Planning consultants interviewed

The Flint Planning Commission interviewed candidates who want to be consultants for the city's master planning process. Three master planning consulting firms talked to the planning commission and the public Nov. 1 at city hall and four more firms made their pitches Nov. 3, all seeking to be the city's consultant in the process that comes with a $1.5 million budget.

All the questions were asked by the commissioners. The public did not have a chance to ask questions except in writing because of time constraints.

Goody Clancy and Associates of Boston, Camiros of Chicago and Interface Studio of Philadelphia were interviewed Nov. 1. Chad Krieger NBBJ of Cambridge, Mass., Houseal Lavigne Associates of Chicago, AECOM of Chicago and Wade Trim Planning of Flint were the Nov. 3 interviews.

After the firms gave their presentations, the planning commission asked the firms questions.

Planning Commissioner Rob Jewell asked each bidder what they saw as the challenges and assets of the city.

The challenges identified were lost capacity and decline of the tax base, economic redevelopment, a negative image and industrial and residential property vacancies that lead to blight, crime and many brownfield problems.

The assets, according to some firms, were a deeply committed civic attitude, arts organizations, universities, hospitals and a successful history. Other firms saw Flint's transportation infrastructure, including rail, air, water and highways, as valuable assets. The Genesee County Land Bank, which some consultants said is a model used in other larger troubled cities, was mentioned by a number of the firms as being a positive influence in the planning process.

Natural resources, like the Flint River and city parks, were identified as plusses.

Also, they cited a younger generation of residents that are more educated than in past years as a plus. These younger Flint residents have an increased interest in urban living.

Nationally, more people are seeking shorter commutes to work, a walkable main street and diversity that comes with an urban setting, according to surveys done by the Goody Clancy firm.

Most firms had a wide range of experience working with distressed cities like Detroit, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, New Orleans and Cleveland.

"Flint is a place of opportunity. We want fingerprints of the community all over your master plan," said David Dixon of Goody Clancy. "We're here to help you transition to the new global economy."

"Cities don't come back to the way they used to be," another consultant said. "That's why you need a plan."

Neighborhood leadership was an important ingredient in designing a workable plan. According to Bill James of the Camiros team, local leadership would be paid to participate in the planning.

Reaching all segments of the community, even if it requires communicating in foreign languages, was mentioned by several of the consultants.

"There is no substitute for face-to-face engagement," another consultant said.

Scott Page of Interface Studio advocated a data-driven master plan that looks at each land parcel and combines them in a database.

"Economic conditions that tie a neighborhood to jobs need to be developed. That will increase the quality of life and reduce crime," Page said.

"Listening to the public is an important part of our plan," Page explained. "Our firm will not outsource this function. We will listen and make improvements while we're planning."

Alex Krieger of Chan Krieger NBBJ talked about removing zoning barriers and rebuilding citizen confidence in their city.

"Everyone in Flint, from the elite to the street people, will be citizen planners," Krieger said.

John Houseal, principal of Houseal Lavigne Associates, suggested the master planning process was a great opportunity for Flint to re-brand itself.

"We'll open a downtown studio where people can come with their perception of Flint. It's not a city plan, but a people's plan we want to develop," Houseal said.

André Brumfield of AECOM stressed Flint's uniqueness as a city.

"You're not an offshoot of Detroit," Brumfield said, emphasizing the need to build a positive image of the city through the planning process.

Wade Trim Planning was the last and only local firm interviewed. They stressed their existing commitment to the community and experience working in it. This group focused on jobs and support for entrepreneurs as well as jobs for low-income residents.

The planning commission plans to choose a firm at 6 p.m. Nov 8. The meeting is open to the public. The recommendation will then go to the Flint City Council for approval.