As demolition nears, protective barriers at Detroit’s Cooley High vandalized

“Sign up for Chalkbeat Detroit’s free newsletter to keep up with the city’s public school system and Michigan education policy. Detroit’s public school district is stepping up security at soon-to-be demolished Cooley High School after weekend vandals breached the property and caused damage. In a statement released Sunday night, Detroit Public Schools Community District spokeswoman Chrystal Wilson said intruders broke down a large section of the fence protecting the building and a covering protecting the entrance of the long-vacant school was destroyed. Vandals knocked down the covering that protected the entrance to Cooley High School in Detroit. Fencing around the site went up in recent days as salvage work began at the building, expected to be torn down this summer. The weekend damage has since been repaired and DPSCD will now have 24-hour security coverage at Cooley until demolition activities are complete, Wilson said. “The former Cooley High School building remains closed to the public, and unauthorized entry is prohibited,” Wilson said. “The district continues to prioritize the safety of the surrounding community and will work closely with law enforcement and demolition partners to secure the site throughout the demolition process. Violators of the building risk their own safety by entering the grounds and building and will be prosecuted if apprehended.” Wilson said Detroit Police have been alerted about the situation. Police spokesperson Jasmin Barmore told BridgeDetroit Monday that the department does not have any arrest reports from the incident. The weekend vandalism comes days after a pair of community meetings were held by the district to answer questions and gather feedback from residents and alumni, many upset, over a future sports complex that will be built on the site. DPSCD confirmed earlier this month that Cooley would be demolished this summer after sitting vacant for more than 15 years. Cooley closed its doors in 2010. “Due to years of public outcry regarding safety, arson attacks and blight tickets, the building will be demolished,” DPSCD Superintendent Nikolai Vitti has said. Vitti has said that the district will preserve architectural features from Cooley, like bricks, terra cotta medallions, the entry archways, and the bell from the tower of the building. Micah Walker is a reporter for BridgeDetroit. You can reach her at mwalker@bridgedetroit.com .

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