FAQFAQ   SearchSearch  MemberlistMemberlistRegisterRegister  ProfileProfile   Log in[ Log in ]  Flint Talk RSSFlint Talk RSS

»Home »Open Chat »Political Talk  Â»Flint Journal »Political Jokes »The Bob Leonard Show  

Flint Michigan online news magazine. We have lively web forums


FlintTalk.com Forum Index > Political Talk

Topic: What happened to Ujima Village?

  Author    Post Post new topic Reply to topic
untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Property acquisition under way for North Flint Reinvestment Corp. plans
Cathy Shafran | cshafran@mlive.com By Cathy Shafran | cshafran@mlive.com MLive.com
on February 29, 2012 at 3:00 PM Print

FLINT, Michigan -- The Genesee County Land Bank board has approved the sale of some 20 vacant lots to the North Flint Reinvestment Corp, laying part of the groundwork for a $20 million, 2 1/2-block development proposed to build business for Flint's north side.

Ujima Village Project
View full sizeCourtesy renderingArtist's rendering of a proposed development on Flint's north side. The project, called Ujima Village, would bring together schools, retail, entertainment, a credit union and police mini station in a 2-block area near E. Carpenter Rd. and I-475.
"We call the project Ujima Village," said Foss Avenue Baptist Church Pastor Reginald Flynn, who is president of the North Flint Reinvestment Corp. "In Swahili, it means cooperative economics and neighborhood unity."

The Ujima Village, said Flynn, envisions a holistic neighborhood with a school at its core. Design plans also call for 25 rehabilitated homes, a Subway restaurant, a Whole Foods Market, a Fed-Ex office, police min-station, the Foss Avenue Baptist Church Federal Credit Union, Eagle's Nest Day Care Center, a recreational facility and an Arts and Technology Center with a new McCree Theater inside.

All this would be planned for an area along Carpenter Road between I-475 and Dort Highway. The two-block area is bounded by East Carpenter Road to the north, East York Street to the south, Premier Street to the west and Belleview Street to the east.

Flynn says the $20 million project has received commitments of about $200,000 - $250,000 for "pre-development" work such as land acquisition and site preparation. He would not name the investors.

Flynn acknowledges that much work remains on securing commitments from business and financial investors.

"To be candid with you, all the commitments are not there," said Flynn. "We have some issues we need to work out."

Flynn says the group, a 10-member board of business and religious leaders, has just begun discussions with the retail businesses. He says commitments still need to be worked out on the arts and technology center, the school, and with the city on moving the mini-station. He says he has just submitted the proposal to the city and hopes officials will make it part of the city's new master plan.

While commitments may be lacking, the Ujima Village concept is receiving encouragement from community leaders.

"It is a realistic proposal, said Flint Mayor Dayne Walling. "It's a good-mixed use development that's anchored by a good resource (the school)."

"It's an area where there is not a lot going on," said Genesee County Land Bank Director Doug Weiland. "The church is probably the biggest positive influence in that area, for them to take ownership of the project, it at least puts a responsible entity in charge of that."

"He's got a great vision,"said Duane Miller, Executive Vice President for Core Initiatives at the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce. "But his biggest challenge will be funding."

Muich of the public money for local community development projects is tied up with the Smith Village housing development, Miller said.

"Right now, most of the NSP-2 dollars are committed to Smith Village. Quite frankly, NSP-3 dollars will be available soon. I would suggest he meet with city officials and see if there is any way to tap into NSP-3 dollars."

Miller says the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce is not involved in the Ujima project but has offered assistance with resources, like helping Flynn make contacts with railroad officials.

"We've introduced him to people who are part of the railroad so he can work on getting the railroad to provide him rail property," said Miller.

But the real challenge, all agree, will be the funding.

"The key for that project to be successful is for the school to acquire financing for a new school building," said Walling. "That's the key anchor that will make the rest of the development strong."

Flynn estimates the school project will cost between $8 million and $10 million. Plans for the Ujima Village currently call for Flint's Northridge Academy to move from its location on North Street to the Carpenter Road location. The plans also call for an all-boys school to be created and to be located at the academy building.

While in support of the concept, Northridge Academy's school board president says a move into Ujima is not in its immediate future.

"I'm one individual on the board who fully supports the concept, " said Northridge Academy board President Charles Winfrey. "But our priority right now is to vacate our building on North Street because it is in such bad condition. We're working on a lease for the old Dukette school campus on the St. Agnes property in the 500 block of West Pierson."

Winfrey says the Northridge Academy lease with Dukette would likely extend through 2015.

Flynn, however, remains hopeful about the academic center at the new development. He suggests that, one day, Northridge Academy could be part of Ujima Village. He says his group is just beginning to present plans to the Michigan Department of Education for the new all-boys school.

In the meantime, Flynn remains all too aware that his vision is dependent on securing funding from many sectors.

"Do I have the $20 million for the project? No I don't," said Flynn.

