Detroit 2020: Blight

Mr. Danto seems to be the only one in Detroit who cares enough to do something. This guy should be the mayor.

I went to Wilkins Elementary School, graduating 8th grade in 1956. At age 10, I started working on a Twin Pines Dairy milk truck on the way to sschool getting dropped off a block or two from school and running the rest of the way. I still have movie footage of my graduation from Wilkins. Great memories from that time in Detroit. Back then, every house was full and life was good.

I used to live in Windsor and work in Detroit. I spent some time exploring the abandoned areas of the city. Detroit was once so prosperous and it's very sad to see these beautiful buildings vandalized, stripped and destroyed. It always baffled me that the city did not reach out to recycling and repurposing companies. The banisters, moldings, woodwork and stonework in these buildings are historic and gorgeous. I'm sure many companies and individuals (myself included) would pay for an opportunity to repurpose and refinish these pieces and install them in homes where they would continue to be appreciated. Instead, they are destroyed by vandals, stolen by thieves, or left to rot. Let's be honest. The city had no intention to save that school or repurpose those lockers, etc, but they could have had a public auction. At least then the city might have profited. At the very least, some history might have been saved.

Too little, too late. RIP Detroit.

Thank god for Mr. Danto!! Praying for the safety of those children and more people to get involve to keep them safe.

Coleman Young was the final nail in the coffin.

The city needs to make owners pay to have their own abandoned properties torn down...

I live in Sterling Heights and I will buy my furniture from Donto now

That school was a beautiful piece of architecture!

Love that city, totally heartbreaking to see this, sad ain't the word..

I went to this school. 45 years ago.

Danto job well done. I support you 100%.

city cant find the owner. but can find them to pay the Property tax ?

Danto should be in charge of the city.

These buildings were absolutely beautiful, what a damn shame!

i understood at one point,neighbors who would mow overgrown yards of other properties would get ticketed by the city.detroit worse enemy is itself.building inspectors,neighborhood directors all get paid but the volunteers do all the work.

I would love to see these old brick homes restored!

I used to attend Wilkins elementary 1985-1988. That neighborhood was so beautiful back then. Unfortunately, Wilkins is now closed permanently.

Why does it cost 10.000 to demolish those old houses. Whoever is demolishing those houses is overcharging the city

Give this man boarding homes up a medal.