance Director/City Clerk) Jane (Blahut) have done a wonderful job,” Allen said. “There’s no division in our community. How many communities have pulled together in these difficult times?”

Allen noted that the city’s nonprofit Grosse Pointe Park Foundation has raised funds for numerous improvements.
 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at kmoran@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1047.