A Dearborn Heights man is facing serious charges after allegedly attacking a neighbor who confronted him about driving recklessly through their residential neighborhood.
Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Man charged, accused of slashing neighbor over driving complaint in Dearborn Heights
Hassan Kamal has been charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm and assault with a dangerous weapon following the Thursday night incident near Lehigh and Bailey streets.
The victim, who reportedly required more than 20 stitches after the attack, had confronted Kamal about his driving in an area where families and children frequently walk.
"Twenty-something stitches and, if you look at it, it's parallel with a slash to his throat like he went to block it and it's perfectly in line with his throat," said Jerrad Eskinazi, a neighbor who described the severity of the attack.
According to police, the incident began as a domestic dispute. Kamal was reportedly driving erratically through the neighborhood searching for his wife and children, who had left their home earlier that evening.
WEB EXTRA: Ring video shows driver run through stop sign Ring video shows driver run through stop sign
"This guy in the neighborhood, what he's saying is, 'hey, watch out how you're driving. We have women and children walking on the street.' Which so happened to be the gentleman's wife and kids," Detective Ahmad Mazloum said. "It started from a family trouble. It stemmed from a highly emotional incident where there was a husband/wife dispute of some sort."
Police said Kamal eventually found his family on Bailey Street, which is when a neighbor approached him about his driving behavior.
"Some kind of physical altercation ensued after that, and that's when a sharp object was brought to the scene, and basically the guy got cut," Malzoum said.
Neighbors say this wasn't the first time Kamal had driven recklessly in the area.
"Two days prior to that, we had an altercation with him doing it over here," Eskinazi said.
Extended interview: Neighbor talks about speeding issue with driver Extended interview: Neighbor talks about speeding issue with driver
Residents in the neighborhood expressed ongoing concerns about dangerous driving in their community.
"I'd say every couple of days I see somebody speeding down the street, blowing through stop signs, stuff like that," Jack Nakoula said.
"Between those four houses and these four houses, there's 20 kids right here between these two corners," Eskinazi said.
If convicted, Kamal could face up to 14 years in prison. He was released on a $20,000 personal bond with conditions including no contact with the victim and wearing a GPS tether.
Canadian goods imported into the U.S. will face a blanket 35% tariff starting next month, President Donald Trump said Thursday in an announcement that came in the midst of active trade negotiations between the two countries.
"Here we go again" is the general feeling among people in Windsor, Ontario, about the recent tariffs announcement. They're already feeling the economic pinch and believe Americans will soon feel it too.
Watch the video report below: Windsor feels the pinch as Trump announces 35% tariff on Canadian goods
Windsor resident Chris Conzad expressed frustration about the constant changes in trade policy.
"Obviously, not happy about it. Things get changed so many times you never know what to expect," Conzad said.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens explained what products the tariff would affect.
"Think of what may come from overseas that may receive some rework here or some extra additional work before they're sold in the United States. The portion of goods that have outside manufacturers or components would apply to that percentage of the United States," Dilkens said.
The additional costs will likely be passed on to American consumers.
Daniel Desjardins, who works in manufacturing, says the back-and-forth threat of trade wars creates a dizzying business environment.
"Just keeping up with our customers in Mexico, the United States, Canada, seems like the tariffs are changing and that the policy are changing so quickly. It's very hard to even keep track of exactly what's up to date. It's always a constant announcement, a redaction," Desjardins said.
All of this is causing significant economic uncertainty in Windsor, which now has the highest unemployment rate in Canada.
"I know a lot of buddies in workshops and stuff that got laid off and had to find different work in different places. They're doing landscaping jobs in the meantime because a lot of places aren't hiring because they can't take contracts over the border," Mike Wilkinson, a Windsor resident, said.
"Our jobs help fund the restaurants and if people are laid off, they're not going to be able to spend money in the rest of the community," Conzad said.
Dilkens warned that the economic pain won't stay confined to the Canadian side of the border.
"You may see 11.2% unemployment in the city of Windsor today it's coming for you. We're just getting hit first. We're getting hit the hardest as a border community. Guess what: the next stop is Detroit, the next stop is Hamtramck, the next stop is another community of metro Detroit if these issues aren't resolved," Dilkens said.
