Detroit Public Schools Community District has stepped up security at the soon-to-be demolished Cooley High School after vandals breached the property and caused damage over the weekend.
Security Measures Enhanced
A statement from district spokeswoman Chrystal Wilson revealed that intruders broke down a large section of the fence protecting the building, and a covering protecting the entrance of the long-vacant school was destroyed. The fencing around the site had been installed in recent days as salvage work began at the building, which is expected to be torn down this summer.
The weekend damage has since been repaired, and the district will now have 24-hour security coverage at Cooley until demolition activities are complete, according to Wilson. "The former Cooley High School building remains closed to the public, and unauthorized entry is prohibited," she said. "The district continues to prioritize the safety of the surrounding community and will work closely with law enforcement and demolition partners to secure the site throughout the demolition process. Violators of the building risk their own safety by entering the grounds and building and will be prosecuted if apprehended."
The increased security measures come after a pair of community meetings were held by the district to answer questions and gather feedback from residents and alumni, many of whom are upset over a future sports complex that will be built on the site. Cooley High School has been vacant since 2010 and is set to be demolished this summer due to years of public outcry regarding safety, arson attacks, and blight tickets.
Detroit Police have been alerted about the situation, but according to police spokesperson Jasmin Barmore, the department does not have any arrest reports from the incident. The district plans to preserve architectural features from Cooley, such as bricks, terra cotta medallions, the entry archways, and the bell from the tower of the building.
Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.
