Suspension upheld for prominent Detroit demolition contractor

November 19, 2025

The Detroit City Council unanimously voted 9-0 to uphold the Office of Inspector General's suspension of Gayanga, a major demolition contractor, and its owner Brian McKinney while investigating contaminated dirt spread across the city. Environmental testing revealed that 42 of 47 demolition sites filled by Gayanga exceeded state pollution standards, with 62% deemed unsafe for direct human contact out of roughly 2,400 residential sites the company had worked on. McKinney claims he purchased dirt from a city-approved vendor and the city shares responsibility, but Inspector General Kamau Marable says evidence points to multiple sources and inaccurate self-reporting by the company.

Who is affected

Brian McKinney and his company Gayanga (demolition contractor)
Detroit residents living near or on the 2,400 residential demolition sites filled by Gayanga
Dozens of subcontractors owed millions of dollars by Gayanga, including 3D Wrecking, City Abatement Services (owed $611,000), Detroit Environmental Solutions (owed $350,000), and DMC Consultants
Iron Horse (city-approved dirt vendor, also suspended)
Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield
Detroit City Council members
Office of Inspector General staff
Gayanga employees who may face delayed payment

What action is being taken

The Office of Inspector General is conducting an active investigation into Gayanga and the contaminated backfill sources
The 90-day suspension of Gayanga and McKinney issued on September 11 remains in effect
Environmental testing is being performed at demolition sites
Inspector General Kamau Marable is reviewing evidence and complaints from subcontractors as part of the investigation

Why it matters

This case has significant public health and safety implications, as 62% of tested sites were found unsafe for direct human contact with contamination exceeding state pollution standards at nearly 2,400 residential properties across Detroit. The situation raises serious questions about oversight of city contracting processes, particularly the self-reporting honor system that may have been exploited. The case also tests Detroit's commitment to accountability in city government, especially given the personal and professional connections between the contractor and incoming Mayor Sheffield, who authorized millions in contracts to the suspended company. Additionally, the financial impact on small subcontractors who are owed millions threatens the stability of Detroit's local construction ecosystem.

What's next

Inspector General Marable will make a final determination on whether to debar Gayanga and McKinney from working for the city long-term (the current 90-day suspension continues until this determination)
The active investigation into contaminated backfill sources will continue, potentially expanding to include complaints from subcontractors
City attorneys indicated that payment for approved work by Gayanga should proceed to ensure employees and subcontractors are paid

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com