Tensions continue to mount in Detroit's Lafayette Park Historic District, where residents have filed a lawsuit against Detroit Thermal over the company's controversial plans to install a new steam service line. The project, which aims to provide heating to the 1300 E. Lafayette high-rise condominium complex, has sparked significant community opposition as the installation process would directly affect the historic neighborhood landscape.
According to CBS News, Lafayette Park residents believe the work threatens a National Historic Landmark and claim Detroit Thermal lacks both the legal right and benefit to carry out the project on this property. "The messaging we've gotten from the company has been like this is the only way or we've researched all the options and tearing up your neighborhood must be done," resident Sam Schaefer told CBS News. Despite these concerns, the Detroit Historic District Commission reportedly cleared the project to proceed, albeit under strict guidelines, after a lengthy meeting last Wednesday.
WXYZ reported that Detroit Thermal's approval did not deter resident pushback, highlighted by pointed comments during the commission meeting. "Help them find a real solution, not this bull(expletive) from Detroit Thermal," said one attendee. Further exacerbating resident concern is the damage that potential excavation and construction could do to the renowned Mies Van Der Rohe Townhouses and surrounding green spaces, with worries about the thoroughness of the steam company's research and preparation efforts. "They don't seem to have done the level of research or preparation the neighborhood was hoping for," said resident Julia Sosnowski.
The lawsuit itself alleges that Detroit Thermal has already caused physical damage within the community, reportedly destroying a portion of a significant magnolia tree and a historic concrete bench. "Detroit Thermal does not own the land it seeks to tear apart," the suit argues, as noted in a report by MetroTimes.
