CENTERLINE, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) – A Centerline woman who received dozens of complaints about trash piling up on her property is getting help from one company and volunteers.

“Obviously, it didn’t get this way overnight, and it’s not going to get fixed overnight,” said Elizabeth Alexander, the owner of the property that has been at the center of the complaints. 

Alexander said she understands why her neighbors aren’t happy and is committed to cleaning up the mess.

“I was out here until two in the morning I was so exhausted, I had to sit down for a while,” Alexander said. 

Social media is abuzz about Alexander’s home on Sterling St. in Centerline. There are hundreds of complaints there and the city of Centerline posted they are aware of the concerns and have taken action. 

“We have taken the appropriate steps for due process and issued tickets to the homeowner for the collection of the garbage and debris in the yard,” said Dennis Champine, Centerline’s City Manager. 

In a tearful apology to her neighbors, Alexander said she was very embarrassed her property got to this point. 

“I am so sorry to my neighbors, to my friends and family. I am so sorry; it might not mean much, but it is genuine,” Alexander said. 

Alexander said she is determined to get the yard cleaned up but she is in need of some help.

Motor City Dumpster contacted CBS Detroit after hearing about Alexander’s story and decided to donate a 20-yard dumpster to help her clean up the mess. 

Moments after Motor City delivered the dumpster, Champine happened to be checking on the property to speak to Alexander and was pleased to hear the company had stepped up to help out. 

“Anytime we see companies stepping up to help people out, especially those in these sort of situations, it certainly warms my heart; this is an exceptional donation,” Champine said. 

Champine said there is a hearing on Sept. 4 to address the ongoing violations at Alexander’s property, and he remains hopeful the property can be cleaned up before that date. 

Alexander was also thankful for Motor City Dumpsters’ generosity. She said volunteers from her church, Harvest Time Outreach Ministries, are also helping with the cleanup. 

The year 2024 has so far been a mixed bag for restaurants and bars in metro Detroit. Macro issues like changes in consumer spending have contributed to a dearth of diners at the area’s food and drink establishments. This shift has forced restaurateurs to search for ways to reconfigure their operations to be more efficient and to help weather whatever economic headwinds they may be contending with. Sometimes that means closing down — temporarily or indefinitely — until a solution can be found to realize sustainability. Here are five closures that illustrate the uncertainty involved in running a restaurant these days.

The Shutter, a regular roundup of Detroit and metro Detroit’s restaurant closures, is your resource to find out what’s on its way out. The list is by no means comprehensive. Have information on another closing? Send all tips to detroit@eater.com.

June 2024

MOHICAN REGENT — Capers (14726 Gratiot Avenue), famous for its steak-by-the-ounce pricing point on the city’s east side, announced earlier this summer that it would shutter temporarily for construction.

July 2024

CORE CITY — Detroit Institute of Bagels (4884 Grand River Avenue), the Core City bagel shop that flung open its doors in 2023 following its Corktown closure, is once again closed. This time, according to BridgeDetroit, the shutter is related to the resignation of much of its workforce after the business was sold to Detroit developer Philip Kafka by its original owner Ben Newman.

ROYAL OAK — The Morrie (511 S Main Street, Royal Oak), this music-centered restaurant and bar has closed and will see new life as Blind Owl, an existing New Baltimore establishment, according to a news release. Owner of AFB Hospitality Group, Aaron F. Belen opened the Morrie in 2016, but is shifting his focus on real estate development and renting the space to Blind Owl owner Nicolas Andreasson. The new spot will emphasize a fusion of Latin and sushi and is supposed to open sometime in September.

August 2024

DOWNTOWN — Hanah House (607 Shelby St #100), an Asian fusion-inspired restaurant that opened in 2022 in downtown’s Financial District, is reportedly closed permanently and is currently seeking investors to purchase the business. According to the Freep, the restaurant has been posting on social media that the establishment is for sale, offering few details beyond a call for potential buyers to message the team for more information.

SAINT CLAIR SHORES — Jamex Brewing Co. (21721 Harper Avenue, Saint Clair Shores) will close at the end of August. Citing challenges in the service industry, owners Jeff and Kat Kaye announced the closure in an Friday, August 9 post on Facebook.