Detroit City Council is pressing for immediate action and answers following reports of “inhumane” living conditions at the Greenhouse Apartments, a subsidized senior living facility on the city's west side. The issues, which include bedbug infestations and non-working elevators, were brought to the forefront during Tuesday’s formal session, prompting calls for swift intervention from multiple city departments.
City Council President Pro Tem Coleman A. Young II elevated concerns regarding the apartment community, which reportedly has been plagued for months. Young called on the city’s Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED), the Department of Neighborhoods, and the human services office to provide updates. He requested information on inspector visits, findings, and steps being taken to address resident concerns. Young stressed the fundamental nature of these problems, stating that residents "should not be sleeping in a place with bugs that can eat your flesh" and should have access to working elevators. He described the situation as not only dangerous but also "inhumane."
BSEED Chief Enforcement Officer Arthur Rushin confirmed during Tuesday’s meeting that an inspector recently verified a passenger elevator at the facility was non-operational. Rushin informed the Council that a contractor had been deployed to repair this elevator and to evaluate a freight elevator, conducting necessary safety checks. Both elevators were anticipated to be operational by the end of Tuesday. Rushin later clarified in written responses that the building's passenger elevator had been non-functional for approximately six months. Despite these issues, the building is currently operating with a Certificate of Compliance, though it has received citations for elevator- and certificate-related problems in the past.
Regarding bedbugs, Rushin stated that BSEED has received three complaints since 2023. He described the current bedbug situation as trickier to resolve. Property management informed him that eight units currently have active bedbug issues, with pest control treatments scheduled for every Monday. However, Rushin noted that resolving bedbug problems is often a "continual process."
The Greenhouse Apartments, which contain 209 units, are managed by KMG Prestige. As of Tuesday evening, the management company had not provided a response to inquiries. A representative from the Greenhouse Apartments, identifying herself as a community manager, declined to offer further comment during a phone call, only confirming that "the issue is being handled."
Council members also pressed city departments on the types of penalties the city could seek against building managers failing to provide habitable living conditions for their tenants. Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway pointed out that the building has faced problems for several years, recalling a previous instance last year when it was featured on local news for lacking heat.
Young underscored the need for the city to be "really aggressive" with properties like Greenhouse. He suggested increasing the number of city inspectors to ensure more facilities are properly registered and compliant. Young asked about the most "draconian" responses the council could employ to penalize non-compliant landlords and managers, advocating to "skip the nonsense" and move directly to the toughest penalties. City managers and landlords can face tickets for non-compliance or be taken to court, though this legal process can sometimes be lengthy. Graham Anderson, a legislative liaison with the city’s Law Department, advised that habitability issues could serve as grounds to expedite legal action. He offered to consult with the Law Department team specializing in such cases to explore options.
Beyond the immediate collaboration among city departments and efforts to connect residents with resources, inspectors play a crucial role in overseeing buildings and their management. Young indicated he would seek to prioritize funding for additional inspectors within the next few budgeting cycles. Currently, BSEED employs 42 residential inspectors for the entire city. Young also expressed willingness to explore technological solutions like drones or smart sensors to assist with inspections. According to data from Alison DeRees, a spokesperson for the Housing & Revitalization Department, the city of Detroit currently has 86 HUD properties serving seniors, including the Greenhouse Apartments. The precise number of tenants living in the Greenhouse Apartments was not specified.
