Homeowner surrounded by blight on Detroit's east side

Nathaniel Neal Jr. battles abandoned houses in Detroit neighborhood

DETROIT – A homeowner on Detroit's east side said the city's renaissance has left him behind. The street he's lived on for decades has steadily declined, leaving blight in its wake.

He said the problem is on Hathon Street near Harper Avenue and Mount Elliott Street.

"Every time I come out the front door, I'm almost in tears," Nathaniel Neal Jr. said.

Neal said one home near him burned twice and another burned three or four times. He said police pulled three bodies out of another one.

But the view hasn't changed in about 20 years, which means other problems have popped up.

"Nasty smells," Neal said. "And you can sit on my porch at night and see rats this big and tails this long.

"I have been asking and begging and begging and begging for help."

Neal said he's called the city many times, only to see improvements elsewhere.

"Every time I look around, they're tearing down houses on the west side, and I can't get any help, and I pay taxes," Neal said.

The neighborhood has potential. It's well-kept, and other homes have been knocked down. But one next to Neal and two across the road are still there.

"Two are Land Bank-owned and one is privately owned," District 3 Manager Erinn Harris said. "It was a demo candidate, but is not on the demo list as of now."

A representative from the city came out to speak with Neal after Local 4's calls. It turns out he lives in a zone where the city doesn't have federal funding to demolish homes. Money is tight, and the next step is to board up the houses.

"We have some burnt-up homes in non-HHF areas, and we're working on a strategy, and right now, we don't have one," Harris said.

"I don't want to move, but it's a health issue," Neal said.


About the Authors:

Jason is Local 4’s utility infielder. In addition to anchoring the morning newscast, he often reports on a variety of stories from the tragic, like the shootings at Michigan State, to the off-beat, like great gas station food.

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.