Why Is This Mess Still Here?

Collapsed building owned by Sarmed Ridha. Image courtesy of Jim West

The building at the corner of E. Warren and Bedford (16134 E. Warren), has been in a state of collapse for many months. A few MorningSide residents are doing our best to try to get rid of this blighted property, which stands near the western end of the E. Warren Streetscape, scheduled to begin construction this spring. On December 3, we filed a request for emergency demolition through the Demolition Department’s website, but got no response.

With help from our newly-elected Council representative, Latisha Johnson, and Allen Penniman, East Region Director for the City’s Planning and Development Department, we got the attention of Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED). They sent an inspector out to the building on December 21.

On December 23, the owner of the building, Sarmed Ridha, an investor who lives in Ypsilanti, pulled a permit for “Alterations” to the building. On New Year’s Eve, the contractor working for Mr. Ridha demolished the front half of the building, leaving his debris in dumpsters at the site as of January 9. According to the contractor, the owner’s intention is only for a partial demolition of the building.

When we called Mr. Ridha to find out what his plans are for this site, he had only one thing to say before hanging up: “I don’t give you authorization to write about this building. Don’t do it.”

What, exactly, does a permit for “Alterations” mean when a building no longer appears suitable for rehab? Why would anyone choose to demolish only half a building? The Morningsider will follow up with updates on our continuing efforts to get answers and get the site cleared.