The president says the tariffs are payback for fentanyl coming into the U.S. from Canada. However, data shows that 43 pounds of fentanyl was seized at the northern border in 2024, while 21,000 pounds of fentanyl was seized at the southwest border during the same period.
"I know that Americans are smart. They know that Canada is not the source of widespread fentanyl distribution in the United States. They know that's crossing at their Southern border just as they saw millions of people crossing illegally from Mexico in the United States," Dilkens said.
Related video: President Trump's tariff limbo is frustrating businesses President Trump's tariff limbo is frustrating businesses
Despite the current tensions, the mayor remains optimistic about the long-term relationship between the neighboring countries.
"We were friends for a long time before this happened, we will be friends after this. But we gotta get through this moment that allow us in both countries to succeed and prosper," Dilkens said.
A teen is dead and another is injured after a shooting in White Lake Township when they and five others allegedly broke into a homeowner's detached garage Tuesday.
Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Teen killed after garage break-in raises questions about self-defense laws
According to neighbors, this was the third time the garage had been burglarized. Police are now investigating the shooting. All of it raises questions about when homeowners can legally use deadly force.
Michigan's self-defense laws provide specific guidelines for when lethal force is justified, according to Jim Makowski, a defense lawyer who specializes in Michigan firearm and use of force laws.
Makowski said the use of deadly force is justified if someone kicks open the door or pushes their way inside after you answer the door.
"Deadly force is authorized. Your home is being invaded and you've got a reasonable presumption that you're in danger," he said.
Hear more from Jim Makowski about Michigan's self-defense laws in the video player below: Web extra: Legal expert explains Michigan's self-defense laws during break-ins
Makowski explained that two legal doctrines outline when deadly force can lawfully be used: if there's an honest and reasonable belief it's necessary to prevent immediate death, great bodily harm or rape of yourself or someone else.
The first doctrine is commonly known as "Stand Your Ground."
"You have the right to defend yourself with no duty to retreat as long as you're not committing a crime and you have the legal right to be there," Makowski said.
The second is the "Castle Doctrine."
"Your home is your castle. You have the right to defend it if someone is breaking into your house. There's the presumption they are meaning harm to you and you can use deadly force to repel that threat," Makowski said.
The Castle Doctrine applies to the curtilage, or immediate surroundings of your home, but there are important distinctions when it comes to detached structures.
"Now, if you've got a detached garage, that's outside the curtilage of your house. It's not attached to your house. If it was an attached garage and someone was breaking in with a doorway into the house, again that's part of the dwelling," Makowski said.
He said deadly force can not be used in a situation where someone is in the home and you see them, but they're quickly taking off.
"If they're retreating, you cannot use deadly force because you're no longer in fear of your life. I mean, if someone is trying to get out of the situation, you have to let them go," Makowski said.
Furthermore, Michigan law does not allow the use of lethal force solely to protect property including pets and cars with one key exception: when someone is inside like a spouse, loved one or child.
"Different story altogether. It's more of a carjacking than an auto theft. Defense of others absolutely comes into play," Makowski said.
Derek Miller, a former Macomb County prosecutor, shared what he would look for in a case where a homeowner uses lethal force.
"When you're looking at a homeowner that uses deadly force, you gotta look at the nature of the crime," Miller said. "Was this person reacting to an immediate fear of death or great bodily harm within their house, or were they hunting?"
Hear more from Derek Miller in the video player below: Web extra: Derek Miller on gun rules
Makowski emphasized that there's one almost sure-fire way to avoid legal and emotional trouble when it comes to using a firearm in what you believe is a self-defense situation.
"Always consider retreating if you can. No one wants to take a life," Makowski said. "If you have to use deadly force, don't hesitate to use it to protect yourself. But if you can avoid using deadly force, always try to do so."
A woman accused of killing a 3-year-old boy and injuring his twin sister and mother in a hit-and-run crash appeared before a judge Thursday, facing multiple charges that could result in decades behind bars.
Tammy Sandoval, 55, of Mount Morris was charged with driving with a suspended license causing death and serious injuries and failure to stop at the scene of a crash while at fault causing death and serious injuries.
Watch the video report below: Woman with suspended license charged in hit-and-run that killed 3-year-old boy
Prosecutors say Sandoval fled the scene after striking three pedestrians following the Livonia Spree festival fireworks Sunday night.
