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Homeowner says squatter delaying demolition of vacant Southwest Detroit home

Posted at 5:42 PM, Jun 06, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-06 19:01:36-04

Homeowner Monica Lafreniere has lived on Glinnen Street in Southwest Detroit since 1956. She says over the years, many of the homes nearby have been left vacant and torn apart by scrappers. 

The home next door located at 809 Glinnen has been vacant for 10 years, and was boarded up three years ago.

“It’s a mess," Lafreniere said. "I pay my taxes and shouldn’t have to look at this everyday." 

To make matters worse, she says a squatter is now delaying the demolition of the house. 

The city of Detroit said that the home is now owned by the Detroit Land Bank and was recently visited by a contractor for the city. 

Today, a spokesman for the Land Bank confirmed they are now aware of the situation with the squatter, and working to find them temporary housing. In the meantime, the city is moving ahead with plans to address the vacant home and make the area safer. 

For now, the squatter is still remaining at the home and looking for work.