College Cultural Neighborhood Association
Minutes of the January 21, 2010 Meeting
Officers: President Sherry Hayden * Vice President Mike Keeler * Secretary Paul Streby * Treasurer Cindy Robinson
Vice President Mike Keeler presided.
Secretary Paul Streby read the minutes of the November 19, 2009 meeting, which were approved.
Treasurer Cindy Robinson reported $590.86 in the beautification fund and $1204.09 in the general fund. The treasurer’s report was approved.
State Rep. Lee Gonzales said that battery technology is a growing field, and that General Motors is investing up to $6 billion in battery manufacturing in Michigan, which could create as many as 20,000 jobs. A restaurant and bar smoking ban takes effect on May 1, and legislation is pending to ban texting and driving.
Doug Weiland, executive director of the Genesee Land Bank, spoke about the property-related challenges facing Flint. The City’s population peaked at 196,000 in 1960, and is now between 109,000 and 112,000. We have lost the equivalent of 34,000 households; 32% of property is vacant or abandoned. The Land Bank owned 1500 structures and lots, and plans to acquire more. It would cost $50 million to demolish all dilapidated buildings. Demolition can greatly improve the value of nearby structures, and prevent blight from spreading. Funding for $25 million is going towards demolition and rehabilitation, but must follow HUD regulations. Although Flint has been hit hard, the outcounty has, also, as have all levels of government. The Land Bank is spending federal stimulus money for weed and trash abatement, including on lots owned by others. It works with neighborhood groups to clear lots in the Clean & Green program. Community gardens are often donated to worthy organizations. Doug suggested working with the Genesee County Landlords Association to deal with bad landlords. Information can be searched on TheLandBank.org.
Sgt. Nicholson of the Mott Public Safety Department reminded neighbors that Mott does community policing within a one-mile radius. He introduced Ofr. Eric Young, who is stationed at the Mott facility near Kearsley Park. He or Ofr. Tim Murley will be there from 2 p.m. to 12:30 every day. Mott Public Safety’s phone is 762-0222. Neighbors are encouraged to store this on their cell phones.
Seventh Ward City Councilman Dale Weighill reported that he has proposed getting 100 parking meters out of storage for downtown. The meters were removed because of thefts, but better locks can prevent this. The meters, Rutherford parking structure, and parking fines could generate $3000 in revenue each week. The City Council has diverted $200,000 for code enforcement, which had been lacking. Two houses in the neighborhood have suffered fire damage, one on Greenfield, on on Vernon near Court. Dale indicated that blight is a top priority for him. The City is facing another deficit of $5-7M. Property tax revenue and revenue sharing are both down. The mayor is asking the Police and Fire Departments to accept pay cuts, and other departments to accept furlough days.
City Councilman Josh Freeman said that eliminating the ombudsman’s office could save $225,000 per year.
Sherry Hayden announced an upcoming Keep Genesee County Beautiful conference funded by the Ruth Mott Foundation. The CCNA voted to authorize the beautification committee to seek a grant. Neighborhood Action Sessions are coming up, and our input is important.
Terry Bankert announced that he is sponsoring a workshop on social media, and invited neighbors to attend a planning session at his law office. It would help raise the level of discourse in the community if mature adults posted comments on MLive.com.
Respectfully submitted by Paul Streby.
Filed under: Meeting Minutes
