Detroit Seizing Family Homes for ‘Green Energy’—Residents Say It’s a Land Grab

Detroit using eminent domain for solar project

DETROIT — A Detroit realtor is sounding the alarm over what he describes as an under-the-radar land grab by the City of Detroit under the guise of green energy.

Darin McLeskey, a real estate professional and engineer, says hundreds of properties across Detroit — some occupied and in good condition — have already been taken or are being targeted through eminent domain for solar farm projects. According to McLeskey, the city is using leftover funds originally earmarked for the demolition of the Mistersky Power Plant on West Jefferson to fuel the project.

“The city was given $14 million to tear down the plant, but the demolition is only costing about $2 million,” McLeskey said. “So now they're using the remaining funds to buy or take homes for solar projects in at least eight neighborhoods — many with families still living in them.”

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McLeskey says he owned an investment property that was targeted and claims the city initially offered him just $14,000. After a drawn-out legal fight, he was able to negotiate an increase to $70,000 and reimbursement for his attorney fees. But he says most Detroiters don't have the resources to fight city hall.

“These are generational Detroiters, immigrants, business owners — people who can’t afford lawyers,” he said. “Some don’t even know their properties have been seized until it’s too late.”

One particularly alarming story McLeskey shared involved a family whose property had been in their name since the 1950s. Because the home lacked a homestead exemption, the city offered $14,000 — a fraction of what McLeskey says it was worth. The son, who lived in the house, is now reportedly staying in a hotel.

He alleges the city is not restricting the seized land to solar-only usage, meaning properties could later be repurposed for private or commercial development.

“This isn’t about renewable energy — I’m pro-solar,” said McLeskey, who drives an electric car and previously installed 33 solar panels on his own home. “This is about process and fairness. They already own enough unused land to do these projects without displacing people.”

The City of Detroit defended its process in a statement provided by Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett, who said:

“It is typical for plaintiff lawyers to allege that a governmental agency or municipality has lowballed values on land subject to condemnation. The City of Detroit is confident that the 3-year property value/sale look-back process used to determine price was both industry standard and fair.

Recognizing we are actively involved in litigation the City of Detroit will have no further comment.”

McLeskey has launched a website, DetroitSolarScam.com, to track the city's actions and share information. He claims the city is quietly expanding the program, recently authorizing another $1.3 million to purchase nine additional homes.

Critics fear this sets a dangerous precedent, especially in a city with a history of failed redevelopment projects and where many residents feel powerless against complex legal proceedings.

McLeskey summed up his concerns with a warning: “If they can take your land for solar, they can take it for anything.”