WARREN, Mich. – A community is divided over how to address ongoing issues at a popular hangout spot in the city.
City officials report multiple complaints about noise and disturbances outside Motor City Sports Bar and Grill in Warren, prompting them to declare it a public nuisance.
During a recent city council meeting, Council Secretary Mindy Moore highlighted the ongoing problems that have persisted for at least a year.
She noted residents have reported numerous disturbances related to the scenes outside of the bar, particularly late at night.
“There have been 253 police runs in the last three years, and that doesn’t include other calls that could be on the adjoining streets,” she said.
The council discussed the impact of noise and gatherings outside the bar, which have been reported by nearby residents.
Moore emphasized that the issues stem from activities outside the bar rather than inside, leading to frustration among residents.
“Many people have tried different things, and it had no effect whatsoever,” said Moore. “The problems are not inside the bar. That’s not where the calls are; it’s outside.”
Video evidence presented during the April 22 meeting showed large gatherings and loud music in the parking lot, which is reportedly too small for the volume of patrons.
“Neighbors are hearing them at their homes,” Moore said during the meeting. “It’s a fairly small parking lot, and there’s spillage out onto the residential streets.”
City officials have indicated that if the bar’s owner doesn’t take steps to address the issues, the city attorney’s office may file a nuisance action in circuit court.
“We’re going to have to act quickly,” said a council member. “We just can’t keep allowing this to happen.”
David Nuculaj’s family owns the bar and expressed surprise at the council’s discussion with Local 4 on Monday (May 12).
Nuculaj stated that the bar has invested in additional signage and a live-camera monitoring system to deter unwanted activity.
“We felt attacked,” Nuculaj said. “It’s our livelihood. It’s how we feed ourselves.”
While some residents support shutting down the bar, others believe more moderate solutions should be explored.
Suggestions have included installing sound barriers or implementing valet services to manage parking, Nuculaj said.
“I think it’s a good establishment right there – it gets overpacked,” said Sheffield Boules, a homeowner. “Put a wall up. Something. They do it for highways to keep the sound inside the highway, so you can do it around that.”
As the city attorney’s office reviews the situation, residents and business owners alike wonder what the future holds for Motor City Sports Bar and Grill.
“We will be reviewing the incident reports corresponding to the reported offenses, and deciding the proper course of legal action to most effectively remediate neighborhood disturbance.”
Warren City Attorney's Office