DETROIT – A legal battle is unfolding between Detroit Thermal and residents of Lafayette Park over a heating system upgrade near the historic Mies condominium complex.
The city’s Historic District Commission approved the project on July 3, but a Wayne County judge issued a temporary restraining order on July 14, halting work.
Detroit Thermal is now asking the court to lift the order as the deadline to begin construction approaches.
The dispute centers on Detroit Thermal’s plan to reconnect the 1300 Lafayette East Co-op building to its steam heating system before winter. Residents there have relied on costly temporary boilers for over a year, and many hope the court will rule in favor of the utility company.
“I love this neighborhood. Beautiful trees. But we need the heat. We really need heat bad,” said Chris Casteel, a resident of the 1300 building.
However, some neighbors in Lafayette Park oppose the project, concerned about the placement of a steam vent near the playground and the impact on the area’s pristine landscape and historic trees.
In response, Detroit Thermal revised its plans before the Historic District Commission’s approval to eliminate ventilation stacks, preserve trees, involve a certified arborist for landscaping and keep construction away from the playground.
Despite these changes, opponents argue the project threatens the national historic landmark status of the neighborhood.
“As the property owners, this project is exclusively detrimental to our property and to the national historic landmark,” one resident said at a recent public meeting.
Neighbors also say Detroit Thermal failed to adequately involve them in planning discussions, a claim the company denies.
“Despite the misinformed protests of some of their neighbors, there is no other route. There is no other alternative. There is no more time,” said Detroit Thermal spokesman Harvey Hollins III in a statement.
Detroit Thermal warns that if construction doesn’t start before the Aug. 4 deadline, it will be unable to upgrade and reconnect the 1300 building’s heating system in time for winter, affecting about 600 residents.
As the legal fight continues, the future of Lafayette Park’s heating system remains uncertain, with residents divided over the best path forward.