City Council Confirms Suspension Of Detroit Demolition Contractor Following Investigation

The Detroit City Council has unanimously decided to uphold a temporary suspension imposed on a local demolition contractor, accused of using contaminated soil and failing to compensate subcontractors. The recent two-hour special session, conducted in the Committee of the Whole, centered on Brian McKinney, owner of Gayanga Co., who reportedly owes millions to subcontractors for unpaid labor.During the hearing, which saw the absence of McKinney, the council listened to the city’s inspector general as well as Gayanga’s attorneys. Allegations emerged regarding McKinney’s use of tainted soil from the Northland Mall, further complicated by his past relationship with council president and Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield.Although Sheffield supported the council's decision, she refrained from commenting. Defense attorney Adam Clemonts asserted that Gayanga sourced backfill only from city-approved vendors, while Inspector General Kamau Marable claimed evidence contradicted this.With 47 out of 51 tested sites exceeding pollutant limits, Marable emphasized the necessity of maintaining the suspension until thorough environmental testing occurs. Subcontractors continue to struggle financially, asserting substantial unpaid debts from McKinney's operations.