Mott Park group tackles some tall tasks

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By Kate Cole

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

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The Mott Park Neighborhood Association April 2 learned about neighborhood transformation and the county park system.

Member Nena Woodall explained a new pilot program called Neat Street in cooperation with Keep Genesee County Beautiful. Members are adopting city blocks and once a week pick up trash along the street and sidewalks. A clean-up kit is provided for volunteers that includes bags, gloves and trash grabbers. Volunteers log their hours and record how much trash was collected.

"Parents and their children are working on this project together," Woodall said. "We only have about four or five streets left that have not been adopted."

A member complained that not only sidewalks and curbs but also bus stops in the neighborhood are constantly littered.

"We'll contact MTA first," Woodall said. "If they can't help with trash containers we'll have to find some trash barrels — it's up to us. We can't depend on the city."

Tom Saxton, chairman of the recently formed nonprofit that is taking over the Mott Park Golf Course, updated members on the status of the project.

"We have a unique opportunity to update a golf course that has operated for more than 75 years. About 18 months ago we came up with an alternative plan to reopen the course the city shut down. Our goals are to fund, restore and reopen the course," Saxton said.

According to Saxton, the deal hasn't been completed yet — although it is moving forward. "We've entered into partnerships with the Flint Jr. Golf Association and others, but an actual agreement has not been signed. Our best case scenario for reopening the course will be in 2013," Saxton said.

Bob Brown introduced members to a new organization called Neighborhoods Without Borders.

"We are mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and grandparents, business people, pastors and educators coming together in a grassroots effort to significantly improve the overall quality of life in Flint neighborhoods," Brown said.

Objectives of the organization include building on work currently being done by other groups, using existing resources and assets to transform neighborhoods and creating doable action focused on lifelong learning, jobs, money, retail renaissance, community safety, gangs, ex-offenders and opportunities for youth.

Their first strategic action together to reclaim neighborhoods will be 9 a.m. April 19 at the Insight Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience Auditorium, 4800 S. Saginaw St.

Contact Brown at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Nancy Edwards, Genesee County Parks recreation and program specialist, talked about the free and low cost programs offered this spring and summer.

According to Edwards, the Genesee Parks System spans 11,000 acres, with 25 full-time staff and 300 seasonal workers. A $1.6 million grant from the Ruth Mott Foundation was received this year to ensure all facilities remained open, including the Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, For-Mar Nature Center and the various campgrounds and parks.

New additions to the park system that have generated a large number of participants include the Goldenrod Disc Golf Course, 6405 Irish Rd., Davison, an 18-basket course open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily.

Edwards said the Warrior Dash 5K obstacle run last year had a $5 million impact on the economy with over 20,000 participants. Another run is planned for this year — Metro Dash.

Information on activities and programs is available at www.geneseecountyparks.org.

Councilman Sheldon Neeley, (Ward 6) updated members on the recent flip-flops of administration at City Hall.

"We're back with an emergency manager after four days of mayoral administration," Neeley said. "Right now, the city's budget is top priority and is due to the state at the end of the week. There will be cuts all around — firefighters and police will see double-digit cuts — even if they don't agree," Neeley added.

He reassured members that Kettering University's commitment to five police officers for the Mott Park areas would remain intact.

He told members to expect yet another increase in water rates and said the administration is only looking at cost cutting, not new revenue streams.

Neeley said he favors raising the income tax as another source of income rather than raising property taxes that adversely affect retirees on limited incomes.

Treasurer Sandra McKellar announced the association recently filed for 501(c)(3) status. She announced the annual Mott Park rummage sale would be held June 9. Contact McKellar at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to participate.

The group will meet next at 7 p.m. June 4. The meeting place will be announced.

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