Unlikely jungle — News Hits traveled far into the timbered block of Melbourne, east of John R, to find what could be Detroit’s only jungle preserve, known as 266. Ample trees and greenery erupt from what used to be the porch of the house. Its most incredible artifact: a dirty red Christmas stocking lies soaking in the haunting remnants. Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and he visits every house.
The chaotic jungle house-thicket and a couple others nearby mar a neighborhood oasis of well-kept homes adorned with flowerpots, of children riding bikes and dogs playing in yards.
Here’s the kicker: Turns out Detroit owns 266. Its value is estimated at a whopping $400. The state took the house in 1992, presumably due to nonpayment of taxes, before turning it over to Detroit in 1995. Planning and Development didn’t return calls to determine what if anything the city has done to try and sell the jungle abode. If interested in buying this gem, call the city at 313-224-2370.
Adam Stanfel and Megan Frye are editorial interns at Metro Times. E-mail letters@metrotimes.com
