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By Edwin D. Custer Gilkey Creek March 2010 Vol. XLVIII No. 3 |
News
HDC approves plans to expand homeless shelter
By Kelsey Ronan Mar 2010
The Historic District Commission March 4 approved plans to repair a building to provide services to the homeless in Carriage Town and discussed Stat EMS in Grand Traverse District...Metawanenee Hills, Hamilton Dam discussed
By Steve L. Onore Mar 2010
The Flint Planning Commission Feb. 23 discussed the Metawanenee Hills Neighborhood and the Hamilton Dam.The group listened to a presentation from the Metawanenee Hills Neighborhood...
Huckleberry Radio Hour revives local variety radio
By Alan Matthews Feb 2010
Local broadcaster Michael J. Thorp began the Huckleberry Radio Hour to promote the use of the Colwell Opera House at Crossroads Village. Thorp also fulfilled his desire to write, produce and host a...Hamilton Dam team discusses project
By Rita Heidtman Feb 2010
The Hamilton Dam and Restoration project team reported the physical and environmental changes they plan for the dam and parks along the Flint River Feb. 25. Team members showed what changes need to...Vertigo Theatrics prepares for ‘Forbidden Broadway’
By Rita Heidtman Feb 2010
In preparing for Vertigo Theatric's March production of Forbidden Broadway, Director Ted Valley has selected 12 cast members from a variety of different acting backgrounds. The musical, which will...Arab-American Council wants to make difference
By Kelsey Ronan Feb 2010
The Arab-American Heritage Council (AAHC) was founded in 1980 by a few concerned Arab-Americans with the aim of helping Arab-American through immigration and to learn English. Since April 2009, it...Hairdresser volunteers at Shelter of Flint
By Kelsey Ronan Feb 2010
Lorraine Morrisette was at work one day at Wild Side Salon in Davison and was tired of hearing all the negativity from her clients.She asked herself, "What can I do to make the negative...
Commission approves expansion of Hurley lobby, emergency room
By Steve L. Onore Feb 2010
The Flint Planning Commission Jan. 12 approved site plans for expansion of a lobby and emergency room at Hurley Medical Center and to move the entrance to the south side near Dort Park.At the...
Buckham Gallery holding poetry reading Feb. 20
By Rita Heidtman Jan 2010
Professor Jan Worth-Nelson's UM-Flint students will hold a poetry reading at Buckham Gallery, 134 1/2 W. Second St., from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 20. Eleven students will take part in the event called...Group discusses inconsistent code enforcement, civil case settlement
By Alan Matthews Jan 2010
The Historic District Commission Jan. 7 discussed inconsistencies in code enforcement, settlement of a civil case, becoming a certified local government, lamp post installation and a wheelchair...Grand Traverse group approves gardening project
By Rita Heidtman Jan 2010
Grand Traverse District Neighborhood Association agreed to support an urban gardening project in Aldrich Park. Joanna Lehrman, a graduate of Michigan State University, is developing the project to...College Cultural group discusses abandoned properties, downtown parking meters
By Kelsey Ronan Jan 2010
The College Cultural Neighborhood Association Jan. 21 discussed abandoned properties, stimulus funds and parking meters for downtown.Doug Weiland, director of the Genesee County Land Bank...
Flint Handmade encourages creative economy
By Kelsey Ronan Jan 2010
Crystal Pepperdine wondered why she was driving to Detroit for craft shows. Pepperdine was already a member of Flint's Creative Alliance and knew there were creative people in Flint. So, she began...E-mail reports promote Flint
By Alan Matthews Jan 2010
Katie Bach, new director of public relations for the Flint Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, has taken over publishing the Changing Perceptions of Flint and Flint College Movement e-mail reports...Welcome to East Village Magazine
By Gary P. Custer Jan 2010
Welcome to East Village Magazine web site — a work in progress.We are not finished and we probably never will be. But, what we are working on now should go a long way to creating a valuable...