"The defendant in this case, we allege, did not stop, she did not call 911, she did not render any aid, she simply drove off," prosecuting attorney Brian Craigo said.
Watch the arraignment of Tammy Sandoval in the video player below: Woman charged in hit-and-run that killed 3-year-old boy, injured his twin sister & mom
Authorities say Sandoval drove more than 70 miles north to her home in Genesee County after the incident.
Three-year-old Khalil Robinson was killed as he and his family crossed Merriman Road to get to their car after the fireworks. His twin sister Khloe and mother Tia Robinson suffered severe injuries in the crash.
Previous coverage: Residents call for safety changes after fatal hit-and-run at Livonia festival Residents call for safety changes after fatal hit-and-run at Livonia festival
Defense attorney Kevin McLean argued for a $100,000 bond, claiming Sandoval "was unaware of what had actually happened at the incident."
"I would just ask the court to consider a reasonably minimal bond based on all the allegations here with a GPS tether condition and home confinement," McLean said.
Craigo pushed for a much higher bond to ensure Sandoval appears in court.
"I would ask the honorable court to consider a bond in the amount of $500,000, cash or surety, with no 10%," Craigo said. "She's demonstrated a flight risk with leaving the scene based upon her alleged conduct in this case, and the protection of society as a whole to keep her off the roadway."
Previous report:Family speaks after 3-year-old killed in Livonia hit-and-run, mom and sister injured Family speaks after 3-year-old killed in Livonia hit-and-run, mom and sister injured
Secretary of State driving records show Sandoval's license has been suspended since August of last year, when Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police arrested her for drunken driving and refusing a breath or blood test.
"In addition to the impaired driving conviction, she has a crash that was reported with two individuals in Mount Morris back in November 14th of 2024," Craigo said, adding that records also show another crash in December of that year.
Michael Robinson, Tia's father and grandfather to the twins, expressed his frustration with the situation.
"She should've never been under the wheel, she should've actually been behind bars. If she has a reckless driving record of such, they should've locked her up," Robinson said.
Video: Watch our full interview with Michael Robinson where he provides an update on Tia and Khloe Robinson's conditions Full interview: Father and grandfather of Livonia hit-and-run victims provides update
Tia Robinson remains in a medically-induced coma, while Khloe was recently discharged from the hospital.
"We're just taking it one step at a time, day by day. She has a long way to go and I look at it and look at her as though she feels lost because she can't see her mama, she can't see her brother," Robinson said.
Sandoval remains in custody on a $600,000 cash or surety bond. She's due back in court later this month.
If you would like to help the Robinson family, the Livonia First Responder Foundation set up a donation page.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Flower bouquets and stuffed animals now mark the Merriman Road and Lyndon Street intersection in Livonia where a driver struck a family of three, killing 3-year-old Khalil Robinson. His mother Tia and twin sister Khloe remain hospitalized following the Sunday night crash.
The Robinson family was walking back to their car from the Livonia Spree festival fireworks when they were hit while crossing Merriman around 10:45 p.m.
Watch Randy Wimbley's video report below: Residents call for safety changes after fatal hit-and-run at Livonia festival
Livonia residents say the intersection has long been problematic, particularly during large events like the festival.
"If there's some way during the festival they can change the operation of the light if just for a 24-hour period or something that would be something," said Kathy Henderson, a Livonia resident.
The traffic signals at the intersection shift from cycling through green, yellow and red lights to a flashing yellow on Merriman and a flashing red on Lyndon starting at 10 p.m.
Watch our original report on the incident below when we first spoke with the victims' family: Family speaks after 3-year-old killed in Livonia hit-and-run, mom and sister injured
"I just think that yes during busy events, during where neighborhoods are hosting hundreds, thousands of people, we need to be more alert, to be more aware to keep everybody safe. And have those traffic lights a straight red or green as opposed to a flashing red or yellow," said Kelly Jaghab, a Livonia resident.
Residents point to both the flashing yellow light and driver behavior as factors making the intersection dangerous for pedestrians.
"A lot of times, they don't stop. Like, I would pull up, they're not paying attention sometimes, they're just going. You've gotta really pay attention when it's at night and the lights are blinking," said Thaddeus Lee, a Livonia resident.
