Hollow Hype
Ann Arbor, Michigan is one of the most educated communities in the country, but its local government was taken in by a twice convicted felon. In California, Heidi went to prison for fraud. In West Virginia, she was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering and narrowly avoided prison. Beginning in 2020, elected leaders and City staff in Ann Arbor promoted Heidi's businesses and embraced her as a community partner. Former Ann Arbor City Council Member Elizabeth Nelson shares what happened in Michigan. She digs through local archives and government records to understand how other communities fell victim to HOLLOW HYPE.
“Yes, that makes sense”
A review of the timeline the day Marge died, how police approached the scene, and reaction at City Hall. What Heidi told Ann Arbor police does not match the record of what happened that day.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
WDIV News Report (November 16, 2018)
https://youtu.be/zWhAUwx8Mlc
Startup Grind Conference (March 2020)
https://www.startupgrind.tech/
https://yo...
“The Opportunity to Control Things”
A timeline and summary of Heidi’s history and activities in Ann Arbor leading up to Marge’s death.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
NextGEN MKE Sustainability panel (June 15, 2024)
https://youtu.be/Vm--VUSrx7c
Ann Arbor City Planning Commission (December 18, 2018)
https://youtu.be/x136Va7TBXY?t=15496s
Ann Arbor City Council (May 3, 2021)
https...
“Someone that does it once will do it again”
A deeper dive into the connections that Heidi made in Ohio and West Virginia that led to her felony conviction for money laundering.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
Geoff Schenkel, former Marietta City Council member, current Development Director
https://www.wtap.com/2023/11/17/marietta-city-councilman-geoff-schenkel-resigns/
https://www.mariettaoh.net/services/community_development/index.php
Harley Noland, Marietta City Council
https://ww...
“Didn’t quite mesh with the surroundings”
When Heidi and Marge bought every home on the Ann Arbor block at State/Stimson/White/Henry, they raised the rent and virtually everyone moved out. It’s now an empty lot.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
Ann Arbor City Planning Commission (May 16, 2023)
https://youtu.be/gHTOnsiAY0I
Southtown block, prior to demolition
https://www.mlive.com/galleries/5BTXU3L5JBABN...
“All of the framework to do something illegal”
A more detailed explanation of the crimes Heidi committed in California, Ohio, and West Virginia. Heidi’s previous convictions illustrate what she is capable of and the tactics she’s used in the past to get what she wants.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
KD Merritt, former Wood County Commissioner
https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/local-news/2017/03/former-wood-county-sheriff-ken-merritt-dies-at-81/
Rick Modesitt, former Wood County Commiss...
“Bespoke Financial Advisory”
In a matter of weeks, the bankruptcy of Southtown will be resolved, dismissed, or carry on. Potential investors come from Las Vegas and Dubai. If they come through as promised, Heidi stands to gain up to $17 million.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
Free webinar - Debt Solutions Service.com - Philip Ahmadzai (Oct 9, 2013)
https://youtu.be/KvBVrwldhAs
Debt Solutions - Philip Ahmadzai...
“Is the money going to be there?”
Heidi and Marge had a lavish lifestyle, even as the finances of Southtown were collapsing. Heidi has maintained that lifestyle even through bankruptcy. Details about Marge’s death are still not known.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
Hotel Le Meurice
https://www.lartisien.com/hotel/le-meurice
Barton Hills, Michigan
https://www.zillow.com/home-values/37293/barton-hills-ann-arbor-mi/
“The wave of the future”
Heidi is persistent in pushing people to give her what she wants. Filing mistakes delay a plan for the Southtown bankruptcy. People from the past are reluctant to come forward and Marge’s friends have questions.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
U.S. Senate Session, March 30, 2000
https://www.c-span.org/program/senate-proceeding/senate-session/100856
U.S. House Session, May 25, 2000
https://www.c-sp...
“Less than good reputations”
A new site plan for Southtown is approved, despite unpaid property taxes. Heidi shares a misleading appraisal to investors. In three states, Heidi has looked to elected leaders to help her get money.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
Ann Arbor City Planning Commission meeting (April 7, 2026)
https://youtu.be/69FQskDAKF4
Ann Arbor City Council meeting (June 15, 2026)
https://youtu.be/Jn1r_ev...
“It’s how much? 13 million”
Plans to resolve the Southtown bankruptcy would direct millions in cash or equity interest to Heidi, through Marge’s estate. Heidi gains control of businesses that she and Marge built together.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
[email protected]
Green Home Institute: Imagine Housing as a Service (May 2020)
https://youtu.be/PEpZoyLcAtE
4M City Club and the 15-minute neighborhood (June 2021)
https://youtu.be/9h84X09C_0A
Ann Arbor City Planning Commission meeting (June 21, 2023)
http...
“Compelling equity investment opportunity”
Southtown needs investors. After Marge’s death, Heidi leads the Southtown bankruptcy. The development is appraised at such a high value that money from investors could pay off all creditors.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
[email protected]
Ann Arbor City Planning Commission Meeting (April 7, 2026)
https://youtu.be/69FQskDAKF4
Southtown site plan (April 2026)
https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7968150&GUID=3CCAFFDA-1859-49F6-996E-3BB4AF86C82A
WEMU “Ann Arbor Planning Commis...
“The most diverse Council we’ve had in Ann Arbor history”
Local news outlets ignore the Michigan Daily story about Heidi. She offers excuses and others in the community defend her. Heidi has built valuable relationships with elected leaders allied with the Mayor.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
[email protected]
Dear Evanston: “Equity, campaign finance reform, and options for change” (April 2018)
https://youtu.be/R8GkNV5edrE
Fox 2 Detroit (October 18, 2024)
https://youtu.be/K3HHVNlAo1w
WEMU radio (October 3, 2024)
https://www.wemu.org/wemu-news/2024-10-03...
