Central Park group discusses housing

Housing issues topped the Central Park Neighborhood Association agenda Sept. 9, including the lack of student tenants, Richert Manor, slum landlords and Genesee County Land Bank demolitions.

"There are a record number of international students at UM this year," said President Jerry Rule. "Because of an over abundance of housing we're not seeing as many international students as tenants in Central Park."

The group also discussed an ongoing problem with Richert Manor, a public housing facility that recently instituted drug testing for tenants.

"That ruling is being challenged," Rule said. "The facility has the right to drug test its employees, but testing is being disputed for residents."

The problem with negligent landlords was discussed.

"The biggest problem we have is landlords that do not screen their tenants," Ingrid Halling said. "There has to be some way of putting pressure on these landlords."

A suggestion was made to give the city the names of slum landlords.

Incidents or irresponsible drivers speeding through the neighborhood and irresponsible parents who allow their young children to ride bikes on streets were discussed. Mentoring parents and speed bumps were two suggestions offered to resolve these problems.

According to Vice President Edwin Custer, the city is three-quarters of the way through the necessary contracts to remove five unsightly structures on four neighborhood properties.

Custer added that the group should be commended for its achievements in the last three decades.

"We've kept this neighborhood stable," Custer said. "Grand Traverse South Neighborhood Association is looking at us because they think we have got it together."

In other matters, Nikki Rodden-Bowen reported that E&B Lawn Care offered a free mowing of the East Street Park.

The group agreed to meet at 4 p.m. Sept. 13 for a cleanup on Second Street. A date for a fall cleanup will be set at the group's meeting Oct. 14.

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