Detroit Shoreway community rallies
to support victims of gas explosion on West 83rd

(Plain Press, March 2010) On January 25, 2010, a vacant home on West 83rd Street just south of Madison exploded leaving 9 families homeless due to damage to their homes. A total of 57 homes were damaged from the explosion. In response, the community rallied together and found temporary housing, donated truckloads of clothing and goods, and supported these families with monetary donations.

On Sunday, February 7th a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser was held for fifteen families left homeless by the gas explosion and other property owners and tenants whose homes were damaged. Over 800 tickets were sold.

On Monday, February 22, 2010 at 9:00 a.m., in the Gordon Square Arcade Atrium (6516 Detroit Avenue), Cleveland City Councilman Matt Zone and Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization (DSCDO) honored Robert Klein, CEO of Safeguard Properties, and Ani Bagrasarian, Presidential Liaison for Special Initiatives and Governmental Relations of The Cleveland Foundation at a ceremony celebrating the outpouring of support for the victims of the West 83rd Street Explosion. Safeguard Properties contributed a $21,820 to match a $5,000 donation from the Cleveland Foundation, $11,314 raised at a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on February 7, and $5,505 from individual contributions deposited at Chase Bank. Safeguard Properties and The Cleveland Foundation presented support checks to DSCDO during the event. Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization reports that a total of $43,640 has now been raised to benefit the affected families.

In response to the outpouring of support, Ward 15 Councilman Matt Zone and DSCDO have created a West 83rd Street Explosion Advisory Committee composed of members of the faith based communities, social service organizations and resident leaders. The Advisory Committee is assessing the needs of every family and will determine what type of assistance is provided to each family.

William Calderwood, age 57, who lived next door to the house that exploded, is being held in custody for suspected arson in the blast. Police suspect Calderwood of stripping the vacant house of valuables including the gas pipes. Residents of the neighborhood also voiced concern about the role the gas company played in the tragedy by turning off the gas in the house rather than at the street.

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