Zero is zero. That number might be an impressive stat if we were talking about crimes in a certain neighborhood.
But in this case, it's not impressive.
George Hunter and Christine Ferretti of the Detroit News write that nearly a year after Mayor Mike Duggan announced a plan to seize problem drug houses and turn them over to the city's land bank, not a single property has been confiscated.
The News reports:
Beginning last July, homes raided twice for drugs would be slated for seizure by city officials. There have been 339 properties raided under the program, 19 of which were targeted a second time.
None has been turned over to the Detroit Land Bank Authority, although the city has reached consent agreements with the owners of three of the properties. Owners have been ordered to keep the sites drug-free, or they'll be seized.
City officials said the other cases are tied up in court after the city filed suit against the property owners. Land Bank spokesman Craig Fahle did not provide specifics on each pending case, telling The Detroit News only that they are "not resolved yet" and are subject to hearings and motions.
Those who want to report drug houses to the city can call 313-224-DOPE.
