2021 Boynton Project Update and Look Forward to 2022

Last year, Marathon Petroleum committed to a second round of property purchases in Detroit’s Boynton neighborhood.   The Boynton Property Purchase Program began in 2021 with a goal to create a green space in the neighborhood while providing Boynton residents with a buffer zone between the north end of the community, the freeway, and industrial operations. The new green space is being created by giving eligible Boynton residents an opportunity to sell their houses.

The initial phase of the program included  forty two eligible houses along Edsel and Patricia Streets.  Twenty-four homeowners signed up for the purchase program Some purchases remain in negotiation and MPC will work with residents engaged in the program until sales have closed. In Fall 2021, MPC expanded the boundaries of the program to include parts of Liebold Street. To date, thirty-three homeowners are enrolled in the program.  Work on purchased properties from Phase 1 began with the contracting of by Detroit-based minority-owned contractor, Gayanga Co Have a great track record for doing quality demolition work safely and efficiently.

Residents who decided to sell are pleased with the program.  One resident on Patricia Street is now planning to move to a retirement complex with no more worries about shoveling snow or cutting grass.  Another Patricia Street resident is happy with the price she received for her house, saying she never thought she would see that much money in her life. Residents currently residing in the Boynton neighborhood will enjoy the  new, green buffer zone that will, no doubt, will improve the neighborhood. We are currently working with the non-profit Wildlife Habitat Council on the tree planting program to begin to create the buffer along I-75, as homes are removed.