Flint shelter helps homeless get GED
By Kelsey Ronan Jan 2010
Bradley Woodruff was given the opportunity in March 2009 to start a GED program at the Shelter of Flint, an emergency and transitional housing facility for women and children.The need was there...
Poetry under stars begins Feb. 9
By Kelsey Ronan Jan 2010
Poetry Under the Stars begins next month at Longway Planetarium with three nights of poetry on the themes of love, rebirth and faith in English, Polish and Arabic.Poetry Under the Stars began in...
Mott Park Association elects new president
By Kate Cole Jan 2010
The Mott Park Neighborhood Association Nov. 19 elected Susan Burhans president.Former President Marta Wyngaard-Tavakoli served three terms and was ineligible for re-election.
"I'm very happy...
Children's author speaks to UM-Flint audience
By Kate Cole Jan 2010
Christopher Paul Curtis, children's author and recipient of three Newbery Awards and the Coretta Scott King Award for children's literature, spoke to an audience of about 150 people Dec. 2 at the...County residents get free medical help
By Kate Cole Dec 2009
Thousands of Flint residents lost their medical insurance when they lost their jobs in the recent economic downturn. Add sickness or injury to their dilemma and it would be overwhelming without...Group helps families of murdered children
By Kelsey Ronan Dec 2009
Wanda Pierce’s son was murdered in Detroit in May 1992. She moved to the Flint area and found there was no organization to help her.“At the particular time, you’re not able to focus on what...
Whaley holds annual event
By Alan Matthews Dec 2009
The Whaley Historical House is having holiday festivities in December with the theme of “A Colorful Christmas.” Tours of the house include live music, a history of the Whaley family...Cell phone pole approved
By Steve L. Onore Dec 2009
The Flint Planning Commission Nov. 24 recommended the Flint City Council approve a special regulated use for Metro PCS to build a 120-foot monopole tower at 1227 Garfield Rd.Agent Krysten...
MCC gets variance for parking lot
By Steve L. Onore Nov 2009
The Flint Zoning Board of Appeals Oct. 20 approved a variance request for a temporary parking area near Mott Community College on the southwest corner of Horrigan Drive and Longway Boulevard.It...
Mayor appoints green city coordinator
By Alan Matthews Nov 2009
Mayor Dayne Walling appointed Steve Montle as "green city coordinator" to focus on acquiring environmentally conscious jobs, recycling and land planning Aug. 10.Montle is working with companies...
Mott Park residents protest at City Hall
By Alan Matthews Nov 2009
Mott Park residents protested rising crime at Flint City Hall Oct. 23 precipitated by the Oct. 22 shooting of 77 year old resident, Pat Gillespie.Mott Park Neighborhood Association President...
Flint Community Players is 81 years old
By Erica Woodruff Nov 2009
The Flint Community Players celebrate their 81st season this year.The group was created in 1928 by Flint residents Bertha Creighton and Robert K. Adams. Their first show, Meet the Wife, premiered...
Group discusses urban agriculture
By Steve L. Onore Nov 2009
The Flint Planning Commission Oct. 13 discussed urban agriculture proposals.Megan Minnock, ENP & Associates, said that the proposals are about stabilizing land. Other communities use 75...
City seeks community input
By Alan Matthews Nov 2009
Mayor Dayne Walling is holding "neighborhood action sessions" to promote resident-driven change in Flint. The goal of the 49 sessions is to create city improvements through civic engagement, said...Mott Park group trying new things
By Kate Cole Oct 2009
The Mott Park Neighborhood Association is trying new things to improve the neighborhood, according to President Marta Wyngaard-Tavakoli.“Three years ago, when I became president of our group...
Shelter of Flint gets web site
By Kate Cole Oct 2009
Shelter of Flint, a homeless shelter for women, children and families, announced the launch of www.ShelterofFlint.com, its new web site."We're pleased to offer a source of information to the...