"It's just irresponsibility on people's driving," Henderson said.
Livonia would need to petition Wayne County to change the Merriman-Lyndon intersection to cycle green, yellow and red 24/7 instead of switching to flashing lights at night. A spokesman says there's been no talk of making that request yet, but that could change.
Michael Robinson, whose daughter and grandchildren were victims in the hit-and-run Sunday night, expressed his concerns about the intersection.
Hear more from the victims' family in the video player below: Extended interview: Family of Livonia hit-and-run victims provides update, calls for change
"Maybe they need to add some lights over there or make it a regular stop-and-go situation. But right now, it's like a freeway," Robinson said.
The Robinson family shared that while Tia is undergoing emergency surgery to reduce brain swelling, 3-year-old Khloe is showing signs of recovery.
"Khloe, she's awake. She's watching 'Frozen' and she was calling for her nana, so she's doing good," said Regina Robinson, whose daughter and grandchildren were victims in the hit-and-run.
A 47-year-old woman from Mount Morris is in police custody and is expected to be arraigned either Wednesday or Thursday in connection with the hit-and-run.
An 82-year-old University of Michigan professor emeritus with dementia who had been missing for two days was found alive Wednesday evening thanks to the efforts of police and community volunteers.
Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Missing 82-year-old found alive in woods after community, police search effort
Dr. Ralph Yang was discovered in a wooded area near Newport Road, about a mile from his home in Ann Arbor.
Police release bodycam video in rescue of missing 82-year-old Ann Arbor man Police release bodycam video in rescue of missing 82-year-old Ann Arbor man
"Let's think about the heat, it rained; he went through some terrain. That was tough," said Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson.
Yang, who suffers from dementia and Parkinson's disease, went missing after going for a walk and never returning home.
Watch our report when police and community members were searching for Ralph Yang in the video player below: Search ongoing for missing 82-year-old with Parkinson's disease in Ann Arbor
Chief Anderson says he was found in a wooded area near Newport Road, roughly a mile away from his home. Police worked hand in hand with concerned community members who organized a search party for Yang.
WEB EXTRA: Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson with tips for people with elderly loved ones with dementia WEB EXTRA: Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson with tips for people with elderly loved ones with dementia
Ben Osenbaugh, a volunteer with the search party, was the first to spot Yang. He says the police departments efforts, coordination, and planning put volunteers in a position to help out.
"I just happened to be in just the right spot at the right time where I could see his white shirt," Osenbaugh said. "Me and my dog went down there to check it out, and sure enough, it was Mr. Yang."
Yang was found at the edge of a creek, and authorities say the timing was critical.
FULL INTERVIEW: Ben Osenbaugh talks about search for Dr. Ralph Yang FULL INTERVIEW: Ben Osenbaugh talks about search for Dr. Ralph Yang
"Obviously, the medical personnel came and they took a look at his vitals and things of that nature. I'm not a doctor, but from what they told me, we found him in the nick of time," Anderson said.
Dr. Yang is a professor emeritus of chemical engineering at the University of Michigan and holds degrees from National Taiwan University and Yale.
Professor Sharon Glotzer, chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering where Yang worked, expressed relief at the discovery.
"Hundreds of people from the Ann Arbor community, including many faculty, staff, and students from Ralph's Department of Chemical Engineering as well as from across the College, searched desperately for him since Monday night. At least 100 of us searched the neighborhood around his home yesterday evening, starting at 7:30. Ralph was found just a few minutes before the police and community-organized search was about to end at 9:30, as it began to get dark. We were elated when we heard the incredible news," Glotzer said. "Ralph had a remarkably impactful career. He developed advanced materials that remove hazardous compounds from transportation fuels and industrial emissions, and his work improved our air quality, made our energy systems more efficient, and helped mitigate acid rain."
Chief Anderson credited Yang's determination for his survival.
"The reason why I believe we were able to find him is because of the strong will Mr. Yang had. The knack to survive," Anderson said.
Ann Arbor police count finding Dr. Yang alive as a win, not just for the department but for the community that stepped up to find their neighbor.
"We hope that we're not looking for people in the future, but we think we're going to be using Ben anytime we're looking for anyone," Anderson said.
