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Detroit Fines Alden Towers Owner as Tenants Endure Weeks Without Heat

City regulators have begun daily penalties to force a fix that restores reliable heat.

Overview

  • Residents report little or no heat throughout the season, with several saying service became intermittent and then stopped entirely around Nov. 14.
  • The city’s Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department issued an emergency correction order and is writing $2,000 tickets daily while coordinating with the Law Department on potential legal action.
  • The building owner blames a failed boiler and circulation pump, says a temporary boiler is being deployed, and projects a custom replacement pump will be installed in mid-January.
  • Tenants have turned to ovens, stovetops, and space heaters to keep warm, leading to tripped breakers and higher utility bills reported at $100 to $300 more in a month.
  • Coverage and city statements indicate at least one tower affecting 98 units remains without heat, and building staff limited press access as residents posted city contact information in common areas.