Detroit Expands Alley Cleanup Program, Sets Goal At 2,000 In 2021

DETROIT — At least 2,000 alleys in Detroit will be cleared of brush and debris in 2021, in the second year of a program launched by the city that led to the clearing of more than 500 alleyways in 2020, city of Detroit officials announced this week.

Launched in August 2020, the program was well received by residents and nearly 500 block clubs signed up for the program, according to the city. That warm reception prompted Mayor Mike Duggan to announce the expansion of the program with a goal of cleaning another 2,000 blocks in 2021.

“Overgrown alleys have been a major concern for block clubs around our city for years and there has been some justifiable upset for decades that the alleys were made the responsibility of property owners without providing them any support,” Duggan said Monday. “This program gives neighbors a fresh start and a chance to make a major physical improvement to their neighborhoods they can take personal ownership of.”

Related: Detroit Calls On Residents To Help Clean City's Alleys

Maintenance of alleys has been the responsibility of adjacent property owners for decades since the city vacated them.

The alley cleanup program provides residents with city assistance to address overgrown alleys in exchange for a commitment from residents for ongoing maintenance and cleanup. In the program’s first year, city crews cleared 5.1 million square feet of alleys along 505 residential blocks and removed more than 4,000 tons of trash and debris, according to city-data.

The work performed at each location includes complete removal of everything in the alley including debris removal and tree and brush trimming. Some light grading work is also done to ensure alleys are leveled and passable.

The city also will be installing gates at the ends of eligible alleys to prevent further illegal dumping.