"I'm here, Osenbaugh said. They (Ann Arbor police) serve our community really well, and if I can do anything for this community, I will."
Dr. Yang is recovering at a local hospital. Doctors say he's now awake, talking, and in good spirits. He's expected to be back home in the next couple of days.
HVAC companies across southeast Michigan are working overtime to install, repair, and replace air conditioning units as a brutal heat wave approaches the region. From Detroit's east side to Northville, technicians are working to keep residents cool.
Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: HVAC technicians race to repair air conditioning units as the heat moves in
"Very miserable, especially at night. The humidity is what's going to be bad: you're going to be sweating, and it's hot, and it's not really good for elderly people," said David Lee from JLH Heating.
I caught up with Lee working in Detroit and Jeff Locklear from AFM Heating and Cooling as he worked on an emergency repair at Nancy Henzi's home.
"Nancy's got a bad condenser fan motor," Locklear said.
The motor was damaged after a lightning strike at Henzi's neighbor's house during Thursday's storm.
"We were just watching TV and heard this loud crack," Henzi said. "Fast forward, and we find out their air conditioning unit was fried, and we believe as a result ours was also."
For Henzi, it's now a race against the clock and the heat.
"It can get bad. I mean it's 75 right now inside, and it doesn't seem warm, but when the air is still and it's not moving, and you know the temperature is just going to climb, it's concerning, especially when you've got pets and kids and stuff," Henzi said.
Ask Dr. Nandi: Tips for navigating the heat Ask Dr. Nandi: Tips for navigating the heat
Both Lee and Locklear recommend routine DIY maintenance to keep air conditioning units in good working order this summer.
"One of the most important things is to keep the condenser clean," Locklear said.
"Be sure to clean inside of this guard here. You just take your water hose and spray just like this and when you spray it off, it keeps it clean because air gets sucked into the sides and it's discharged off the top, Lee said.
It's also important to change out your furnace air filter every month or at least every two months. Lee also suggested having an HVAC technician come out to inspect and clean your air conditioning unit at a nominal cost.
"Its like usually $80 - $100 for someone to come out, check it, check the refrigerant, clean the unit for you, and it will buy you some time so you wont burn your compressor out," he says.
FULL INTERVIEW: David Lee, owner of JLH Heating and Air Conditioning, talks about air conditioning in the extreme heat FULL INTERVIEW: David Lee, owner of JLH Heating and Air Conditioning, talks about air conditioning in the extreme heat
A new air conditioning unit plus installation can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000. That expense, plus updated refrigerant requirements for new AC units, led Locklear to advise: "So if you have an older unit, try to keep it as long as you can."
FULL INTERVIEW: Jeff Locklear, owner of AFM Heating and Cooling, talks about air conditioning in the extreme heat FULL INTERVIEW: Jeff Locklear, owner of AFM Heating and Cooling, talks about air conditioning in the extreme heat
Police in Harper Woods are investigating a rash of air conditioning unit thefts that have left residents without cooling systems just as metro Detroit prepares for rising temperatures.
About five air conditioning units were stolen in Harper Woods over the course of three weeks, with similar thefts reported in neighboring communities.
"My neighbor actually texted me, 'Didn't you guys just get a new air conditioning unit?' And I wrote her back, texted her back, 'yeah.' And she said, 'Well, it's gone.' I'm like you gotta be kidding me," John McTaggart said.
McTaggart was one of several Harper Woods residents whose A/C unit was stolen from the side of his house around 3 a.m. on June 4.
"It's a bummer all the way around, honestly," McTaggart said.
A week later, thieves targeted Tim Bolton's house less than half a mile away.
"The police knocked on my front door. I'm watching TV inside my house, and they're telling me my air conditioning unit was stolen," Bolton said.
An officer told McTaggart the suspects appear to be well-organized.
"He said, you know, 'we think these, they're a pretty well-organized outfit because they seem to know how to remove it both efficiently and quickly without any noise,'" McTaggart said.
Police in Grosse Pointe Woods reported that thieves also stole an air conditioner unit from a home on Littlestone last week. That home is located near another on Broadstone Street in Harper Woods, which was targeted around the same time.
The Harper Woods Police Department says several communities are experiencing these thefts. The thieves typically strike overnight, disconnecting power and cutting refrigerant lines before stealing the units. Corner houses are more likely to be targeted.
