Summary
One lawsuit is pending against the land bank's nuisance abatement program; a caller argued it violates state law and the constitutions. The land bank says it will keep running the program with BSEED.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 25, 2026.
Impact analysis
The commenter warned the city could face millions of dollars in liability.
Residents near blighted properties that get abated.
Property owners who allege their land was taken without compensation.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Neighborhood and Community Services Standing Committee
Public commenters accused the city of secrecy around its nuisance abatement property seizure and condemnation process, claiming houses bought for the solar project are being resold at a markup and that the land bank's condemnation authority is illegal.
Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
Council's request for a policy framework to refine the city's nuisance abatement and property seizure processes is still in development; it comes back in two weeks.
Neighborhood and Community Services Standing Committee
A caller argued the city's nuisance abatement program is illegal under the Michigan Fast Track Land Bank Authority Act and a 2013 intergovernmental agreement, warning of growing liability and property takings.
Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
Council Member Waters submitted a memo requesting DLBA NAP documentation; a virtual commenter argued the program violates the intergovernmental agreement's prohibition on eminent domain. The committee referred it to the Law Department.
City Council Budget Hearings
The land bank has taken roughly 2,000 private properties from residents through court judgments since the program began. Councilmembers Waters and Miller say residents — including seniors — are losing homes they can't afford to maintain, sometimes at the hands of predatory callers, and want to know who authorized the program and how it can be reined in or ended.
Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee
One lawsuit is pending against the land bank's nuisance abatement program; a caller argued it violates state law and the constitutions. The land bank says it will keep running the program with BSEED.
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