Detroit sues developer over debris, mounds of dirt in Core City
The city of Detroit is suing developers who proposed a concrete crushing site in Core City for failing to clean up property that has become a nuisance.
The lawsuit against developer Murray Wikol, and Patricia Kent, which the lawsuit names as a property owner, alleges a public nuisance that threatens the "health, safety and welfare" of residents near the mounds of dirt and debris of the 4.7-acre site at 4445 Lawton St. in Detroit. Developers proposed building a concrete crusher at the site but it spurred an outcry among dozens of community members and public officials, citing concerns about air pollution, dust, increased truck traffic and noise. Detroit's Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental department in December denied the permit.
The controversy resulted in a lawsuit alleging a public nuisance affecting residents near the property. Violations include blight, debris, public rights of way in disrepair, mounds of dirt and solid waste storage, according to the lawsuit. The city is also asking for a court-appointed representative to ensure the property is remediated.
"It's not a tool to take control of the land," said Conrad Mallett, Detroit's corporation counsel. "What we want is this cleaned up ... we brought this lawsuit against the defendant because they have not done the work. Why should we trust they're going to follow through and do it in a timely and complete manner?"
More: 'No concrete crusher' in Detroit's Core City, advocates say
Wikol, head of ProVisions LLC and Can-Am International Trade Crossing, which lists some of the project information online, could not be immediately reached.
If the judge determines the property is a nuisance under the city's nuisance abatement ordinance, ownership could transfer to the city, Mallett added.
"We want them to comply. Stop damaging the neighborhood. Keep it clean, don’t let it become an illegal dumping ground. If you're going to hold it for speculative purposes, that’s not illegal but you cannot dump on it. You have to treat the people of the city of Detroit respectfully," Mallett said.
Organizers in Core City are planning another callout to hold developers accountable to clean up the property at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at 2901 Buchanan St. Area residents, U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero and Wayne County Commissioner Jonathan Kinloch are expected to be there, according to a news advisory.
Eleanor Parnell, who lives near the site, said she did not receive notifications about the project until organizers protested against it. Her main concern regards concrete piles within close proximity.
"When the wind picks up, dust accumulates everywhere. When it rains ... concrete mud floods out into the street. My daughter deals with many multiple chronic health issues daily and I’m so concerned about how Wikol is affecting her. It’s just unjust and unfair," Parnell said.
Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact Dana: dafana@freepress.com or 313-635-3491. Follow her on Twitter: @DanaAfana.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit sues concrete crushing developer over blight in Core City
