Detroit Denies Request To Store Coal-Based Byproduct Near River

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The city of Detroit has denied a property owner's request to store a coal-based byproduct called coke breeze and other materials along the Detroit River.

The city on Wednesday denied the application from Waterfront Terminal Holdings II for a permit to store the materials at an industrial site in southwest Detroit, according to the Detroit Free Press.

David Bell, interim director of the city's Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department, said in a letter issuing the denial that allowing large piles of coke breeze on the site could be dangerous to the surrounding area and would be contrary to the city's master plan.

Waterfront Terminal attorney Beth Gotthelf said she was shocked by the city's denial. She said Waterfront Terminal will appeal the permit denial to the city's Board of Zoning Appeals.

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