Detectives from several police agencies are working together to investigate this crime trend. Harper Woods police believe the stolen units are being sold on the street for profit.
"The thing I'm surprised is they don't get a lot of money for that, and yet it costs a lot of money to buy a brand new one," Bolton said.
"It's $4,500 for the initial unit, and the replacement will probably be about $5,000," McTaggart said.
Police suggest locking the junction box, which holds the A/C unit's condenser fuse, to make it more difficult for thieves. Homeowners can also install a security cage over the unit.
"The more steps you take to allow them more steps to do it, the better off you are," McTaggart said.
Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call the Harper Woods Police at 313-343-2530 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
City crews are working to repair a sinkhole on Detroit's east side near Van Dyke and Grinnell after the city learned of the issue earlier this spring.
The gaping hole in the alley between Knodell and Edgewood near Erwin has become the site of a sewer main repair and a source of frustration for nearby residents.
"Seeing it like this? Terrible. Bad," Marilyn Harris said.
Harris has lived in the area for decades and says a sinkhole first formed in her alley around two years ago.
"The cave-in was much smaller than you see now because now we've excavated and dug up the sewer to repair it," said Bryan Peckinpaugh of Detroit's Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD).
DWSD officials say they first became aware of the issue in mid-April after receiving reports that part of the alley had caved in. They determined a 24-inch city sewer line had collapsed.
"Fortunately, it's a trunk sewer, so it's no houses or businesses attached directly to that sewer. So, its fed from other sewers. So, its not impacting- it didn't cause any water in basements of any residents," Peckinpaugh said.
However, Harris and her neighbor Alice Sinclair believe the collapsed sewer is responsible for sewage backups in their basements.
When asked if the collapsed trunk sewer could impact lines connected to homes, Peckinpaugh acknowledged the possibility.
"There's always a possibility it would have some impact, but we want to investigate and see what the cause is," Peckinpaugh said.
Sinclair described ongoing issues with basement flooding during heavy rainfall.
"Every time it rains, it rains heavy, it goes into the basement, and it fills up. And then I had to buy a furnacenot a furnace but a hot water tank," Sinclair said.
The replacement water heater cost Sinclair $500.
DTE Energy is also on scene to secure a utility pole as contractors dig up concrete to repair the sewer main and address the sinkhole.
"We also have to coordinate with telecommunications cause we gotta move the wires up because it's in the way of the excavator who was gonna dig and do the repairs, so we expect a repair in a timely manner," Peckinpaugh said.
Demolition work has resumed for a Chick-fil-A development on Detroit's east side after being temporarily halted earlier this week.
Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Detroit Chick-fil-A development moves forward, but neighborhood concerns remain
The plan for the restaurant won city approval last year but ran into hiccups as it took the first steps toward construction with the razing of a building this week.
The project, which borders Grosse Pointe, has faced opposition from neighboring businesses and a school over safety concerns.
The proposed drive-thru only location on Mack Avenue has drawn criticism from Renee Chown, who owns and operates the Giving Tree Montessori Learning Center on Marseilles in Detroit, located next to the proposed site.
EXTENDED INTERVIEW: Renee Chown talks about controversial Chick-fil-A project EXTENDED INTERVIEW: Renee Chown talks about controversial Chick-fil-A project
"These children will be exposed to the exhaust fumes, noise level, marijuana smoke, the smoking, the vaping, and the vulgar language that may come out of some of their mouths of whoever is waiting in the line," Chown said.
The proximity of the drive-through lanes to the school's playground is a major concern for the learning center.
The Chick-fil-A was first proposed almost two years ago. Initially, the City of Detroit declined to issue a permit for the project that planned to have entrance and exit drive-through lanes on Marseilles. The developers then moved the lanes to Mack Avenue, a county road, and Wayne County issued a permit in January.
"This Chick-fil-A project has been protested by our Cornerstone Village community. We came out to meetings and shot down this project, and the developers moved forward anyway," Stevie Baka said. "This location is drive-thru only in a residential community right next door to a day school playground. It won't even have bathrooms. It's anti-community when what we need is a place to gather. It makes no sense to put this traffic jam on Mack next to my house. It's objectifying and using our Detroit community for profit only; and it's sad the city is letting this happen when we are fighting so hard to redevelop intentionally."