“I get a lot of calls from NIMBYs”
Ann Arbor residents discover Heidi’s criminal record, but local news outlets won’t report on it. Elected leaders defend the money that got them elected and organize against campaign finance reform. After weeks of delay, student journalists at the Michigan Daily finally publish a story about Heidi.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
[email protected]
Ann Arbor City Council approves exclusive negotiations to sell property (June 3, 2024)
https://youtu.be/guFi0K3e7CY
State Senate candidate Peter Eckste...
“I understand, like, less than 50% of it”
Ann Arbor City Planning Commission and City Council approve a new plan for Southtown. Dr. Missy Stults (director of Sustainability and Innovations for the City) relies on Heidi’s promises for cleaner fuel. Local environmentalists question the plan. Heidi’s former architect says it won’t work.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
[email protected]
A2 New Tech meeting at The Henry (September 21, 2021)
https://youtu.be/YuwBl-iTTLw
A2 New Tech meeting at Venue (August 16, 2022)
https://youtu.be/TrweBvLFlWs
Ann...
“Stop being part of the lies”
Ann Arbor City Council unanimously approves Heidi’s plan for Southtown. City staff recommend negotiating the sale of public property to Heidi’s company, 4M. When residents question the non-competitive deal and the fact that Heidi is a campaign donor to City leaders, she lashes out.
If you know something about Heidi’s activities in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, or California, please email:
[email protected]
Public engagement meeting at Venue (April 4, 2024)
https://a2council.com/cranbrook-village-resident-participation-meeting-april-4-2024/
Ann Arbor City Council approves Southtown rezoning (September 5, 2023)
https://a2gov.legistar.com/Vi...
“We can sell that together”
Residents question Heidi’s plan for more Airbnb near the stadium. Heidi reinvents herself as a sustainability expert to align with power players at Ann Arbor City Hall. Twenty years earlier, Heidi’s broadband scheme was endorsed by members of Congress from both Ohio and West Virginia.
Ann Arbor City Council meeting (May 3, 2021)
https://youtu.be/MYwyZAJsZO4
Ann Arbor City Council meeting (August 7, 2023)
https://youtu.be/OdWTqtEnrds
Public engagement meeting for Southtown (September 21, 2022)
https://a2elnel.com/post/public-meeting-for-southtown-by-4m-development-sept-21-2022/
Ann Arbor City Council meeting minutes (September 5, 2023)
h...
“They’re owed their dues, right? Risk, reward”
Heidi hires a member of the City Planning Commission in Ann Arbor to design her next projects: a former grocery store and more short term rentals in a development covering an entire block. Heidi’s wife Marge takes the lead in promoting a rebranded business.
2021 amendments to Ann Arbor short term rental ordinance (May 3, 2021)
https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4892427&GUID=B937507A-2A1C-4FEB-8F94-9692ED9EBB88&FullText=1
Lisa Sauve joins Ann Arbor Planning commission (July 17, 2018)
https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=613336&GUID=71AD6B7...
“Emergent Industry”
A new Ann Arbor City Council majority wants to weaken the STR ordinance, in order to protect Heidi’s businesses. When then Council Member Elizabeth Nelson publicizes her concerns, the FBI visits her at home.
Ann Arbor City Council meeting minutes (January 6, 2020)
https://a2gov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=737701&GUID=2D1F0EB0-3191-498A-A936-E08ED71D51DE
Ann Arbor City Council Resolution sponsored by Mayor Taylor (December 21, 2020)
https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4733989&GUID=7AA9862B-49AD-4541-9831-4FE461B4AF9E
An...
“I don’t mean a bribe”
Ann Arbor City Council considers a regulation that would impact Heidi’s short term rental business. She makes a desperate phone call to then Council Member Elizabeth Nelson.
Public meetings re: short term rentals (October 2019)
https://a2elnel.com/post/city-to-hold-public-meetings-in-october-about-short-term-rental-regulation/
Resolution directing regulation (January 2020)
https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4286174&GUID=7FF5FC94-EED2-4D64-99C3-901D0AD3CE8D
Ordinance approved with six-month delay in enforcement (September 2020)
https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4589957&GUID=7ACF876A-8A8A-407A-8023-314BB78026F5...
“Investors are pocketing the difference”
Heidi was still on probation when she bought her first property in Ann Arbor. Local residents noticed that she was converting homes and apartments into short term rentals (Airbnb).
Burns Park & Lower Burns Park (Ann Arbor)
https://annarborobserver.com/guide/burns-park-4/
Heidi’s portfolio
https://www.staysby4m.com/our-listings
Meet Kurt Berggren
https://aadl.org/N127_0056_073
https://www.legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1002784
Ann Arbor City Council resolution calling for study of short term rentals (March 2019)
https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3888770&GUID=856D2...
“Don’t you know? Developers lie”
In her first few months on Ann Arbor City Council, Elizabeth Nelson met Heidi, a twice convicted felon who was eager to influence policy at City Hall. In their very first conversation, Heidi didn’t tell the truth.
Heidi’s Henry Street project in Ann Arbor:
https://www.nuveen.com/greencapital/the-henry
MLive/Ann Arbor News coverage of the Henry Street project:
https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2019/02/group-living-with-co-working-space-for-young-professionals-coming-to-ann-arbor.html
1980 Pioneer High School yearbook:
https://aadl.org/sites/default/files/docfiles/yearbook-pioneer_high_school-1980.pdf
Michigan Daily (1982)
http...
