There is a site plan review for Hurley's proposed addition of a new lobby and emergency department area. As part of Hurley's plans, there would be a new drive for visitors and emergency drop-offs as well as a new ambulance entrance.

To accommodate the proposed changes, Hurley is also requesting that a portion of Stone Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues be vacated. This means that part would no longer be a city street.

Other items on the agenda include a report on the CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) document and the standing item of master planning initiative.

I had a chance to read a draft version of the CEDS document (100+ pages) and provided some initial feedback.

My overall suggestion was that it could be useful and important to break down data in terms of Flint and the rest of the county rather than relying on county averages.  Given both the extreme level of racial segregation (one of the highest in the country) and the different economic situations (in October Flint's unemployment rate was 25.5 percent and the rest of the county's was 10 percent), I think it could be useful to think about what kinds of economic development needs and opportunities might exist in each of those distinct circumstances.

When a community is as stratified as ours, averages can cloak useful insights.

For instance, there might be value in looking at what forms of support and outreach could help revive the many struggling neighborhood commercial areas in Flint. That's a different strategy that might be suggested by looking at the county as a whole but could have a big impact on Flint, and in turn, the county.

As always, the community is welcome to attend and can speak during the public forum if they choose.

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Elizabeth Jordan is a lifelong Flint resident who represents the 9th Ward on the Flint Planning Commission.  In addition to working in the nonprofit sector, she is involved with various community initiatives promoting social justice and peace.