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The Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department approves the issuance of an Easement Encroachment Permit for MHT Housing, Inc., Sanctuary Brewster Limited Dividend Housing Association, LLC; Brewster Wheeler III Limited Dividend Housing Association, LLC; and Brewster Wheeler II Limited Dividend Housing Association, LLC; and authorizes the Director to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the permit.
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Agenda of July 15, 2026
Item No. 2026-162
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
Brewster Sanctuary Development
631, 651, and 671 Alfred; 2900 St. Antoine; and 670 Wilkins, Detroit, MI
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 MHT Housing, Inc., Sanctuary Brewster Limited Dividend Housing Association, LLC, Brewster Wheeler III Limited Dividend Housing Association, LLC, and Brewster Wheeler II Limited Dividend Housing Association, LLC (“Applicant”) to install underground DTE electrical conduit crossings within existing DWSD easements located at the Brewster Sanctuary Development in Detroit, Michigan, 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
The Applicant is proposing to undertake certain utility improvements as part of the Brewster Sanctuary Development located at the above-captioned addresses. The project requires installation of underground DTE electrical conduit crossings within existing DWSD easements located in portions of vacated Brewster Street and a vacated public alley.
DWSD Engineering and Permitting staff reviewed the proposed encroachment and determined that the installation is compatible with the continued operation, maintenance, and protection of DWSD facilities, subject to the conditions set forth in the Easement Encroachment Permit. The permit preserves DWSD's paramount easement rights and requires the Applicant to maintain appropriate insurance, indemnify DWSD, restore the easement following construction, and bear responsibility for any future relocation of the encroachment or damage to DWSD facilities resulting from the permitted work.
Approval of this resolution authorizes issuance and administration of the Easement Encroachment Permit, allowing the project to proceed while protecting DWSD infrastructure and the interests of Detroit ratepayers.