Central Park group talks about housing blight, crime

Central Park Neighborhood Association Aug. 11 talked about crime and blight then heard Sen. John Gleason (27th District) talk about proposed legislation.

President Jerry Rule updated the group about the neighborhood's housing problems. He said that houses on 808 Pierson St. and 628 E. Third St. have been demolished. The homes at 909 E. Second St. and 920 E. Second St. are eyesores and still have not been condemned by the city. The house at 518 Thomson has become a nuisance because of two pit bulls, chained but not fenced, that bark throughout the night. He said he had contacted animal control but to date no action has been taken.

"I'm concerned that if those animals break loose they could kill a child or severely injure an adult," Rule said.

Rule also said the proposed UM-Flint Alternative house at 924 Eddy St. rezoning request was turned down by the Flint Planning Commission. He said they would have to start the process all over.

Vice President Edwin Custer said he didn't think they needed to rezone because the structure was originally a three-unit building and the UM proposal calls for three units. The three-unit use would be grandfathered in.

Norma Sain, director of the Court Street Nonprofit reported that the house at 606 Crapo will be rehabilitated by the Genesee County Land Bank.

"We have reached an agreement with the land bank and have contributed $93,000 to their $50,000 in NSP2 funds," Sain said.

Members discussed recent breaking and entering crimes in the neighborhood and asked Mott Community Police Officer Kraig Brucek what the procedures were for his department when a resident reports a crime.

"We only back up the city police," Brucek said. "If someone calls us, we ask them to call the city police first."

Brucek explained that Mott police still cruise through the neighborhood and if they stumble on criminal activity they stay with it start to finish.

Rule told the group he is working with the Mott Park Neighborhood Association to secure a home-alarm vendor that will offer their alarm system at a discounted price.

Custer said he purchased, with a grant to the neighborhood group, eight sugar maple trees to be planted on the parkways at several locations on Crapo, Kearlsey, East, Thomson and Third streets. He asked for volunteers to help with the planting Sept. 18.

Gleason addressed the group about proposed legislation warning: "If you think crime is high today, wait until 12,600 families are kicked off state assistance. I was a construction worker and I've seen tradesmen that have had difficult times this year — losing their insurance and homes. There is a lot of desperation out there."

Gleason also reported on pending legislation that would increase the punishment for criminals fleeing and eluding a police officer in a vehicle.

"The state had 65 officers involved in accidents where criminals elude police in a vehicle. We're asking the sentencing for these crimes be the same as those for criminals who use a weapon when committing a crime — two years minimum." Gleason said.

Gleason also reported that beginning in September, Michigan schools would teach gun safety to children in kindergarten through third grade.
"Too many kids are shooting other kids. We need to teach children not to touch a weapon," he said.

A member asked Gleason what suggestions he had for making the community safer.

"Your best defense is your neighbor," Gleason said, "and keep your lights on."

Asked about the proposed emergency financial manager legislation, Gleason said he is opposed to it because it sets the stage for allowing elected officials to be unaccountable for their actions.

"Voters should have to live with the decisions they make. I don't think we should disregard the people's vote. It's a horrible bill," he said.

The group will meet next at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Court Street Village Nonprofit Neighborhood House, 727 East St.