DETROIT (WJBK) -- Shut down and locked up. Operation Compliance is in full effect. Detroit's Building and Safety Department cracked down on almost half a dozen illegal businesses Thursday operating without a license or permit from the city.
Places such as Sunny's Tire Shop, a cesspool of violations.
"It's going to take 13 days tops," says Sunny Money. "I want my customers to know I will be back. I will be back on track. Trust me."
He is optimistic. There is a lot of work to be done. Sunny's Tire Shop of the 14000 block of Tireman is zoned for retail not selling used tires. There are plumbing issues and shoddy electrical hookups, including a space heater with burned out wires -- an accident waiting to happen in a tire shop.
"I'm going to do what it takes to get it right. I'm going to clear everything out. I'm going to do what's right. I'm going to make sure all the tires are in a good environment," Money says.
In all, four out of six businesses were shut down. Two got up to code just before the bust.
There are more than 1,500 illegal businesses in Detroit, many in buildings that are supposed to be vacant. But a task force created to tackle this problem is driving that number way down.
"We'll probably do about 18 a week beginning next week," says Glenn Davis with the City of Detroit. "We're coming. We will be there, and our effort is to help. We don't want to close anyone."
The businesses that can reopen must go through the city for proper permits after all the fees are paid. All of the business owners shut down Thursday received a compliance letter in fall of 2012, but some people have to learn the hard way.
"It's very hard for me right now. I'm smiling for no reason right now. Basically I'm crying in my heart, but I will get back up. I promise you that. I will," says Money. "They don't call me Sunny Money for nothing."
Some of the police on the scene say shutting down businesses like this is a good thing because business owners who do not pay city taxes leads to smaller paychecks and city layoffs.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:12:58 GMT
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 7:12 PM EDT2013-05-15 23:12:48 GMT
Makayla Lance is only 17 years old and facing death. Tuesday she was shot in the face allegedly by her 18-year-old boyfriend. When police responded to the scene, he was trying to save her life.
Makayla Lance is only 17 years old and facing death. Tuesday she was shot in the face allegedly by her 18-year-old boyfriend. When police responded to the scene, he was trying to save her life.
Thursday, May 9 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-05-09 20:54:33 GMT
We've all had one of those days. You have a million things on your mind and are moving way too fast. In Southfield, one woman's absent minded moment put her in a tight spot.
We've all had one of those days. You have a million things on your mind and are moving way too fast. In Southfield, one woman's absent minded moment put her in a tight spot.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:01:16 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said the CEO of North American Operations for the electric car company.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:19 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:19:58 GMT
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:43 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:43:34 GMT
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
