DETROIT – Residents near Lahser Road between 6 Mile Road and Grand River say a mess surrounding an AT&T building has gone on for too long, with trash and debris repeatedly piling up along the lawn and sidewalks.
John George, CEO of Detroit Blight Busters, says the nonprofit has had to repeatedly press for basic maintenance.
“Every year, we have to rattle their cage and ask them to maintain their property,” George said.
Neighbors describe litter building up around the property, including bottles and glass. George said the problems extend beyond trash, pointing to broken concrete and overgrown trees as additional hazards and signs of neglect.
“Trash, garbage, bottles, glass, broken concrete. Trees that are overgrown,” George said.
Detroit Blight Busters, headquartered in Old Redford, is known for organizing cleanups and neighborhood improvement efforts across Detroit. George noted the AT&T site is located about a block and a half from the organization.
Blight Busters says crews have cleaned the area around the building numerous times, but the conditions keep returning—especially during windy weather, when debris can spread.
“Every year this happens. And I don’t understand what the problem is. Where’s the disconnect?” George said.
Another member of the Blight Busters crew, Gabriel Williams, described the situation as a frustrating repeat.
“Basically, it’s just double-backing all over again,” Williams said.
George said the fixes needed are straightforward and include removing debris and addressing basic upkeep and repairs:
- Picking up trash and scattered debris
- Trimming trees and overgrowth
- Cleaning the curb line
- Filling holes and repairing broken concrete
- Adding fill dirt where needed
An AT&T spokesperson issued the following statement:
“We share the goal of keeping the area clean and welcoming. We’ve begun removing debris that has blown onto our property from the surrounding area, and we’ll continue these cleanup efforts as well as broader solutions, as we work toward a longer-term fix.”