Judge halts heating system project near Lafayette Park amid lawsuit

DETROIT – A Wayne County judge is stopping Detroit Thermal from moving forward with its steam heat project in Lafayette Park.

The judge issued a temporary restraining order in response to a lawsuit filed by people living near the project.

Previous coverage --> Historic District Commission approves heating system project near Lafayette Park

Residents are worried it will harm their community and landscape.

Detroit Thermal said the project needs to install heating at a nearby condominium complex.

“What’s happening here is pretty simple: 600-plus residents at 1300 East Lafayette Cooperative desperately need a new heating system and asked Detroit Thermal to upgrade and reconnect its lines to the complex. Our plan to make that happen in time for the winter was approved by the Detroit Historic Commission, the Department of Public Works, the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department, and the Michigan Public Service Commission. It was discussed at two public hearings and multiple levels of community consultation. It was modified and approved several times to accommodate community input. This is the best possible plan: It honors the historic integrity of Lafayette Park, while delivering safe, clean, and affordable heat. There is no alternative route; there is no viable option for these 600 Detroiters.”

Unfortunately, some neighbors of nearby cooperatives have dragged this project into court and threaten to deny their neighbors heat for the winter.”

Harvey Hollins III, spokesman for Detroit Thermal

A hearing is set for July 24 to discuss what’s next.