Potter Longway group discusses blight ordinance

The Potter Longway Neighborhood Association Aug. 16 discussed the city's blight elimination program.

Councilman Josh Freeman (Ward 4) distributed copies of the brochure explaining the blight elimination program sent to homes by the city. Freeman explained the list of phone numbers given on the brochure are mostly incorrect. The numbers were not checked before the literature was distributed. The blight hotline is still correct and he encouraged residents to call it with their concerns. He also said residents should call their councilman or neighborhood association president with specific complaints.

One resident said she called the hotline and got an automated message saying the mailbox was full and the hotline could not take any more calls.

"I don't think they anticipated the level of response," Freeman said.

"Be persistent," President Rob Gill said. "Keep calling."

Freeman explained code enforcement and blight are separate entities. The main objective of blight elimination, Freeman said, is cleaning up weeds and trash.

Residents complained they found the program too vague. They were unsure how high weeds should be before a property is reported.

Residents also complained that Genesee County Land Bank properties are exempt.

"The Land Bank is a government entity and cannot be ticketed," Freeman explained. "The Land Bank is getting 1,000 to 2,000 properties a year through foreclosure. It does respond to complaints on a house-by-house basis."

Freeman also told the group that not every vacant lot is a Land Bank property. Freeman said there is a two-year process between foreclosure and Land Bank acquisition.

Potter Elementary School Principal Tony Sitko spoke to the group about improving safety for students in the neighborhood. Graffiti and broken windows are a common occurrence on the property during the summer, Sitko said. To help discourage this, new lighting has been placed in the parking lot.

Sitko asked residents to watch out for students as they are walking to and from school.

"Keep your eyes open in the morning while you have your coffee," he said.

Sitko said Potter will be bussing in an additional 100 students this year as a result of school closures.

Rob Gill said the group will be having its annual clean-up Sept. 18 at Eastwood United Methodist. It starts with a 9 a.m. pancake breakfast. Four trucks and drivers will be arriving at 10 a.m. to begin the clean-up. Gill said he hopes for 16 to 20 volunteers.

"Bring a friend, bring a neighbor," Gill said.

"It's a blast to ride around on the back of the truck. It doesn't sound like it's fun, but it is," Freeman said.

Lunch will follow the clean-up.

The group meets next Sept. 20 at Eastwood United Methodist, 3313 Whittier Ave. Contact Robert Gill at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (810) 736-2853 for information.

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