DETROIT – Detroit officials, business owners and residents are moving to tighten enforcement at Capitol Park after complaints about public drinking, loud behavior and people using the space as shelter — issues some say are driving families and visitors away.
Abdullah Naqwi, who visits Detroit to take photographs, said his last trip to Capitol Park turned uncomfortable.
“It got kind of loud and I had my little sister with me, which was kind of concerning with people cussing,” Naqwi said.
Joshua Williams, who lives and works downtown, said he also avoids spending time in the park.
“It’s just crazy that people are coming in and drinking, and cussing and just making the park look bad,” Williams said.
A concerned resident echoed those worries during a Zoom meeting with stakeholders, saying people are “intimidated” to sit in the park and that neighborhood residents who once brought friends and family “aren’t going there anymore.”
Eric B. Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership — the organization that oversees Capitol Park — said the partnership met with community members and is working with partners in response to the concerns.
“In response to concerns regarding an increase in incidents in and around the park, we met with members of the community to better understand the nature of incidents and are working with our partners to identify appropriate steps to address the situation,” Larson said in a statement. “Capital Park is a unique neighborhood with wonderful diversity and remain committed to a safe, welcoming and accessible space for residents, workers, businesses and visitors.”
Larson also addressed the issue during a Zoom meeting held for nearby residents and business owners, where participants discussed complaints about alcohol consumption at the park and about people taking shelter there. The meeting also outlined new enforcement efforts involving Detroit police.
A Detroit police commander said the department will incorporate its unsheltered and mental health unit into the strategy.
“If someone needs help, we’ll get them some resources where they need to go,” the commander said. “But we also won’t allow a public park to turn into someone’s house with no rules.”
Williams said he believes a stronger police presence will help.
“I think that will make things a lot better,” he said. “It’ll make people feel safe — they’ll see the police activity and presence.”
Police were called to Capitol Park about a disturbance the night before the Zoom meeting and arrested a person who, according to the commander, had a felony warrant.
The commander said Detroit police plan to have a dedicated patrol car in the area from afternoon through evening to clear people out while also offering resources to those who need assistance. Police also said there will be zero tolerance for alcohol consumption in the park.