Headlines Local News

‘Largest blight elimination plan region has seen’ announced

Written by Tanya Terry

The Genesee County Board of Commissioners passed a request for $45.3 million dollars-a ‘groundbreaking deal-‘ to demolish blighted structures in Flint and Genesee County. This was announced by Mayor Sheldon Neeley and the Genesee County Board of Commissioners at a press conference held May 4 at the City Hall Dome.

“This is the largest blight elimination plan that this region has ever seen,” Neeley said.

Mayor Sheldon Neeley

He said the partners present came together collectively using their dollars in order to help eliminate blight.

These partners include Genesee County, the city of Flint, representatives from the state of Michigan and philanthropic partners through Mott.

Genesee County Board of Commissioners Chair Domonique Clemons, representative of the 4th district said just earlier that day, the Genesee County Board of Commissioners voted to approve $8 million, in addition to the funds the city of Flint has allocated for demolition throughout the city and Genesee County.

In April, the Flint City Council voted to put $16 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds towards eliminating blighted houses or businesses. In addition, the $8.8 million is coming from the State of Michigan, another $8 million from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and remaining $4.5 million from the County Treasurer’s office and Genesee County Land Bank.

“This is over 2,400 homes that will be demolished,” Clemons explained. “This is an opportunity for us to raise property values across Flint and Genesee County, creating a safer community, a more beautiful community and a place for all of us to live, to grow our families and to prosper.”

Genesee County Board of Commissioners Chair Domonique Clemons

Attendees to the press conference included Councilperson Dr. Ladel Lewis, Councilperson Quincy Murphy, Commissioner Bryant Nolden, Commissioner Ellen Ellenburg, Commissioner Charles Winfrey, Commissioner Dominique Clemons, Commissioner Gary Peppin, Executive Director of the Genesee County Landbank Michael Freeman, City Services Manager Arnold Brown and President and CEO of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Ridgway White.

Executive Director of the Genesee County Landbank Michael Freeman

Bishop Chris Martin expressed why he felt it was so important he attended the press conference, saying there were blighted properties around the churches.

“The church community is very involved with what  happens in the city of Flint,” he said. “It also affects our churches. “

It was a matter of meeting and collaborating the state of the needs for the Flint City Council. This involved meeting with the county and letting them know what the city’s needs are. In addition, 2nd Ward Councilwoman Ladel Lewis said these conversations were focused around how more could be done with less by coming together.

“We began to get buy ins, organizations after organization and entity by entity, “ Lewis added. “Once all entities were at the table we were all in agreement that this would be the best, not just but for the entire county. You can’t have Genesee County without Flint and vice versa. It was like a domino effect.”

Lewis said it was “amazing” to see this come into fruition after months of conversations.

“We are a young council, and we want to show the community that we’re just not out here doing something-but we’re doing the right thing,” Lewis expressed. “We’re leveraging. We’re doing right by their money, and we’re creating partnerships throughout the entire county to get the work done.”

The city’s goal is to complete the demolition project by 2024. In 2026, ARPA funds will expire.

Related posts

GET HELP with the MI Nonprofit Relief Fund

Tanya

Mayor Neeley issues advisory recommending self-imposed shelter in place

Tanya

As library opening nears, passionate discussions about adding Gloria Coles name to the library continue

Tanya

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More