He explained that the asbestos and hazardous waste were found at the property by Habitat for Humanity Oakland County staff, who work with the SNRI. “Staff of Habitat for Humanity Oakland County discovered that massive amount of dumped materials and abandoned vehicles in the rear and north side of the property,” Siver stated. “As the refuse was examined, it was discovered that bags of asbestos-containing materials were present.” According to the press release from the Attorney General’s Office, 7,500 cubic tons of solid waste were disposed of from the site. The property was sold in April 2021 to the transportation company next door, 20905 Mapleridge Ave. LLC, for $110,000. “The SNRI, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Oakland County, coordinated the cleanup with a private contractor. The SNRI paid for the cleanup,” Siver said. “I am not sure of the cost. I believe it was in the neighborhood of $93,000. The cleanup took place in 2020, and the property was sold in 2021 for the back taxes and cleanup costs.” Attorney Joe Couvreur represents the SNRI and the SNHC. Couvreur clarified that the city of Southfield did not pay for the cleanup — funds raised by the SNHC were used to fund the cleanup. “This property, like other properties acquired by the Southfield Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, was acquired by the county after the owners failed to pay their taxes. When the nonprofit (SNRI) obtained possession of this property, it investigated its condition and did everything necessary to remediate all the debris on the property.” To view the press release, visit michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2023/12/04/attorney-general-takes-action-against-contractors-for-mishandling-asbestos. For more information on the SNHC, visit snhc.org.

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