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Detroit paying high price for wooden stakes

Posted at 7:04 PM, Oct 01, 2015
and last updated 2015-10-01 19:04:35-04

In a post bankrupt Detroit, every dollar counts. That's why when we discovered what seemed to be an unusually high price tag for wooden stakes, we wanted to know why.

The City of Detroit is tearing down thousands of homes in its fight against blight. After the house is knocked down, contractors are now required to use specially made wooden stakes to secure the safety fencing. 

Brian Farkas with the Detroit Building Authority says it adds about $60.00 per demo. 

In a city that is tearing down thousands of homes, $60.00 per demo adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in added cost.

Which company is making them and why?

Click on the video player to watch Ronnie Dahl's complete report.

Have a story for Ronnie? Email her at ronnie.dahl@wxyz.com.