Couple From Hawaii Says City Wrongly Filled In Pool At Detroit Home
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A couple who bought a Detroit home to move from Hawaii says a city contractor filled in the house's pool without their knowledge or permission.
Wanting to be part of the city's comeback, Kim and Terry Bollman purchased a large brick home on the city's west side -- sight unseen. The couple knew it was a risky venture, especially after the home was deemed a safety hazard by the city, mainly because of the pool area.
Still living in Hawaii and within a month of buying the home, the couple contacted a contractor to have the pool secured, according to a report by WXYZ-TV. And that's when they learned that their pool had already been destroyed -- apparently filled in on an order from the city.
City building official David Bell said the pool was filled in due to a citizen complaint that was filed in June 2014.
"Unfortunately, the city does not have the luxury to track down the owners in an emergency situation. Sometimes the situation calls for immediate action, which is what we did," he said. "When it got to my attention, it was an immediate action."
But the couple says the city contractor damaged their garage, fence and sidewalk -- on top of not asking their permission or notifying them of the construction.
"Nobody wants to take full responsibility for what has been done," Kim Bollman told the TV station.
Bell did admit that contractors left behind a bit of a mess, adding that he would be investigating the matter further.
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