ZBA denies variance for group home
By Steve L. Onore Oct 2009
The Flint Zoning Board of Appeals Sept. 15 denied a non-use variance request for 39,060 square feet of relief from the regular one-acre lot size for a principal conditional use in an A-2...Buckham Gallery may close doors
By Kate Cole Oct 2009
Economic woes at the state level trickle down on an already bruised economy in Flint affecting everything from jobs to the arts. Downtown Buckham Gallery, 134 W. Second St., recently lost a third...Market alternate to supermarkets
By Kate Cole Sep 2009
The year is 1999. Buick City closes its doors in Flint. St. Joseph Hospital is planning its move to Grand Blanc.Nearly 18,000 workers are displaced, workers who stopped at the Farmers' Market at...
Florists organize trade group
By Kate Cole Sep 2009
A newly formed group of Flint area florists, the Genesee County Florist Association, Aug. 27 discussed common problems and ways to educate the public on advantages of buying local.The group's...
Stockton Center gets permits
By Kate Cole Sep 2009
The Flint Historical District Commission Aug. 6 approved a restoration request from For Flint Investments for the structure at 720 Ann Arbor St. known as the Stockton Center at Spring Grove. The...Erica Woodruff joins our staff
By Nic Custer Aug 2009
Erica Woodruff, a new reporter for East Village Magazine, is a Southwestern Academy graduate.Woodruff, 23, is an UM-Flint English major with a minor concentration in African American studies. She...
Children can get free lunches
By Erica Woodruff Aug 2009
Flint's Salvation Army is working with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan to provide free lunches to Flint's young people.The Picnics in the Park Program provides the lunches at noon Mondays...
Urban agriculture discussed at Planning Commission
By Steve L. Onore Aug 2009
The Flint Planning Commission July 28 discussed an urban agriculture meeting and a bylaw amendment on teleconferencing during meetings.The group discussed items at an urban agriculture meeting...
Entrepreneurs can get help
By Kate Cole Aug 2009
Entrepreneurs starting a small business can begin the process at the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center at Kettering University, 1700 University Ave. The center is one of the...Humane Society more than pet shelter
By Pat Lewis Aug 2009
The Humane Society of Genesee County shelters homeless animals for adoption and runs a variety of pet therapy, education and community outreach programs.Executive Director David Tucker emphasizes...
Groups promoting urban farming
By Erica Woodruff Aug 2009
Several groups have joined efforts in the hope of convincing the Flint City Council to update its urban agriculture ordinances.They include the Genesee County Land Bank, Michigan State University...
Group honors deceased veterans
By Kate Cole Jul 2009
The Eastside Business Association met at Avondale Cemetery July 1 to honor our deceased soldiers. A walking memorial service and history lesson was lead by David L. Caswell who paid tribute to...Angel Food more than cake
By Kate Cole Jul 2009
Angel Food Ministries is a national nonprofit group providing groceries to families and individuals in communities such as Flint at bargain prices. The program began in 1994 in Monroe, Ga., and has...Phone tower approved
By Steve L. Onore Jul 2009
The Flint Planning Commission June 9 approved site plans and recommended that the Flint City Council approve a special regulated use for a 100-foot monopole cell phone tower for Metro PCS on Ronn...Residents help maintain East Court parks
By Kate Cole Jul 2009
Picture a lone man cutting grass in a 12-acre park using a 16-inch-cut lawn mower. Now picture several men joining him pushing their mowers in synchronization across acres of tall grass. That’s...Task force attacking signs, graffiti
By Erica Woodruff Jul 2009
Flint’s Citizens Nuisance Task Force is a group determined to clean up the city by eliminating public nuisances, such as illegal signs and graffiti.The city’s sign ordinance covers all signs...
Salvation Army helping unemployed
By Kate Cole Jun 2009
The Salvation Army of Genesee County, 211 W. Kearsley St., is offering help for families struggling to put food on the table or getting their medical prescriptions filled due to a recent job...Land Bank tries to handle foreclosed land
By Nic Custer Jun 2009
Since the organization’s inception, the Genesee County Land Bank has made it its mission to find new ways to manage tax-foreclosed properties in Flint and the county. It was started to help cut...Central closed, but future uncertain
By Erica Woodruff Jun 2009
The Flint Board of Education must decide what to do with Central High School after agreeing to close it at the end of the school year.Superintendent Linda Thompson says, “I’m not a historical...
