Flint works on plan to spend $4 million

FLINT (WJRT) -- (11/17/08)--The city of Flint is working feverishly on a plan to spend $4 million in federal money for neighborhood stabilization before the deadline runs out.

The city has been working on the plan for just more than a month now because Housing and Urban Development told Flint just recently it was in line for $4 million in emergency assistance on abandoned and foreclosed homes.

But the city had to have a well-researched spending plan by Dec. 1.

With the basic plan in place, the city has been busy seeking citizen input, which is also a requirement of the spending plan.

The basic plan spelled out before a group at Hasselbring Community Center involves targeting three specific areas with the money.

And within those three areas, to break up the $4 million HUD monies like this: $1.9 million for construction or rehab of 75 houses, and $1.5 million for down payment assistance of people looking to buy homes in those areas.

In addition, $250,000 to demolish about 40 dilapidated houses and another $250,000 for job providing redevelopment activities

In addition, another $500,000 for program costs.

"That's not enough demolition," said William Alexander.

The general concern from those in attendance: the monies don't help people struggling to prevent foreclosures right now.

In addition, they don't help revitalize neighborhoods if dilapidated homes nearby if there only enough money to demolish 40 houses.

"You got any money now? Demolish them now," said James Gillespie. "You know it will be another 18 months and then it will be another four or five years until they get to me.

City officials are asking for all comments in writing either on their Web site or turned in to the economic development office on the north side of city hall by this Thursday.

Their plan must be submitted to HUD by Dec. 1.

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local, cathy shafran

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