DETROIT – City officials are working around the clock to address the aftermath of a 54-inch transmission line break in Southwest Detroit, further complicated by extreme winter conditions — including a gas leak and another, much smaller break.
City crews have started home inspections, have begun to clear debris, and are assisting residents as the city works toward recovery.
Local 4 caught up with one family who has been going back and forth from a hotel, like roughly 300 others. After removing ice and cars off of the streets, the city said it’s focused now on removing debris from dry basements. It will then begin to work on repairs in homes. The massive water line is not expected to be fixed for another two weeks.
Arthur Rushin, Chief Enforcement Officer for the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department for the city of Detroit, explained that inspections are ongoing but getting inside has been a challenge.
“We are making sure that we try to get into as many properties as we can, scheduling with the occupants — working with other city departments,” Rushin said.
The other challenges: severely cold temperatures and language barriers. The city said it is working with community leaders, volunteers and has deployed additional translators.
Inspectors work from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and are making accommodations for residents who need evening appointments. Rushin encouraged affected residents to reach out to the single number provided: 313-774-5261.
“We do have something set up over at the Patton Recreation Center, and there are other departments helping with assessing some of the interior damages,” he said.
Ron Brundidge, Director of the Department of Public Works, said with cars now accessible, crews are shifting their focus to removing water-damaged debris from basements.
“The next phase… is going to be to quickly and timely remove all debris that’s been set at the curbside,” Brundidge said. “Initially, city crews [will do] the work, but as the level of debris increases, we’ve already got contractors set up to supplement.”
There is no deadline for debris removal.
Support for Affected Neighbors
“Every city department that has any role at all in terms of supporting these efforts is fully committed to doing everything that we can do to make this as manageable as possible,” Brundidge said.
Residents have also requested more salt for roads and sidewalks.
“For the last two days, we’ve had crews out, salting all of the sidewalks, salting all over the streets, breaking out ice,” Brundidge said.
Donations
Clothing, shoes, food, toiletries, and other supplies were piled high — even in hallways, from folks from all over at the Patton Rec Center on Thursday. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan was touring the center and was blown away by the generosity. He decided to make it easier for folks impacted by the main break to get necessities.
“We’re actually going to set up a Health van next to the Roberto Clemente rec center tomorrow in the neighborhood, so folks don’t have to come quite as far,” he said.
If you’d like to donate. The biggest need right now is bottled water and toiletries. The Patton Rec Center is located at: 2301 Woodmere, Detroit, MI. 48209. It is open 24 hours per day during this time. Food is also available.
