When Grand Rapids-based property development company ProVision LLC began operating a concrete crushing facility in Core City Detroit, residents were immediately worried.

Activist group Core City Strong warned against the site’s spreading of “fugitive dust”, a traveling biproduct of the concrete crushing. This toxic dust is known to linger in the air, and often contains dangerous chemicals and raw minerals that are known to be harmful to humans. With its close location to developing neighborhoods, residents are concerned with the potential dangers it could have on nearby schools and children.

Despite Detroit Buildings & Safety officials issuing countless blight tickets to ProVision, little has been done to mitigate the city’s concerns. Residents also maintain that CEO Murray D. Wikol has so-far been able to shirk responsibility for his company’s involvement in the property. This is only the most recent example of wealthy out-of-town developers taking advantage of Detroit’s liberal attitude toward community investment.

Learn more about the Core City Concrete Crusher and what residents are doing to push back.