According to the News & Observer, Detroit's largest demolition company is in hot water for knocking down the wrong house and it's the second time it's happened. Adamo Group has been awarded more than $58.6 million to perform thousands of federally and city-funded demolitions since 2014, including what used to be the Joe Louis Arena. The firm was recently charged with a violation for wrongful demolition and has a week to appeal the decision.
"In a case such as this, DBA policy calls for a minimum 90-day suspension from bidding, Adamo was suspended for 90 days in May 2018 for a similar offense," Detroit Building Authority Special Projects Director Brian Farkas said in a statement to the Free Press. "It is standard DBA policy that if a contractor has no other violations for one year after a suspension, that offense will not be considered again if a new violation occurs. "
Adamo was awarded a $25,201 contract to demolish a fire damaged house at 14461 Alma on June 18. On Nov. 22, Adamo instead tore down the structure at 14661 Alma. Both structures are owned by Detroit Land Bank Authority.
The property was located one block over from the home it was actually contracted to demolish. The company, however, did not notify the city or state until last week.
"On Dec. 10, the contractor it notified the Detroit Land Bank of the wrongful demolition," Farkas said. "The Detroit Building Authority was notified on Dec. 11 by DLBA staff and the DBA immediately notified the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy."
With the exception of emergency demolitions, contractors are required to properly abate or remove any potential asbestos-containing materials from homes, prior to demolition.
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