Metawanenee Hills, Hamilton Dam discussed

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 Association.

The area, bordered by Stockdale Street on the north, North Chevrolet Avenue on the west, M.L. King Avenue on the east and Flushing Road and Fifth Avenue on the south, was discussed in four segments — Cook School, Ramona Park, commercial areas and the residential areas.

Wendy Johnson, co-chairman of the association, said that many of the homes in the Metawanenee neighborhood are architecturally significant because they were built in the first half of the 20th century so a historic district designation is needed. The Cook School building is a historic landmark and Ramona Park can be part of a green space plan to enhance the entire community, she said.

Architect Lisa Demankowski said that a bus tour and forum introduced people to the history, boundaries, features, assets and struggles in the community. At the forum, participants listened to stakeholders and did a brainstorming session on key issues for the area. Jobs and businesses topped the list.

Johnson then discussed uses for the old Cook School building such as a community center, senior housing with residential lofts, a mini-station and library, artist studios, medical facilities and a daycare center.

Developments for the building involve three phases.

The first phase involves the gymnasium for use by the community with limited investments.

The second is installing an elevator inside the historical portion of the building.

The final phase involves remodeling and removal of portions of parts of the building built in the 1970s.

Commercial areas were also discussed, particularly Chevrolet Avenue at Welch Boulevard (highly pedestrian friendly), Welch at M.L. King Avenue (in need of adjacent property), Chevrolet Avenue at Flushing Road (high occupancy) and Fifth and King Avenues (linking the area to downtown).

Demankowski said that the needs of the areas were walkways, crosswalks and building improvements — especially at the business district on King Avenue.

Residential guidelines were also discussed and discussions with the Historical District Commission about designating the area a historic district.

Another item among residential issues is a new residential center for Whaley Children's Center. Demankowski said the proposed building will have open spaces and green areas to integrate the center into the neighborhood while breaking down physical and perceived barriers.

Finally the group discussed Ramona Park and possible links to the Hurley Hospital campus and making it into a rain garden. Proposed items include a pavilion and expansion of landscaping. Johnson said that the improvements will create a destination for residents as well as neighborhood identity and connect the park to downtown and Hurley for recreational and fitness walkers.

The group heard a presentation on the Hamilton Dam modifications and a master plan for riverfront restoration.

Jason Kenyon, Wade-Trim and Associates, said that he dam is beyond repair. With five of six gates which cannot be opened, it has the potential to create a flood.

Kenyon said additional funds are needed to fix it. In 2000 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimated that full replacement will cost $5.6 million.

The proposed changes to the dam include rock rapids and restoration of a fish passage on the Flint River.

Dave Anthony, also with Wade-Trim, said that technology reports are being completed and the company plans a public process in which stakeholders are engaged in planning studies that will be presented in mid-April.

The hydraulics of the dam were inspected and that items under water are in good condition, Anthony said, but above water the dam is in poor shape. He also said that a rock rapids project, like the one in Chesaning, is among the proposals to replace the dam.

The group will meet next at 6 p.m. March 23, April 13 and April 27 in the City Hall City Council Chambers, 1101 S. Saginaw St. Call 766-7355 for details.