Potter Longway staying green

The Potter Longway Neighborhood Association met outdoors at Longway Park Aug. 15 keeping their theme green.

Dora Gill announced a tree planting initiative for the area with 40 new trees donated by Keep Genesee County Beautiful.

"We're getting the right trees for the right area," Gill said. "No more broken sidewalks or downed wires," she said. "The trees that will be selected are suitable for urban parkways."

The group will plant the trees at 9 a.m. Nov. 5. Gill asked for volunteers to help plant or do the paper work.

"We have plenty of work for people of all ages and abilities," she said.

President Rob Gill announced three new community gardens on Risedorph, Curry and north of Potter School.

"These gardens are for you," Gill said. "The produce is ready so come and enjoy."

Gill also announced that the recycling trailer would be available at the Longway Park parking lot, at the corner of Whittier and Starkweather, the last weekend of every month.

"Bring your paper, cardboard, cans and plastic bottles," Gill said.

Gill reported 15 vacant homes were boarded by the Genesee County Land Bank, three homes were demolished and blight patrol has issued citations for unkempt yards.

Vice President Eric Pruitt announced that there was no Code Red activity last month. He warned members of a man and woman seen walking the area with notebooks who said they were from blight control, but he suspected they were not.

"Ask to see their identification," Pruitt said. "Blight patrol officers wear city T-shirts and drive city of Flint vehicles."

Gill concluded the meeting asking for volunteers to help with the newsletter distribution to 3,000 homes in the neighborhood.

The group will meet next at 7 p.m. Sept. 19.