DETROIT – A nuisance property on Detroit’s west side could soon be added to the city’s demolition list.
Neighbors along the 7600 block of Holmes Street have been complaining about the conditions at 7606 Holmes Street for some time, according to a memo submitted to city departments by District 6 Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero.
“Well, everybody is just trying to improve the neighborhood and stuff,” said neighbor Ricardo Moore.
Problem properties, like the burned-out and abandoned structure residents, have been described as a nuisance and have been barring progress for neighbors who claim they’re trying to fix up the community.
The dangerous house at 7606 Holmes Street has been damaged by fire multiple times.
“Neighbors complained trash and debris was scattered around the property before windows and doors wre recently covered. There’s also a garage that is unsecured and trashing flooding the floor.”
According to Santiago-Romero, the Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) listed the house as a dangerous property in 2017, seven years ago.
In a memo submitted to Detroit’s BSEED and the Construction and Demolition Department on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, the councilwoman said neighbors complain the structure poses a serious hazard and should be demolished.
Santiago-Romero asked why the property has not yet been referred for demolition despite being on the dangerous buildings list since 2017.
Representatives from the Mayor’s office confirmed on Monday (Nov. 18) that the property was referred to the Demolition and Construction Department in October.
A yellow notice was attached to the property on Nov. 8, 2024, indicating that inspections found several violations.
City staff said an asbestos survey has already been completed on the property. Once that is reviewed, the project could be submitted for bids for demolition.
While neighbors continue focusing on improvements on the block, they said one less nuisance and safety hazard will give them peace of mind.