DETROIT (WXYZ) – The city of Detroit is taking crucial steps to improve the safety of residents in the Joy Road and Lawson area. After decades of neglect, the former Brady Elementary School is finally being boarded up and secured, addressing long-standing concerns of community members.

Brady Elementary was once a bustling school that welcomed students every morning until its closure in 2007. Now, after years of neglect, the city of Detroit’s security team is fighting the destruction of a building next to it. time.

Michael Watts once attended Brady Elementary School.

He expressed his relief, “I’m glad they’re boarding it up and not tearing it down.”

Former staff member Bernita Johnson shared her memories of the school.

“There are a lot of memories here, especially with my daughter.” She remembered how well-maintained the school once was. “Fresh paint, mopped and waxed floors.”

For nearly 17 years, Brady Elementary has been a victim of vandalism and disrepair. Visible deterioration includes crumbling roofs, broken glass and even a tree growing on the roof.

Johnson lamented: “It’s a shame to see it go down.”

Tim Palazzolo of the Detroit Building Authority highlighted the dangers posed by these types of abandoned properties. “It’s open to the elements and intrusion, and it’s a danger – that’s the bottom line.”

He noted that initiatives like this are essential to keeping Detroit neighborhoods safe, with thousands of properties insured since the program began.

Palazzolo added: “This is not a singular event. This happens 52 weeks a year.”

Michael Watts reflected on the importance of the school to the community, “This school is part of the community. We grew up here; “We were a family.”

He fondly recalled his time at Brady and highlighted the positive experiences he had with the teachers and staff.

Looking ahead, Watts expressed hope for the future of Brady Elementary: “It’s a great school. The structure is still intact. Even if it needs a lot of work, this building can be reused.”

As the city of Detroit continues to secure abandoned properties, the community remains hopeful for a revitalized future for once-beloved institutions like Brady Elementary.

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