DETROIT – Detroit is replacing thousands of lead pipes, which is great news! But that might come with a problem that you don’t expect.

The city of Detroit just received a $90 million grant that will allow it to replace 8,000 lead pipes per year. There are 80,000 total that need to be replaced, and that’s expected to be done by 2035.

So far, 9,727 have been replaced since 2018.

I know a lot about lead. A lot. When the Flint water crisis was exposed, I spent months in the Vehicle City covering the impact, the cause, and the ultimate solution. I saw the impact of lead and the serious danger in the people who were suffering.

Since then, many cities, including Detroit, have made it a focus to get the lead out.

Unfortunately, all the construction can cause some issues.

Recently, at my Help Me Hank lunch in Eastern Market, I met some seniors who call the west side home. They were thrilled that the lead service lines were removed in March, but they’re upset with the mess crews left behind.

There are exposed shut-off valves, and the pavement is torn up. Those are new dangers left behind because the fill work hasn’t been completed.

They worry children or seniors could fall. So now I’m working with the city to cover that part of the story, and to show you what you can do if you need this work done in your community.

Stay with me throughout the day as we update you on this important story. I’ll see you on Local 4 News starting at 5 p.m.

If you need repairs or have to report a problem, you can call DWSD at 313-267-8000, use the Improve Detroit app, or click here to visit the Improve Detroit website.

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.