DETROIT – Some neighbors describe Alpine Street in Detroit as a quiet area.
“I’ve been living in this neighborhood since I was a little girl,” said Laverta Washington as she stood outside her house to take in the crowd gathering a few houses away.
Residents like Washington are optimistic about signs of change, as some neighbors are fixing up homes and a new greenway extension is bringing more visitors.
“They like to come over and sightsee because of that Joe Louis walkway,” Washington explained, unaware of the real reason the crowd was gathering on her block on Monday.
Detroit Construction and Demolition department arranged the demolition of a nuisance property. A house that some neighbors described as a safety hazard on their street.
“It’s a very big relief to have it finally torn down,” one woman explained.
The crowd watched as contractors too action to tear down the house.
“I think it’s actually a good thing that they are tearing down the house because it’s an eyesore,” a neighbor named Tony explained.
Neighbors living near the problem property said the house had been an eyesore for some time.
“It was burned,” said Royal Terrell. “The back was cut out and stuff. So, it looked bad. I’m happy they are taking it out.”
Families nearby had been complaining about the place, stating it had become a breeding ground for rodents and other unsafe activities. That’s why Detroit’s Construction and Demolition Department is kicking off demolition week here on Alpine. Staff spent time engaging with community members as the demolition crew knocked down the old and abandoned house.
“I just really appreciate seeing a lot of the traction the city’s been making really getting the development process going for the future. A lot of this stuff really was too much of an eyesore. Like I said, it’s nice to see some actual momentum and actual process of things happening right now,” said Shannon Mayfield.
Currently, the city of Detroit has a goal of 8,000 demolitions, and workers say they’re on track to meet that goal by this summer.
“The city is actually doing what they’re promising,” said a mom who owns a home near the problem property.
As for neighbors like Washington, one neighborhood nuisance gone means peace of mind on Alpine Street.
“All I can say is thank you for doing what you do,” Washington said. “It’ll make it look better.”
Detroit’s Construction and Demolition Department has a list of events scheduled for Demolition Week, including a Citywide Career & Resources Fair on Wednesday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northwest Activities Center, located at 8100 Meyers Road, Detroit, MI 48235.