Group discusses Flint agriculture
By Steve L. Onore May 2009
The Flint Planning Commission discussed a review on urban gardening and agriculture April 28. It approved site plans for a drive-up automatic teller machine on Atherton Road April 14.The group...
Kearsley Park productions set for summer
By Erica Wooodruff May 2009
Kay Kelly, who returned to her role as Kearsley Park project director in April, has plans to make this year fun for all.Last year about 2,500 people attended the various events Kearsley Park had...
MCC protecting neighborhoods
By Erica Woodruff May 2009
Mott Community College’s Public Safety Department has helped protect MCC students and faculty on campus and the residents of adjacent neighborhoods for nearly a decade.The department’s 21...
Housing inspections increasing
By Nic Custer Apr 2009
Two building inspectors have been hired by the city of Flint under a state of Michigan program, Cities of Promise. The city hopes to inspect 2,600 houses quarterly for code violations as a result...HDC grants home repair permit requests
By Nic Custer Apr 2009
The Historic District Commission April 2 gave permission for changes at 616 Begole St. and 314 W. First Ave.It postponed approval of changes at 525 Mason St. and 622 N. Grand Traverse Ave.
The...
Planners deny street vacation
By Steve L. Onore Apr 2009
The Flint Planning Commission March 24 recommended that the Flint City Council deny a street vacation request in the Lewis-Longway neighborhood and to approve a conditional zoning request for an...Commission approves children’s care facility
By Steve L. Onore Apr 2009
The Flint Planning Commission March 10 recommended that the Flint City Council approve a conditional use permit for a child care facility in a A-2 (single-family, medium density) district at 4009...Former Durant Hotel parking lot approved
By Steve L. Onore Mar 2009
The Flint Planning Commission Jan. 13 approved site plans for temporary parking for the remodeling of Durant Hotel, 607 E. Second Ave.Architect John Ciesielski said that the vacation of Second...
EMS changes could affect residents
By Nic Custer Mar 2009
A millage was passed in 2006 to allow the county to take over emergency medical services. The Genesee County EMS millage funds services provided by the Flint Fire Department and the Sheriff's...Group discusses Hurley-owned houses
By Nic Custer Mar 2009
The Historic District Commission March 5 discussed demolition by neglect of 627 Stone St. and 719 Stone St., permission to demolish 626 Stone St. and a request for permission to modify 315 W. Third...Planners approve zoning request
By Steve L. Onore Mar 2009
The Flint Planning Commission recommended that the Flint City Council approve a zoning change for two lots on Canterbury Lane and Cloverlawn Drive for a personal fitness studio and approved site...Group approves addition
By Steve L. Onore Mar 2009
The Flint Planning Commission Feb. 10 approved site plans for a building addition for the Brianwood Nursing Facility, 3011 N. Center Rd.Agent Peter DeLoof said that the 16,500-square-foot...
Group okays one tower, denies one
By Steve L. Onore Feb 2009
The Flint Planning Commission Jan. 27 recommended the Flint City Council approve a special regulated use for a single pole tower at South Flint Plaza, 4811 S. Fenton Rd., and to deny another one...MCC clinic offers low-cost dental care
By Nic Custer Feb 2009
Mott Community College is offering low cost dental services to the public as a part of the college's dentistry program. The program is in MCC's Dental Hygiene Clinic in the Mott Memorial...Rogers joins distribution staff
By Nic Custer Feb 2009
Trevor Rogers, is an East Village Magazine distributor in the Central Park neighborhood. His area is between Kearsley, Avon, Crapo and Court streets.Rogers, who was raised in Flint, is a Central...
Setbacks approved for a house on W. Sixth St.
By Steve L. Onore Feb 2009
The Flint Zoning Board of Appeals Jan. 20 approved a non-use variance request for two feet of relief from the required front yard setback and two feet of relief from the required rear yard setback...City snow removal big job this year
By Nic Custer Jan 2009
The Flint Department of Transportation and Neighborhood Services handles the snow removal services on the more than 500 miles of city streets.Director John Carpenter said the city does critical...