Joe Allemon, owner of Allemon's Landscape Center next door to the site on Mack, believes the restaurant will worsen traffic conditions in the area.
EXTENDED INTERVIEW: Joe Allemon talks about controversial Chick-fil-A project EXTENDED INTERVIEW: Joe Allemon talks about controversial Chick-fil-A project
"Frequently, MedStar seems to be the main conveyor of patients on Mack Avenue and often at a pretty good clip. We see Detroit Police, they're going down the street at a pretty high rate of speed, doing their job, along with the City of Grosse Pointe," Allemon said. "We are not against the brand Chick-fil-A, believe me. Ok? It's the location and the safety of the community."
The City of Detroit temporarily halted the demolition of a building at the site on Monday because the contractor failed to provide neighboring property owners with advance notice. That issue has since been addressed, and the project is now moving forward.
BSEED Director David Bell released the following statement about the project and the controversy:
There is an approved demolition permit for this location. We were notified Monday that demolition had commenced prior to the contractor providing the required advance notification to property owners in the area. We immediately halted the demo work until proper notifications were made. A survey of the building conducted prior to demolition confirmed that there is no asbestos present in the building and the contractor does have an approved fugitive dust plan, as is required in all such demolitions. Although it is not always required for a demolition permit, we also have asked the contractor to make sure the full perimeter of the property is fenced off prior to resuming demolition work.
7 News Detroit reached out to Verus Development and Chick-fil-A for comment, but neither responded in time for this story.
Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Jefferson-Chalmers residents raise concerns about GLWA pump station project
It's meant to help collect sanitary flow from existing sewers built more than a century ago, but residents have concerns about the project and its impact on their neighborhood
Why would you put it in the middle of our homes instead of putting it somewhere else in another industrial area? is a question Vanessa Cartwright asks every time she sees or hears the construction at GLWAs proposed pump station site.
The project is meant to improve the reliability of the existing Freud storm pump station, critical infrastructure serving Jefferson-Chalmers and the east side of GLWAs service area.
People living here are concerned about the heavy industrial use project happening in a residential area.
We can't even open our windows or doors because of all this dust and stuff, Cartwright said.
FULL INTERVIEW: Vanessa Cartwright speaks about the new Freud Sanitary Pump Station project FULL INTERVIEW: Vanessa Cartwright speaks about the new Freud Sanitary Pump Station project
Nicole Stone bemoans the traffic shake-up caused by Traffic can only go down Tennessee, up Essex, and then you can come up Algonquin or any other street.
Residents fear the proposed pump station will lower home values and stifle the potential of much-needed economic development.
I don't think anyone in Jefferson Chalmers believes they would do the same thing in their own communities, Toinu Reeves said.
Reeves believes GLWA is unintentionally sending Jefferson-Chalmers a bad message
You've made a statement, an existential statement that you don't have an economic future. This is a wasteland. We're going to build a utility plant here because this is cheap property we can build up, Reeves said.
GLWA says it evaluated several alternative locations, and this site was the only technically and financially viable option, and it's only about 400 feet away from the existing Freud pump station.
Flooding has been an issue in Jefferson-Chalmers since the 50s, but the neighborhood was hit exceptionally hard back in 2021.
GLWA said in a statement that it understands and acknowledges the concerns raised by residents about the pump station's impact on the neighborhood, but the project will ultimately increase flood protection for the broader Jefferson-Chalmers area.
There are some minor residual benefits to our community, but not anywhere near comparison to the 29 other neighborhoods that are benefitting from this and yet we're being asked to burden the responsibility of the challenge that the metropolitan system has, Jay Juergensen, lead organizer and technical expert for the Jefferson-Chalmers Water Project, said.
Juergensen, a Jefferson-Chalmers resident, says he supports GLWAs efforts to invest in its regional system, but not at the cost of what he calls environmental justice in his neighborhood.
Our neighborhood is 1/30th of the service area of this project. This project services people as far away as Roseville and St Clair Shores. So, the problem is upstream, Juergensen.
