DETROIT – Neighbors on Hanna Street on Detroit’s east side say a vacant house at the corner of Hanna and East Remington has become a neglected nuisance — and they’re tired of cleaning up around it themselves.
Residents told Local 4 the property is surrounded by thick weeds, tall trees and overgrown brush, with debris scattered around the lot.
Neighbors describe Hanna Street as typically quiet, with families who keep up their yards.
“I don’t want blight next to my house,” said Kathy Patterson, who lives nearby.
Vintage Latamore said the situation has been especially frustrating.
“Oh hell. It’s been hell for me,” Latamore said.
Both neighbors said they’ve spent their own money and resources trying to keep the area around the property from getting worse.
“I’ve been using my money, my resources, and contractors to keep this up,” Latamore said.
Residents said the overgrowth has made it difficult to even identify the alley behind the home, and thorny weeds are spreading into the sidewalk.
They say that forces people — including children — to walk in the street to avoid the brush.
“The children walk over here. And they walk in the street, because they scared to walk over here — which anybody would,” one neighbor said.
Neighbors also worry the conditions could attract squatters, animals and create a fire hazard.
“Possums. Raccoons. It’s a fire hazard,” a resident said.
City of Detroit Deputy District Manager Rashaun Sanders said blight complaints are common across the city and reminded residents that photos and reports can be submitted through the Improve Detroit app.
“What we want to do, we want to make sure residents feel empowered in these situations,” Sanders said.
Sanders said each council district has inspectors, and that the responsibility for cleanup ultimately lies with the property owner.
“Unfortunately we understand how if you upkeep your property and there’s others that are not doing the same, it can be an issue,” Sanders said. “But I want you to be patient with us… We want to make sure those are dealt with in a timely fashion.”
Local 4 checked into the property and found the home is currently listed for sale. The listing agent said the owner lives out of state and had been advised to hire a property manager to maintain the grounds.
The property owner did not respond to Local 4’s request for comment.
Patterson said her message is simple.
“My message is to take care of your property,” she said.
Latamore said she wants the city to hold owners accountable when they don’t maintain their properties.
“They need to be fined for not keeping the property up,” Latamore said. “They need to have someone come over here and keep it together.”
City staff told Local 4 they are pushing for property owners to handle their responsibilities or face consequences that can include fines and lawsuits.
Residents can report concerns, including photos, through the City of Detroit’s Improve Detroit app. More information is available here.