DETROIT – An abandoned apartment building on Detroit’s west side is drawing heavy concern from neighbors who say it has become a magnet for criminal activity.
“A lot of folks that are in that building are smoking crack, shooting dope — doing whatever they’re doing,” said Marc McWilliams, who lives nearby with his fiancée. “ Some of them have mental health issues. You can see because they’re walking around all day talking to themselves.”
The complex, located at the corner of Greenfield and Grove, has long been a source of frustration for residents.
“I’m tired of that building. I’m tired of the activity that goes on there every single day,” McWilliams said.
On Friday, Local 4 crews witnessed the situation firsthand. Despite the indescribable smell, people — and even animals — were staying inside the abandoned building. Garbage and drug paraphernalia were scattered throughout the property, along with larger piles of garbage and prostitutes.
“You can see some of the activity, some of the characters walking by — this is all day,” McWilliams and his fianceé said.
One man who lingered around the building all day confirmed it was “crack-infested.” McWilliams said he has even caught another man, seen shirtless near the complex and on his own surveillance video, breaking into his backyard and stealing lawn equipment on three separate occasions.
“Something needs to be done about this,” he said. “We’ve actually had the police come out, and the city comes out and cleans it up, but a couple of days later, they’re back.”
The area has also been tied to other crime. Near the same intersection, Detroit police say a man is still wanted for sexually assaulting a woman earlier this year.
After Local 4 contacted the city, crews were quickly sent out to begin cleaning up the site. They picked up the large piles and even cleaned debris across the street. While city officials said the city does not own the property, they acknowledge its ongoing problems.
“We’re gonna confirm with the city’s law department and get this owner into compliance,” said Arthur Rushin, Chief Enforcement Officer for the City of Detroit.
The city said crews will return with relocation and housing services for those staying inside the property, and will follow up by re-boarding up the property.