Investor’s group discusses streetlights

The Central Park Neighborhood Association Investor's Committee Sept. 30 discussed neighborhood streetlights and student housing in the neighborhood.

Chairman John Freeman said the group is trying to get enough streetlights to make the neighborhood secure at night. The tree canopy that lines the streets restricts much of the light that is provided by streetlights. The neighborhood could use more lighting, he said.

Edwin Custer said that 15 years ago he worked on a lighting project along Kearsley Street but once the lights burned out the bulbs were not replaced. He said there needs to be long-term commitments to maintaining such projects.

He also said a city traffic engineer surveyed the neighborhood two decades ago and said, at the time, lighting was adequate after a few extra streetlights were installed.

Custer suggested applying for a grant to survey the neighborhood and to have a private company properly prune the existing tree canopy.

Freeman also told the group that he spoke with a UM-Flint official about using space in the neighborhood for international students. He said there is a market because the refinished Durant Hotel will be more for domestic students and the dormitory is for freshmen. There is a need for housing for the older international students. He said the Central Park neighborhood is it.

Freeman suggested trying to acquire 628 E. Second St. The property, which has fallen into disrepair, would be ideal for student apartments.

Nicole Rodden-Bowen, Court Street Village neighborhood program director, said it must be privately bought to receive Michigan State Housing Development Authority funds for the property.

She said that since Court Street Village already has three properties they are fixing up in the city, they cannot take on any others. But, she said, she will bring the matter up with Court Street Village Excutive Director Jerry Vogler.