Group discusses development project

The Central Park Neighborhood Association Aug. 21 discussed a redevelopment program, 924 Eddy St., a road race, students in the neighborhood and beautification.

Nicole Rodden-Bowen, Court Street Village neighborhood program director, told the group there is a student program available through MSU in which students do a redevelopment project in the neighborhood.

Last year, a similar program was held with UM-Ann Arbor students in the Grand Traverse District neighborhood. The group of students would assess and give ideas on how to change the neighborhood.

The project, if approved, could start in the spring of 2010. She said she did a similar project during her senior year and feels it is perfect for the Central Park neighborhood. It would require two members of the association to work with undergraduate and master's students.

The fee for the project is $2,025. She said a Greater Flint Community Foundation grant might help pay for the program.

A meeting is needed to discuss neighborhood assessment and what type of projects to try.

President Steve Urdy said neighborhood resident John Carpenter saw kids trying to clean and board up the house at 924 Eddy St.

A road race is also planned to go through the neighborhood Sept. 27 for the 21st Annual Women's Only 5k Run. Kearsley and Crapo streets will be closed off between 10 and 11 a.m.

Vice President Jerry Rule said that the group should support a relationship with the students in the neighborhood and in the dorms. The neighborhood group could sponsor an event at which students could bring a dish from their home country.

A neighborhood cleanup will occur from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 13. The city trucks will also take brush if it is 4 feet or shorter. The group wants the event to have as much publicity as possible so as many neighborhood residents as possible take part.

The group will meet next at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 in the Court Street Village Neighborhood House, 727 East St.