East Siders Rally to Shut Down Mouron Owned Concrete Facility

October 13, 2025

East side Detroit residents, activists, and political leaders gathered at Gaylord and Moran to protest a concrete crushing plant they claim is causing air pollution, noise, and blight in their neighborhood. Local activist Jahdante Smith and residents like Diana Morris described deteriorating living conditions and health concerns, citing dust contamination and respiratory issues. Despite community outcry, city officials maintain the facility, which operates in a heavy industrial zone, is legally permitted to continue operations and has worked to maintain air quality standards.

Who is affected

Residents of Detroit's east side/Cadillac Heights neighborhood
Children and elderly people in the area
Local resident Diana Morris, who has lived in the neighborhood for 50 years
Community members experiencing poor air quality and noise pollution
People potentially developing health issues such as silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD from silica dust exposure

What action is being taken

Residents, community organizations, and political leaders are gathering to urge the city to close the concrete crushing plant
The Detroit Hamtramck Coalition is calling for the shutdown of the facility
Activists are highlighting that the facility was initially opened illegally
Diana Morris is in the process of investigating what is affecting her lungs and causing changes in her breathing
The facility is working to maintain air quality at what city officials consider a healthy level

Why it matters

The plant reportedly creates poor air quality, noise pollution from truck traffic, and blight
Silica dust particles can cause serious health issues including silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD
Small particles that cannot be coughed up get stuck in lungs, potentially increasing asthma and chronic lung disease probability
According to Diana Morris, the neighborhood has been "decimated" by the facility, transforming from a residential area with businesses to one where people are being "pushed out"
The issue highlights tensions between industrial operations, property rights, and community health concerns

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle