HDC approves plans to expand homeless shelter

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 neighborhood.

Kevin Johnson, representing Carriage Town Mission, presented plans for 218 W. University Ave. Carriage Town Mission intends to use the property as an extension of their soup kitchen to provide education and transition services for the homeless.

The property, Johnson said, is in good structural condition. Johnson said the intension is to keep the original windows and siding and replace the roof.

The commission approved the plans with the understanding that further revisions will be presented for approval.

Johnson said Carriage Town wants to begin work on the building April 1 and be finished by the end of the summer.

William Gainey spoke to the commission about Stat EMS.

In 2009, the Flint City Council approved a rezoning request by Marc Lund, owner of Stat EMS, 520 W. Third St., which allowed the business to operate in a residential neighborhood despite a denial issued by the HDC. Gainey said the administrative process was sidestepped.

Attorney Angela Watkins assured the group the law was followed. Attorney Peter Bade reviewed the case and it went to city council for approval. A $5,000 settlement was to be used in the historic district.

"There is no conspiracy," Watkins said. "Things were done according to protocol."

The group was unaware of the funds and Commissioner Nancy Sinclair asked Watkins where the money was. Watkins did not know.

Commissioner Ryan Eashoo said his concern was that the autonomy of the Historic District Commission was "totally circumvented. Protocol was not followed."

The group meets at 5:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Flint City Hall.1101 S. Saginaw St.