Detroit, suburb in court over vacant buildings

DETROIT (AP) -- One of Detroit's suburban neighbors and a city preservation agency are embroiled in court over the future of two vacant east side buildings that once housed a bar and a party store. The Detroit Free Press recently reported that Grosse Pointe Park has asked the state Court of Appeals to allow the demolition of the two-story buildings on Jefferson at Alter Road. The Detroit Historic District Commission believes the buildings can be saved. Briefs in the case must be filed by March 24. Grosse Pointe Park bought the buildings in 2006, considers them safety hazards and wants them torn down. Grosse Pointe Park Mayor Palmer Heenan says his city is looking for a buyer. An attorney for Detroit says the city is working to get a developer for the buildings. Published: Tue, Mar 1, 2011