Title
The Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department approves the issuance of an Easement Encroachment Permit for the Detroit Public Schools Community District and authorizes the Director to take such action as may be necessary to complete and recording the transaction.
Body
Agenda of September 16, 2026
Item No. 2026-197
TO: The Honorable
Board of Water Commissioners
City of Detroit, Michigan
FROM: Gary Brown, Director
Water and Sewerage Department
RE: Approval of Easement Encroachment Permit
GLWA GEEP 2601 - CMA High School Track and Field
19501 Berg Road, Detroit, Michigan
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Scott MacGriff, Chief General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, the Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (“DWSD”) hereby approves an Easement Encroachment Permit authorizing the Detroit Public Schools Community District (“DPSCD” or “Applicant”) to construct a new track-and-field facility for Communication and Media Arts High School within an existing DWSD easement containing the 96-inch wastewater outfall designated B-087 and operated by the Great Lakes Water Authority and authorizes the Director to execute the permit and to take such further actions as may be necessary to implement and administer the permit consistent with its terms and conditions.
BACKGROUND / JUSTIFICATION
DPSCD proposes to construct a new track-and-field facility for Communication and Media Arts High School on property commonly known as 19501 Berg Road and associated parcels. The proposed facility will encroach upon an existing DWSD easement running parallel to Pembroke Avenue and will be located over GLWA’s 96-inch wastewater outfall designated B-087.
DWSD Engineering and Permitting staff, in coordination with GLWA, reviewed the proposed encroachment and determined that the project is compatible with the continued operation, maintenance, and protection of the wastewater outfall, subject to the conditions set forth in the Easement Encroachment Permit, GLWA approval letter, and approved project plans. The project includes protective structures for the B-087 manholes located within the proposed field and accommodations along the track for GLWA construction and maintenance vehicles.
Among other protections, the permit requires DPSCD to maintain access to the B-087 manholes at all times; accommodate GLWA vehicles; comply with the agreed requirements for sewage-overflow cleanup; provide advance notice for inspection; preserve DWSD’s paramount easement and access rights; maintain required insurance and indemnification; restore the easement following construction; and bear responsibility for damage to the utility facilities and any required relocation of the permitted improvements.
Approval of this resolution authorizes issuance and administration of the Easement Encroachment Permit, allowing the project to proceed while protecting DWSD and GLWA infrastructure and the interests of Detroit ratepayers.