Fairfield Village youth mowing neighborhood lawns

The Fairfield Village Council youth task force is mowing lawns and trimming weeds throughout the residential area because of a $1,000 Community Foundation of Greater Flint grant and some private donations, according to Andy Ellard, council president.

"Our curbs look great," Ellard said. "The kids are raking, mowing and edging our neighborhood and our seniors are happy with their work," Ellard added.

The task force was formed to help youth earn extra money and to help seniors get their lawns cared for at a reasonable rate.

"We need donations, lots of lawn waste bags and money for gas. At $4 a gallon we're using up our grant money quickly," Ellard said.

Ellard asked residents to write letters of recommendation if they were satisfied with the work the task force did.

"These letters will help us secure more grant money," Ellard explained.

Judy Hovey, chairperson of the beautification committee, said the flower boxes on Eighth Street were planted. She also said the work on the community garden has stalled because access to the proposed site is blocked until the property is turned over to the Genesee County Land Bank.

"I've met with Deb Cherry, county treasurer, and our Councilman Dale Weighill (Ward 7) and we have their support. Once we get access to the property we have people lined up to rototill it," Hovey said. "The city needs to put down a layer of topsoil first."

Because vacant homes can lead to an increase in crime, Hovey and Ellard asked the group to consider a process for identifying possible vacant homes in the area.

"When we did our survey we had a small number of vacant homes. But when I sent out the newsletter, I got a large number back marked vacant," Hovey explained.

Gary West, safety watch chairman, said there has been a noticeable increase in the presence of Mott Community College Police in the area. He encouraged residents to get all the Flint neighborhood safety news on the web by signing on to www.Ineighbors.org

Councilman Weighill announced Hovey was selected to be on the citywide Master Planning Committee with 21 other Flint residents.

Hovey said that as a member of that committee she plans on meeting with other neighborhood associations for input.

"I will keep the council updated on what's happening on this committee," Hovey pledged.

The neighborhood picnic is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. June 25.

The group will meet next at 1 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Court Street Village Neighborhood House, 727 East St.

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