Martha Reeves - Martha Reeves Defends Property Violations

Former Motown star MARTHA REEVES has defended herself against housing code violations after 10 of her properties were found in a state of disrepair. Reeves, a Detroit, Michigan councilwoman, has a notoriously strict housing policy but insists she's not embarrassed by the scandal because she purchased the properties unseen. Unkempt gardens, as well as dumped electronic equipment, currently litter 10 out of her 15 properties, inspectors found, while at one two-unit rental property 25 code violations were counted, including two possible fire hazards. In a written statement the DANCING IN THE STREET singer says, "My hope was to help revitalise some of the neighbourhoods in Detroit, by building on them, or working with community groups to establish urban greenery areas." She also adds that her new management company would ensure "improvements are forthcoming". Reeves was elected to a four-year term on the nine-member City Council last November (05).