Detroit asked to relax some demolition rules to speed efforts to deal with blighted buildings

DETROIT — Detroit is being asked to relax some demolition rules to speed efforts to deal with blighted buildings.

The Detroit News reports (http://bit.ly/18pebCP0 ) state officials and a firefighter's son are lobbying Detroit to change ordinances to allow crews to leave most basement walls and floors during demolitions. That could help cut up to $2,500 off the $8,500 per home demolition cost.

Walt Harris was killed in November 2008 when the roof on an abandoned home collapsed while he was trying to stop a blaze. Lt. James Hill-Harris, a Detroit Fire Department investigator and Walt Harris' son, says officials need to streamline the demolition process.

The idea is being floated separately by the Department of Human Services and others.

Critics say, however, that the changes could increase redevelopment costs down the road.

Information from: The Detroit News, http://detnews.com/

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