Public asked to participate in planning process

Jim Richardson, co-chairman of the master planning steering committee, says the city needs a new master plan, the first since 1960, and it needs to be driven by the community.

"The city made an attempt in the late 70s but that plan was never completed or adopted," Richardson explained.

A recent proposal for funding a plan by the city ended up with a $1.57 million grant from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department and additional funding came from the community. That moved the planning process to the city's front burner. The Flint Planning Commission stepped up announcing they wanted broad community involvement in the plan from across the city.

"It was determined that the master plan steering committee should be a reflection of the social makeup of the city by race, gender, age and geographic location," Richardson explained.

Mayor Dayne Walling asked Richardson to be the co-chairman of the steering committee with Robert Wessley, planning commission chairman. The two co-chairmen then selected volunteers from all wards.

"We looked for people who were enthusiastic about their community and who were willing to devote time and energy to the project. It's going to be a three-year process," Richardson said.

How the plan gets done is the planning commission's responsibility — although the Flint City Council will ultimately approve it.

Walling's assistant Steve Martin said the mayor has chosen a candidate to fill the chief planner position, but he's holding off until after the November mayoral election to announce his choice.

Meanwhile, the planning commission is looking for a consulting firm to help with the process. They are interviewing firms that will do the work associated with the plan.

"The selection of the consulting firm is very important," Richardson said.

In October or November the planning commission will be interviewing candidates. These interviews will be open to the public. The steering committee is asking those who attend to write their impression of the candidates and give their responses to the planning commission.

"We need to hire the right group that will be creative on how we use the land in the city," Richardson said.

The steering committee has met twice since it started.

The first meeting was an orientation — getting to know each other and gaining an understanding of the scope of the project.

At the second meeting the group met with a representative from Rowe Engineering for a lesson in master planning.

"We learned a lot about the process and what it's not about. A master plan sets priorities but doesn't dictate specifically what change will happen in a particular area. We can identify property as commercial but cannot tell you that it will be a certain kind of development. We are creating conditions that will encourage development by entrepreneurs and developers. If we do it right a developer will see opportunities to use this land and make something happen," Richardson added.

According to Richardson, the master plan is a key factor in the transformation of the city.

Data gathering is also part of the master planning process and the steering committee will be looking at other cities to find their best practices.

Richardson said his committee's second phase will begin the first of next year. The group will be reaching out to engage and involve many different neighborhood groups with specific activities.

"We want every part of this city involved," Richardson said. "We know that many of these groups have already developed plans for their areas. We want to include these in our design. Groups that developed safe routes to school and urban agriculture agencies will be asked to share their plans with us."

Richardson has lived in Flint since 1972. He and his wife Jane raised five children in the city. He is a retired executive with Planned Parenthood.