Anti-crime program discussed

Flint’s Downtown Small Business Association April 23 discussed an aniti-crime program and a Canadian anti-Flint video.

It also discussed events to be held in downtown Flint this summer.

Weed and Seed is an anti-crime program funded and by the U.S. Justice Department to help groups such as the DSBA.

According to Glen Kelly, DSBA and Weed and Seed board member, “A lot of people think it’s a gardening program.” Its goal is to “weed out the bad and put in seed of good to grow in the community,” he said.

The program focuses on supporting neighborhood bicycle patrolling, crime watches and hot spot reporting. Money and training will be given to groups that qualify.

“Get the kids more involved in the community so they can take ownership. If they take ownership there will be less vandalism and things like that. That’s really what Weed and Seed is all about — prevention, being proactive and trying to make the community a better place,” Kelly adds.

This program involves several Flint organizations, including the Flint Police Department, University of Michigan and Mott Community College.

The DSBA has applied for a share of the funding. There are restrictions that limit the use of the money, but using the funds for advertising was discussed.

“If you don’t ask, you don’t get. That’s the key,” kelly points out.

A video created by the Canadian Tourism Bureau titled “This Ain’t Flint” was discussed. Video images of downtown Flint in 1989 were used to show Ottawa in better light as proof the recession hasn’t affected them as much. It is being promoted on 88 radio stations.

According to Jerry Preston, DSBA member and president of the Flint Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, a letter about the video has been sent on behalf of the city of Flint. The Canadian organization responded by posting an apology on their web site. They will also provide Flint with four weeks of free advertising on the radio after their campaign has ended.

A Memorial Day Weekend of events is planned for May 22. This will include a memorial service, car show, live music and vendors. Many of the downtown shops plan to be open.

The group is beginning to prepare for both Back to the Bricks and Bikes on the Bricks scheduled for August and September. The number of motorcycles participating is expected to double since last year on the 25-mile Bikes on the Bricks parade through Genesee County.

A new bike rack has been installed in downtown Flint. With the increase in biking there are plans to purchase more bike racks in the near future. It was also noted that the University of Michigan is now renting bicycles.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. May 19 at The Lunch Studio. Find contact numbers and more information on Back to the Bricks at www.backtothebricks.org. Call (810) 249-3853 for DSBA meeting details.