News Summary
Construction on a steam heating project in Detroit’s historic Lafayette Park has been temporarily stopped due to a legal dispute. A restraining order was issued to prevent work on properties involved in the project, which residents claim endangers the community’s landscape and historic status. The lawsuit, filed by local resident associations, raises concerns about communication from Detroit Thermal and potential irreversible damage. A hearing is set to discuss the project’s future amidst ongoing resident frustrations.
Detroit – A legal dispute has temporarily halted construction on a steam heating project in the historic Lafayette Park neighborhood, affecting the Mies van der Rohe District. An emergency temporary restraining order was issued by Wayne County Circuit Judge Annette J. Berry, which prohibits Detroit Thermal and its contractors from entering or working on the properties of the Nicolet, Joliet, and LaSalle Townhouses Cooperative Associations for a period of at least two weeks.
The restraining order comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the local resident associations. The associations allege that Detroit Thermal has not adequately engaged with the community concerning the project that involves underground steam energy work. They claim this work poses a danger to the area’s landscape and the community’s characteristics.
The steam heat network is designed to provide heating for the 1300 Lafayette East Cooperative, situated across Lafayette Avenue from the Mies co-ops. However, residents express growing frustration with what they describe as a lack of communication from Detroit Thermal regarding the impacts of the project on their homes and environment.
According to the lawsuit, the proposed project could cause substantial harm to the historic landscape, including the potential destruction of mature trees and greenspaces. The order from Judge Berry highlights a “real and imminent danger” of irreversible damage to the landscape and jeopardizes the area’s status as a National Historic Landmark.
Residents are specifically concerned about the loss of property rights due to unauthorized entry and disturbances that may arise from the project activities. The suit was filed a day before the Historic District Commission voted to move forward with a revised version of the project, which includes the use of cast iron manhole covers instead of steam vent stacks and measures for the protection of historically significant trees.
A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on July 24, during which the future of the project will be discussed. The revised plans require an arborist to monitor the protection and reestablishment of trees, with regular reports submitted regarding their condition in compliance with National Park Service standards.
The conflict has surfaced alongside residents’ discontent over the scheduling of a public hearing on July 2, occurring just before the Fourth of July holiday—an occurrence that many believe limited public participation in the process. Although Detroit Thermal made adjustments to its plans in response to community concerns, including removing steam vent stacks and committing to preserve the existing landscaping, residents argue that promised community engagement was never fully realized.
Previously, Detroit Thermal commenced work without the necessary approval from the Historic District Commission, resulting in a stop-work order that further escalated tensions. Despite adjustments to the project, the revised plans remain pending, with resident associations prepared to file an injunction should they be approved.
The lawsuit also questions the legality of Detroit Thermal’s use of decrepit steam pipes originating from the 1980s, claiming that the company lacks easement rights and is taking what they assert is the “cheapest” path forward. This ongoing dispute began after the boilers at the 1300 Lafayette coop building failed two winters ago, forcing residents to resort to costly temporary solutions as they sought to reconnect to the steam network.
In addition to halting project activities, the residents are seeking various forms of relief from the court, including monetary damages related to their claims. The outcome of the preliminary injunction hearing may ultimately determine the fate of the steam heating project and its impact on the historic neighborhood.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Detroit Thermal Barred from Work in Lafayette Park
Detroit Thermal Revises Plans for Lafayette East Cooperative Reconnection
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press
- Metro Times
- Detroit News
- Wikipedia: Lafayette Park (Detroit)
- Google Search: Lafayette Park steam heating project