Zoning board approves sports dome
By Steve L. Onore Jan 2009
The Flint Zoning Board of Appeals Dec. 16 approved a use variance for a 6,500 square-foot air dome building for soccer games at the Perani Sports Arena, 3501 Lapeer Rd.Agent Alan Mandel said the...
Children’s Museum expands programs
By Nic Custer Jan 2009
The Children's Museum, 1602 W. University Ave., has expanded its programs and resources to bring greater and more focused learning experiences to children.HELLO, started in October, is a new...
City could be moving to agriculture
By Steve L. Onore Jan 2009
The Flint Planning Commission Dec. 9 heard a presentation about urban agriculture. Members of the Genesee County Land Bank discussed converting vacant land, most of it industrial, to...Shelter of Flint serving for 25 years
By Nic Custer Dec 2008
Shelter of Flint, 1917 Delaware Ave., is an emergency homeless shelter and social services provider serving Flint residents for 25 years. Services are available for single women, single-parent...Commission approves site plans
By Steve L. Onore Dec 2008
The Flint Planning Commission Nov. 25 approved site plans for two shopping centers, one at Fleming Road and Stewart Avenue and the other on South Saginaw Street.The group approved site plans for...
Concert planned Dec. 14
By Administrator Dec 2008
The First Presbyterian Church, 746 S. Saginaw St., will present its Feast of Carols at 4 p.m. Dec. 14. The free event allows for the community to join the church's choirs in singing with full...Group votes to undedicate park
By Steve L. Onore Nov 2008
The Flint Planning Commission Oct. 28 recommended the Flint City Council undedicate Stockton Park near Ann Arbor Street and to approved a zoning change for the northwest corner of South Saginaw...International Academy growing
By Timiya Banks Nov 2008
The International Academy of Flint, 2820 S. Saginaw St., increased its enrollment to 1,077 students this year, an increase of 140 pupils from last year's count. The K-12 charter school opened in...Downtown parking violators fined
By Nic Custer Nov 2008
The Flint City Council approved an ordinance last month authorizing the Downtown Development Authority to issue $15 parking tickets in downtown Flint for vehicles parked more than two...Whaley holds Christmas celebration
By Timiya Banks Nov 2008
Christmas at Whaley House Museum will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 30 to Dec. 21. The display will be based on celebrated Christmas carols.As part of the...
Kay Kelly’s firing raises protests
By Nic Custer Oct 2008
The College and Cultural Neighborhood Association is protesting Mayor Don Williamson's firing of Kay Kelly, the former director of Kearsley Park. The firing is also being used by the Committee for...Street vacation approved for Durant
By Steve L. Onore Oct 2008
The Flint Planning Commission Sept. 9 recommended that the Flint City Council vacate Second Avenue between North Saginaw Street and M.L. King Avenue.It also approved site plans for a parking...
ReStore benefits Habitat for Humanity
By Timiya Banks Oct 2008
ReStore, a used goods shop at G-5191 S. Saginaw St., sells donated household items at discount prices everyday except Sundays. Proceeds help fund Habitat for Humanity.The nonprofit organization...
Banks joins news staff
By Nic Cust Oct 2008
Timiya Banks is the newest addition to East Village Magazine's news staff. The mother of three says she has always been attracted to journalism and believes that the magazine provides an...Wiltfong joins distribution staff
By Nic Custer Oct 2008
Duane Wiltfong recently began distributing East Village Magazine in the area bounded by Greenfield, Vernon, Court and Hills streets. Born and raised in Flint, the retired General Motors machine...Downtown to get luxury apartments
By Nic Custer Sep 2008
Court Street Village Non-profit Housing Corporation is opening luxury apartments and retail space in the old Berridge Hotel, 421 Garland St., by the end of November to help revitalize Carriage...Commission recommends rezoning
By Steve L. Onore Sep 2008
The Flint Planning Commission Aug. 12 unanimously recommended the Flint City Council rezone changes to three lots on North Center Road to D-2 (neighborhood business) district for additions to a...ZBA approves Durant Hotel parking
By Steve L. Onore Sep 2008
The Flint Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance to allow subcompact parking spaces near the Durant Hotel, setback relief for an amateur radio tower at Genesee County EMS and a variance to...Writer coming to UM
By Nic Custer Sep 2008
Former Flint resident and author Gary Gildner will read from his work at UM-Flint Sept. 29.Gildner, a graduate of Holy Redeemer School, poet and author of 20 books is returning to Flint to...
