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Help Me Hank demands answers from Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan about future of demolition program

Demolition could be scaled back unless City Council supports bond

DETROIT – Help Me Hank is getting answers from Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan about the potential big hit facing the city’s demolition program.

City officials put contractors on notice that the demolition of blighted homes and structures might be significantly scaled back unless City Council members support the upcoming demolition bond.

The demolition program and all the progress the city has made tearing down abandoned homes could soon vanish, depending on the outcome of a battle between Duggan and the City Council.

Duggan wants the City Council to pass his demolition bond, which would then go to the people to vote on next year.

But some City Council members have concerns. The demolition program has not only been under investigation in the past -- a recent report essentially claimed the program is mismanaged.

Duggan’s fight to take on blight has been successful in terms of the sheer number of homes that have come down. In fact, the mayor has set a goal to make Detroit almost blight-free by 2024.

Local 4 has been on the ground watching the dangerous homes come down, and many residents have been thrilled to see the results. But that progress could soon come to a halt.

You can view the letter sent to demolition contracts, which was obtained by Help Me Hank, below.

A letter sent to demolition contractors. (WDIV)

You can watch Hank Winchester’s full story in the video posted above.


About the Authors
Hank Winchester headshot

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.

Derick Hutchinson headshot

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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