Central Park group discusses Richert Manor

Central Park Neighborhood Association March 1 discussed Richert Manor, neighborhood action sessions and a neighborhood cleanup.

Gloria Chatman, property manager of Richert Manor, a mixed-population public housing facility, talked about security. The group had complained that Richert Manor tenants threaten the safety of the neighborhood by committing burglaries and bringing drugs into the neighborhood.

Chatman told the group that Richert Manor has rules and regulations tenants must follow. They are evicted if they violate those rules. Chatman said frequently problems are caused by guests, not by the tenants. She tries to enforce rules limiting visits as much as possible.

Chatman explained security people are on the premises from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Mondays through Fridays. The Flint Police Department has been informed of ongoing problems, but it is not always responsive.

"Every now and again a squad car will sit in the parking lot or cruise slowly through. We make lots of phone calls," she said.

A Parkview Manor resident said he sees most of the traffic and suspicious activity between 1:30 and 4 a.m. He suggested Richert Manor change its security hours to accommodate this.

CPNA President Jerry Rule suggested Chatman call Mott Police, licensed officers with powers of arrest, who patrol within a mile of the MCC campus.

Chatman encouraged residents to call with their concerns and said that any information, including license plate numbers and detailed descriptions, would be helpful.

Edwin Custer said he had attended the Neighborhood Action Session for Ward 7 March 10. He said the purpose of the sessions is to establish priorities and said public improvements, the Central High School building, security, infrastructure and housing demolitions are the priorities for Ward 7.

Ingrid Halling, who had also attended the session, disagreed and called the sessions "unrealistic pep rallies." Until blight and public safety are dealt with, she said, everything else is trivial.

The group decided to hold its annual neighborhood cleanup at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 1.

The group next meets next at 7 p.m. April 8 at 727 East St.