Grand Traverse group discusses Stat EMS

The Grand Traverse District Neighborhood Association Feb. 18 discussed Stat EMS's plans to buy 613 Oak St. and voted to ask the Land Bank to delay sale of the property.

Stat EMS President Marc Lund said he hopes to buy a Land Bank property, 613 Oak St. Stat EMS intends to tear down the structure and make part of it green space and part of it parking for EMS employees. Lighted parking space would provide more security for his employees. Lund cited 25 car break-ins in the last five years.

Since the business opened in 2004 residents have protested the noise and congestion and the non-conformity of the business within the neighborhood. Residents voiced distaste for the yellow sidewalk outside the building and their displeasure at waking in the early hours of the morning to hear sirens and drivers swearing.

Lund gave a presentation on his business and its relationship with the neighborhood.

"We intend to be accountable for the way we're behaving in the communities we serve," said Lund. "I know that people don't like us much and I'm trying to extend an olive branch. I don't think I'm leaving and I'd like to get along with you, be proactive and work with the neighborhood. I'd like to get as much input as possible from the neighborhood."

Lund encouraged residents to call the company with any complaints and concerns they have.

William Gainey said there is a city ordinance that says commercial vehicles are not to be stored on residential property.

Lund said the city has no objection to commercial parking on acquired property that is contiguous to its base of operations. He cited a rezoning effort that failed, but said all of the Stat EMS property would be combined to one parcel, making the parking lot legal.

Dave Johnson said he is concerned the business will outgrow the spot. Once you leave, what will be the next use for the property?" Johnson cited Chevy-in-the-Hole and commented Flint doesn't need another large vacant space.

A resident said the members should stress the commercial value of Court Street and Grand Traverse as opposed to residential side streets.

Lund said he has no intention to expand. The Flint hub will be the headquarters for administration and training, but expansion will happen through satellite locations in the suburbs.

President Heidi Phaneuf said a Grand Blanc group home developer  has shown interest in the property although it is not known whether he intents to create another group home or use the house as a rental property.

Marge De Periest said she is "really against another group home," and these homes tarnish the reputation of downtown Flint.

Other residents agreed with this, saying the neighborhood is "saturated" with group homes.

Joel Rash said "Group homes are great neighbors, but we don't want all group homes. Group home residents don't go to neighborhood association meetings, they don't have children to put in our public schools. We want to increase single-family, owner-occupied homes."

The group voted to recommend the property not be sold to Stat EMS or the group home developer asking the Land Bank for a 90-day extension. The group decided to wait for an unconfirmed possibility of federal dollars to rehabilitate the house.

In other action, the group discussed security issues in the neighborhood.

One resident reported her neighbors are raising pitbulls for fighting. Others were concerned about prostitution and drug dealing in the neighborhood.

Phaneuf encouraged residents to take advantage of the "green sheets" from Mayor Dayne Walling's office. These citizen complaint sheets must be responded to within two weeks by the mayor's office.

"The sheets are a great thing we need to take advantage of as much as possible," she said.

The group meets every third Thursday at the Stockton Center.