News Summary
Detroit Thermal has received a temporary restraining order halting its steam heat project in Lafayette Park due to a lawsuit from local residents. The cooperative associations claim the project poses a risk to the historic integrity of the neighborhood, fearing destruction of greenspaces and inadequate community engagement. A court hearing on the matter is scheduled, as tensions rise between development and preservation of historic areas.
Detroit – Detroit Thermal has been temporarily barred from carrying out work in the historic Mies van der Rohe District of Detroit’s Lafayette Park neighborhood as part of an ongoing legal dispute. Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Annette J. Berry granted an emergency temporary restraining order that halts work for at least two weeks. This order specifically prevents Detroit Thermal, along with its employees, agents, or contractors, from entering or working on the properties associated with the Nicolet, Joliet, and LaSalle Townhouses Cooperative Associations.
The restraining order follows a lawsuit filed by the cooperative associations against Detroit Thermal earlier in the month. The residents claim that the company failed to properly engage with them regarding its steam heat project, which they argue poses a significant risk of harm to the neighborhood’s landscape and community. The steam heat project is designed to provide heating services to the 1300 Lafayette East Cooperative, which is situated directly across from the Mies co-ops.
According to the lawsuit, the project is deemed damaging, illegal, and potentially destructive to the area’s historic integrity. Residents express concerns that the project may lead to the destruction of mature trees and greenspaces, as well as unauthorized property entry. The temporary restraining order indicates a “real and imminent danger” of irreparable harm to the cooperatives’ landscape, raising questions about the area’s status as a National Historic Landmark.
The controversy intensified when residents filed their lawsuit one day before the Detroit Historic District Commission voted to allow the project to proceed, despite ongoing community concerns. While Detroit Thermal asserts that it has obtained the necessary approvals from various city and state departments, residents feel that the company has not adequately involved them in the planning process. They have voiced frustrations over perceived insufficient community engagement, citing an instance where a public hearing was scheduled right before the Fourth of July holiday, thus limiting resident participation.
Furthermore, the lawsuit criticizes the way the steam heat project is being conducted, suggesting that it constitutes a shortcut by using outdated steam pipes without valid access to the affected properties. Residents are seeking both declaratory judgment and monetary relief against Detroit Thermal. Their grievances highlight a broader concern about the preservation of historic neighborhoods and the impact that modern infrastructure projects can have on them.
In response to the allegations, Detroit Thermal’s spokesman has stated that the steam heat project honors the historic integrity of Lafayette Park while aiming to deliver safe, clean, and affordable heating solutions to its residents. He insists that the project has undergone appropriate community consultation and received the necessary approvals. Yet, the residents remain unconvinced, asserting that the work could irrevocably alter their community’s landscape.
As the legal struggle continues, the court is set to convene for a preliminary injunction hearing on Thursday, July 24, at 11:30 a.m. Detroit Thermal stresses the urgency of providing reliable heating to approximately 600 residents in the Lafayette Park neighborhood while navigating the complexities of these legal and community challenges.
The situation underscores the tension between development projects aimed at delivering essential services and the preservation of historic neighborhoods that many residents consider invaluable. As the court proceedings unfold, both sides remain poised to present their arguments regarding the future of the steam heat project in Lafayette Park.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Detroit Residents Fight Against Steam Vent Construction Near Playground
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press
- Metro Times
- Detroit News
- Click On Detroit
- CBS News Detroit
- Wikipedia: Lafayette Park (Detroit)
- Google Search: Lafayette Park Detroit steam heat project
- Google Scholar: Lafayette Park Detroit steam heat projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lafayette Park Detroit
- Google News: Lafayette Park steam project
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
