UPDATE: Intense pressure mounts on the Detroit City Council to take control of the Leland House as the city grapples with a worsening housing crisis. Just hours ago, advocates and displaced tenants urged council members to act decisively amid escalating concerns over the building’s future.
The historic 22-story apartment complex at 400 Bagley St. has been vacant since December, following an emergency evacuation ordered by the Detroit fire marshal. Residents have been barred from retrieving essential belongings including medications and personal documents, prompting a desperate call for action from community leaders.
More than a dozen advocates gathered at Tuesday’s council meeting, demanding that Mayor Mary Sheffield’s administration move beyond mere oversight of the building’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. They are urging the city to consider acquiring the property through eminent domain or to engage in nuisance abatement proceedings to ensure long-term housing solutions.
“We cannot allow another cycle of speculation or displacement,” warned Steven Rimmer, lead organizer for the Detroit Tenants Union. He highlighted that while the city is spending resources to temporarily house the displaced residents, it lacks a permanent solution to the growing crisis.
Advocates referenced successful initiatives in other regions, such as California’s Homekey program, which has transformed hotels into affordable housing for those in need. Donovan McCarty, director of the Housing Justice Clinic at Michigan State University, stated, “It’s not unprecedented. It’s something that can be done, and it should be done.”
Under Michigan law, the city has the option to use eminent domain, allowing it to acquire blighted properties for public use, or to pursue nuisance abatement, which can lead to liens and court actions. Conrad Mallett, Detroit’s corporation counsel, acknowledged that the city could legally take control of the building but emphasized the need for guidance from the mayor’s office.
As the city deliberates, displaced residents are sharing their heartbreaking experiences. Katherine Guyton, a former tenant and caregiver, described her trauma, stating, “This entire situation has cost me mentally, physically, and emotionally.” With no permanent address, she lamented, “My savings are gone, my accounts are overdrafted, and I have lost my entire food supply.”
The city has prohibited residents from accessing their belongings, citing safety concerns due to the building’s lack of electricity and operational elevators. While the city has offered to arrange professional movers to retrieve possessions, many tenants, like Wendy Gill, refuse to relinquish control over their valuable items. “We are tired of the excuses,” she asserted, echoing the sentiments of others who have lost irreplaceable items.
Council members expressed their frustration at the situation. Council President James Tate stated, “My heart is broken when you talk about people not being able to get into their units.” The urgency of the matter is further underscored by Councilmember Renata Miller, who stated, “This building didn’t just become unsafe to live in. It is our responsibility.”
With the next bankruptcy hearing set for Tuesday, the city faces a critical juncture. The debate over the Leland House is shaping up to be a defining moment for Mayor Sheffield, who promised aggressive action on housing during her campaign.
As the situation evolves, the call for immediate action grows louder. Detroit’s future in affordable housing hinges on the decisions made by city officials in the coming days. Advocates and residents alike are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes human dignity and community support.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