Kearsley extension may violate deed
By Nic Custer Aug 2008
A plan to extend Kearsley Street through the UM-Flint campus may disturb the adjoining Willson Park, a Michigan registered historical site, and may violate the terms of a 1913 deed.The plan...
Few houses stand in way of aspirations
By Nic Custer Aug 2008
A few houses in the Central Park neighborhood, adjacent to the Cultural Center, stand in the way of the changes the neighborhood residents are trying to achieve.The houses range from merely being...
Group approves rezoning for business
By Steve L. Onore Aug 2008
The Flint Planning Commission July 8 recommended that the Flint City Council approve zoning changes for lots at Fleming Road for a parking lot and approved site plans for a commercial development...WNEM-TV to have studios in Downtown
By Steve L. Onore Aug 2008
The Flint Zoning Board of Appeals July 21 approved a use variance to operate a TV studio downtown.Representatives from Uptown Developments said that WNEM-TV plans to use the space at 555 S...
Kearsley to extend through UM campus
By Nic Custer Jul 2008
UM-Flint plans to extend Kearsley Street through the campus from Chavez Drive and Mill Street to Wallenberg Street. Construction of the university-owned street addition will begin by mid-August and...Street vacation approved for Durant
By Steve L. Onore Jul 2008
The Flint Planning Commission June 24 recommended the Flint City Council vacate part of Chippewa Street. They also approved site plans for new buildings at Kettering University and Bishop Airport...Foodbank holds open house Sept. 24
By Rita Heidtman Jul 2008
Foodbank of Eastern Michigan will hold an open house for its grand opening of the Thomas Laandal Food Recovery Center Sept. 24.President Bill Kerr said the building is about 99 percent completed...
Salem seeks volunteers
By Rita Heidtman Jul 2008
Salem Housing is trying to get the community involved by creating more events in Max Brandon Park and by encouraging residents to volunteer to repair houses.Salem Housing plans a summer festival...
Habitat for Humanity restoring homes
By Rita Heidtman Jun 2008
Habitat for Humanity is reconstructing two houses in Burton and one house in the Grand Traverse neighborhood.Funding for the project in Burton came from an organization called Thrivent Financial...
Group OK's rezoning of nine lots
By Steve L. Onore Jun 2008
The Flint Planning Commission May 13 recommended that the Flint City Council rezone nine lots at Industrial Drive and Maines Street to allow a new Masonic lodge and banquet hall to be...New group trying to improve Flint
By Nic Custer Jun 2008
Dayne Walling, one of the founding members of Flint Club and former mayoral candidate, is working with a new group called Flint's Future Now to promote job opportunities and neighborhood issues in...Group seeks money for playground
By Rita Heidtman Jun 2008
The Grand Traverse District Neighborhood Association is seeking donations for a playground in Memorial Park on Church Street.The group plans to provide children a colorful environment to play in...
Golf event scheduled to help elderly
By Rita Heidtman Jun 2008
Court Street Village is holding a golf outing June 21 at the Brookwood Golf Club, 6405 Davison Rd, Burton to help their senior citizens pay for their prescription drugs.Registration starts at 9...
Facts you probably don’t know
By Geoffrey L. Neithercut Jun 2008
Did you know that most of East Village was first deeded by President Van Buren to Henry A. Brewster in 1837 and Trumbull Cary in 1835?Did you know Cary lived in Genesee County, New York and...
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