A local businessman claims the city of Detroit is having his property torn down. But, ask city officials, they say the property in question is city property.
Bob Carmack tells 7 Action News he was surprised to drive by the property on Michigan Avenue and discover a demolition crew.
The local businessman admits to having an issue with the facade of the building and was cited by city inspectors.
He says he made the needed repairs, took copy of his deed to city hall and had the building removed from the emergency demolition list.
However, according to city officials, Carmack no longer owns the property - the city of Detroit is the rightful owner and has been since 2010. Yet, Carmack was issued a blight violation as recent as July, 2015.
Click on the video player to watch Ronnie Dahl’s full report.
The city has issued the following statement about the situation:
We are very familiar with Mr. Carmack. The facts are clear. The city owns the building from a 2010 foreclosure. Mr. Carmack was given an opportunity to purchase the building last year, he did not. The city has a responsibility to demolish dangerous buildings in its neighborhoods and will do so in this case.
Brian Farkas, Director of Special Projects for the Detroit Building Authority
Have a story for Ronnie? Email her at ronnie.dahl@wxyz.com.
