Detroit Evening Report: Core City residents, advocates object to proposed concrete crusher facility

Many people living in Detroit’s Core City are protesting a proposed concrete crusher in their neighborhood.

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Residents gathered alongside elected officials and other environmental activists earlier this week as the city’s building safety department considers permitting the facility. Leigh Verdell says she and her family have been living in Core City for three-generations. She says there used to be more homes in the area, but industry and pollution have changed the neighborhood’s character.

“I feel like they’re trying to drive the rest of the community that’s residing here out,” Verdell says. “Even though it’s few in between, they’re trying to drive us out.”

Verdell says many of her neighbors developed respiratory illnesses and cancer over the 40 years she’s lived in her home. Despite living across the street from the proposed concrete crusher, Verdell only learned about the development when her neighbors started organizing against it.

Developer ProVisions, LLC wants to develop the 4.68 acre land at 4445 Lawton St. Detroit’s Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department said they will incorporate the community feedback they receive when making their final decision.

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