Central Park group discusses student housing, security

Central Park Neighborhood Association April 8 discussed student housing and security concerns.

President Jerry Rule said he and Vice President Edwin Custer had attended an off-campus housing fair at the UM-F First Street residence hall. There are up to 200 students looking for housing for the fall, Rule reported,

"I talked to a kid living in Davison. I'm hoping we can get kids living in Flint," Rule said.

Rule said he sent an e-mail to Doug Weiland, executive director of the Land Bank, about his concern that the five vacant properties in the neighborhood will be a "terrible first impression" for students coming to look at apartments.

Rule read Weiland's response, which urged Rule and the group to stay patient. Properties must undergo environmental review.

"I realize there's a format and procedure, but we have a special opportunity. I don't know what it's going to take," Rule said.

UM-Flint student Cade Surface told the group to "encourage landlords and students. Don't necessarily hinge success on those five houses."

Sgt. Lloyd Nicholson introduced Police Officer Eric Young, the new community policing officer assigned to the area.

Nicholson explained that MCC Public Safety patrols a one-mile radius around the campus, including Central Park. The officers take calls within the area and Nicholson provided two numbers — 762-0222 for general concerns and 762-5666 for emergencies.

Young said calls do not have to be only for criminal problems and added that MCC has a low call volume.

Debi Spaneley gave a presentation on being a better observer of people to provide information for the police. She gave the group a list of details and encouraged the group to always be alert when they are walking or driving through the neighborhood.

"Druggies and criminals don't like being watched and if we keep watching and reporting they'll move," she said.

Councilman Dale Weighill (7th Ward) reported the city received a $6 million federal grant to hire back 39 firefighters and reopen two stations. Firefighters Kerry Edwards and Ray Barton co-authored the grants, Weighill said.

Weighill also said the city will be hiring three or four new code enforcement officers soon. "This administration is taking code enforcement very seriously," he said.

Greg Brown announced the annual neighborhood clean up will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 1. Lunch will be provided. Brown asked people to bring gloves and tools.