WEB EXTRA: Jay Jurgensen speaks about the new Freud Sanitary Pump Station project WEB EXTRA: Jay Jurgensen speaks about the new Freud Sanitary Pump Station project
We reached out to the City of Detroit for comment on the proposed site. A spokesperson said in a statement that GLWA followed the proper steps for planning and permitting for the project.
GLWA says it's still working through the city's approval processes, and it's talking with residents about their concerns with the project. GLWA has held several community engagement meetings at Eastlake Baptist Church. The most recent meeting was Wednesday, May 21. The next meeting is September 17th at 5:30 pm.
GLWA Statement:
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is proposing a new Freud Sanitary Pump Station to improve the reliability of the existing Freud Storm Pump Station, which is a critical infrastructure that serves the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood, as well as the east side of GLWAs service area. After evaluating several alternatives, the chosen site was the only technically and financially viable option to collect the sanitary flow from the existing sewers that were constructed over 100 years ago. We understand and acknowledge the concerns raised by residents about the proposed new pump stations impact on a residential neighborhood. The localized benefit of the project includes increased flood protection for the broader Jefferson-Chalmers area. The proposed pump station is approximately 400 ft east of the existing Freud Storm Pump Station, which has been in service for more than 70 years. GLWA has conducted ongoing community engagement since 2023, including public meetings, mailings and a dedicated hotline and website. Outreach to local residents has included advance notice of construction activities, as well as notifications of road closures and traffic shifts which have all been done in compliance and coordination with the city of Detroit. GLWA acted in accordance with all city of Detroit requirements and processes and in no way acted with blatant disregard. At this time, GLWA is still working through the Citys approval processes. We remain open to continued conversations and are committed to transparency, responsiveness and engagement as we move forward with this essential project.
City of Detroit Statement:
City of Detroit Department of Public Works issued the Great Lakes Water Authority a permit to perform work in the right of way. Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental (BSEED) issued a permit for the structure. GLWA is leading this regional sewer system project. They were advised of the proper planning and permitting steps and have since taken those actions, as well as their team has hosted several meetings with the community since late fall. Any specifics of the project and its benefit is a question for the facility operator, GLWA.
Instantly, I wanted to puke, was Amanda Daileys gut reaction upon learning her son, Camden, was one of six kids on a students alleged hit list at Endeavor Elementary and Middle School in Ray Township.
And if that were not startling enough, Amanda says there was a page about Camden in that students journal detailing three ways to take his life.
Way number one was with a knife. Way number two was we were going to lure him out of the house, have him meet up somewhere, and we were going to hit him with a rock upside the head. Way number three is where it gets kinda really scary: we were going to strip him of all of his clothes, put him in the freezer for three days and check on him to make sure that he passed away and we were going to dump him on the side of the road, Dailey said.
Amanda says a teacher first learned of the students alleged hit list last Thursday, but the school did not notify parents of the students on that list until Monday.
New Haven Community Schools informed all Endeavor parents about the incident in an email on Tuesday morning.
It seemed like they shrugged it off, like they didnt care because they stated, no act of violence, no threats. There was an act of violence and there were threats, Dailey said.
FULL INTERVIEW: Parent Amanda Dailey talks about son being on hit list at school FULL INTERVIEW: Parent Amanda Dailey talks about son being on hit list at school
The district tells 7 News Detroit that theyre treating the matter with the utmost seriousness, and the safety and well-being of students remains their highest priority.
While the district is not sharing details about what happened because children are involved, it did inform parents that the student in question is remaining home pending the outcome of the investigation. New Haven Community Schools is cooperating with the Macomb County Sheriffs Office, which is investigating the matter.
I dont think theyre taking it serious enough. I dont think that when they were informed last week that there was a journal, I dont think that it shouldve got to Monday. I dont feel that it should be a question if that student is returning; it should be automatic expulsion. Zero tolerance is zero tolerance, Dailey said.
Hes afraid to go to school. He said he doesnt want to go back to school there, Dailey responded when asked how her son is doing. I said, well if I have anything to do with it, she can say shes not going to come back to school or we can switch schools. Hes home again today because hes afraid to go back to school.
Amanda is keeping two of her kids home from school until she meets with the principal and superintendent.
I dont feel that the student should be allowed back in the school. I feel that the student should be some form of counseling and therapy, and probably be homeschooled to figure out long-term why things were like this, Dailey said.
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