Central Park discusses demolitions, cleanups

The Central Park Neighborhood Association May 12 discussed Genesee County Land Bank demolitions, neighborhood cleanups and a tree program.

President Jerry Rule reported the planned demolition of Genesee County Land Bank-owned houses in the neighborhood has been held up. Central Park, identified as a potential historic neighborhood more than 20 years ago, must have all public-funded demolitions reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Rule said he spoke with a SHPO representative who told him they did not have a problem with the demolitions but the people they report to did.

According to Rule, only one of the four properties slated for demolition will not use public money and does not require SHPO's involvement. This structure, 606 Pierson St., behind 628 E. Second St. on the same lot, was damaged by fire. It will be paid for privately by insurance funds. The yellow apartments at 628 E. Second St., on the corner of Pierson Street, and a house near Court Street at 808 Pierson St. have not been cleared by SHPO. The porchless property at 808 Pierson St. is on the city's emergency demolition list. SHPO requested more documentation be sent in before they approve the demolition. Also, the large white structure, which has had several arson attempts in the past years at 628 E. Third St. does have clearance to be demolished but is waiting to receive funds.

"So that's where we are with Land Bank houses — the same place we were last month," Rule said.

Greg Brown and John Freeman spoke about cleanups in the neighborhood planned for the May 20 and May 21 weekend. University student volunteers were expected to clean out a tax-reverted home at 606 Crapo St. May 20. The house is owned by the city and will revert to the Land Bank. Neighborhood residents plan for the property to be rehabilitated and resold by the Land Bank or Court Street Village Nonprofit Housing Corporation.

Freeman said the Land Bank would donate a dumpster, Salem Housing would donate tools and Keep Genesee County Beautiful (KGCB) would provide garbage bags and gloves.

Brown announced that the city would not be able to provide trucks to haul away trash for the neighborhood group's spring cleanup May 21.

He said the effort would clean trash and brush out of streets and the cul-de-sacs. Brown requested volunteers to distribute fliers around the neighborhood.

In other news, Vice President Edwin Custer announced he attended a preparatory meeting as part of a KGCB grant for eight new parkway street trees. Custer reported the trees would be best planted in September for the least amount of stress. The neighborhood association will need volunteers to help plant them in the fall.

The group will meet at 7 p.m. June 9 at the Court Street Village Neighborhood House, 727 East St.

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