NORTHVILLE, Mich. – A lawsuit has been filed over the handling of the Northville Downs redevelopment project as residents express concerns over the environmental impacts.
The lawsuit names the city of Northville and the project’s developers to transform the old Downs racetrack into a multi-purpose site with housing, parks, and retail.
Residents first told Local 4 about their concerns in June, when an oil spill resulted from the demolition.
The residents have now taken legal action, citing the oil spill, dust concerns, and other issues.
The lawsuit accuses the city of “callous demolition and construction of a large, contaminated property, surrounded by neighborhoods, causing irreparable harm to the neighbors.”
“All of that dust from these crushed blocks are going into the air and consequently into our neighborhoods,” resident Cindi Brazen said.
The plaintiffs referred to as Northville Downs Neighbors for Safe Development, want the city to take more measures to minimize the construction’s environmental impacts.
“(It’s) shoving contaminated dust, heavily contaminated dust down our throats and into our lungs,” Jeff Snyder said.
Officials with the City of Northville released the following statement regarding the lawsuit:
“City administration has reviewed the lawsuit and is confident that our oversight of the Downs construction site is consistent with law, policy and best practices. The City always prioritizes the health, safety and welfare of our residents and will continue to do so. Further, the City Attorney will defend this matter vigorously. “
We will be offering no further comments on this item as it is pending litigation.”
City Manager George Lahanas
EGLE released the following statement:
“EGLE does not routinely monitor for dust emissions from demolition/construction projects but we will respond to complaints that come through to us. A quick search didn’t turn up any recent complaints from Northville Downs work, but I’ll check more thoroughly and let you know if we’ve had any.”
Hugh McDiarmid Jr. EGLE Communications Manager