Investor’s group discusses street lighting

The Central Park Neighborhood Association Investors Committee Aug. 26 discussed historic light poles, the prosperity of the neighborhood, manhole cover theft and renovating 628 E. Second St.

Chairman John Freeman said the neighborhood residents should look at University Avenue's historic light poles as a possible idea for the neighborhood. Private contractors have been installing the light poles, the city is responsible for lighting fixtures and Consumers Energy is responsible for replacing bulbs.

He said the neighborhood had similar light poles until 1972 and it would be a good idea to get them back in the neighborhood to mark its significance.

Freeman said he was happy to finally see kids playing in the streets during the daytime. While there probably will always be drug activity, he said, he has yet to see anything about it in the neighborhood.

"Laughing children in the neighborhood is better than a gun shot," he said.

Freeman also mentioned working with MCC and UM-Flint students who will receive the new GI bill, which covers books, tuition and housing. He said that he is hoping to get a lot of veterans in the neighborhood.

Edwin Custer said that the most important part is to get the word out about the neighborhood.

Depending on the success of the new UM-Flint dormitories, Freeman said, Central Park should really benefit next year from student housing.

Freeman noted the theft of city manhole covers for scrap. He said similar problems existed in the Ukraine and the solution was to use recycled plastic to make manhole covers. He said neighborhood resident John Carpenter suggested using the option in Flint.

The group also discussed renovating the unmaintained property at 628 E. Second St. The plans consisted of making the property into small rental units for students.

"If we can get and develop the property, we will be able to keep the crime out and students in," Freeman said.

The group will meet next at 6 p.m. Sept. 23 at Court Street Village Neighborhood House, 727 East St.