But he perceives a financing plan will involve 50 percent federal funding, 25 percent private money and 25 percent from the local public.

The next phase in the development, he says, will happen May 5 with a community-wide cleanup of the area. An urban gardening program will likely follow that work.

Flynn says the Ujima Village master plan calls for completion estimates of 24-32 months over a three-step process. He is hopeful funds can be found to help break ground on the school project within eight to 12 months.


Land Bank officials say the vacant properties turned over for ownership to the North Flint Reinvestment Corp. were considered a donation. The properties, with a value of $200 , were sold for $1 each with a $40 dollar processing fee.
Post Thu Mar 21, 2013 8:38 pm 
 View user's profile Send private message  Reply with quote  
untanglingwebs
El Supremo

There are no records with the Genesee County Register of Deeds for the sale of these properties and that site actually shows no property in the name of North flint reinvestment Corporation.
Post Thu Mar 21, 2013 8:41 pm 
 View user's profile Send private message  Reply with quote  
untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Instrument: 201203200029154 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/20/2012 9:34:25 AM Prepared: 03/09/12 Mailed: Pages: 4
Document Type: QUIT CLAIM DEED-TREASURERS Interest: Consideration: 21

Grantor: COUNTY OF GENESEE LAND BANK AUTHORITY
Grantee: FOSS AVENUE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes:
Legal Description: Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 123, PrpId: 4730226019, St: CARPENTER RD E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 194, PrpId: 4730226037, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 193, PrpId: 4730226039, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 192, PrpId: 4730226040, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 186, PrpId: 4730226047, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 114, PrpId: 4730226059, St: CARPENTER RD E, , , City Code: 54, Remark: EXC NLY 10 FT / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 115, PrpId: 4730226060, St: CARPENTER RD E, , , City Code: 54, Remark: EXC NLY 10 FT / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 364, PrpId: 4730227002, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 365, PrpId: 4730227002, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 366, PrpId: 4730227002, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 369, PrpId: 4730227005, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 371, PrpId: 4730227007, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 372, PrpId: 4730227008, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 373, PrpId: 4730227009, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 374, PrpId: 4730227010, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 378, PrpId: 4730227015, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 379, PrpId: 4730227016, St: BUNDY AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 576, PrpId: 4730226012, St: YORK AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 577, PrpId: 4730228013, St: YORK AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 578, PrpId: 4730228014, St: YORK AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 579, PrpId: 4730228015, St: YORK AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 580, PrpId: 4730228017, St: YORK AVE E, , , City Code: 54 / Sub: BELLEVIEW, Lt: 122, PrpId: 4730226057, St: CARPENTER RD E, , , City Code: 54, Remark: EXC NLY 10 FT
Marginal:
Post Thu Mar 21, 2013 8:51 pm 
 View user's profile Send private message  Reply with quote  
00SL2
F L I N T O I D

quote:
untanglingwebs schreef:
There are no records with the Genesee County Register of Deeds for the sale of these properties and that site actually shows no property in the name of North flint reinvestment Corporation.
They're likely having trouble raising funds.

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2011/12/north_flint_group_promoting_pl.html

North Flint group presenting idea to redevelop north side neighborhood
Kristin Longley | klongley1@mlive.com By Kristin Longley | klongley1@mlive.com
on December 07, 2011 at 9:50 AM, updated December 07, 2011 at 9:58 AM

See article for story. Note, the website http://northflintreinvestmentcorp.com/ referenced in the article for “Details” has been disabled.
---
Searched for: NORTH FLINT REINVESTMENT
ID Num: 71107M
Entity Name: NORTH FLINT REINVESTMENT
Type of Entity: Domestic Nonprofit Corporation
Resident Agent: REGINALD FLYNN
Registered Office Address: 1159 EAST FOSS AVE FLINT MI 48505
Mailing Address: MI
Formed Under Act Number(s): 162-1982
Incorporation/Qualification Date: 5-10-2011
Jurisdiction of Origin: MICHIGAN
Number of Shares: 0
Year of Most Recent Annual Report: 12
Year of Most Recent Annual Report With Officers & Directors: 12
Status: ACTIVE Date: Present
---
Reginald Flynn, President
Vivian McGhee, Secretary
David Moore, Treasurer
Reginald G. Flynn, Director
David Moore, Director
Carlos Williams, Director
All business addresses are same as registered office address.
---
Post Thu Mar 21, 2013 11:08 pm 
 View user's profile Send private message  Reply with quote  
untanglingwebs
El Supremo

While they are physically located in the same structure, they are separate corporations. The article indicated the homes were applied for under the name of North Flint Reinvestment Corporation. So why are they in the name of the Foss Avenue Economic Development Corporation?
Post Fri Mar 22, 2013 9:52 am 
 View user's profile Send private message  Reply with quote  
untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Property acquisition under way for North Flint Reinvestment Corp ...
http://www.mlive.com/business/mid-michigan/index.ssf/2012/02/property_acquisition_underway...
Feb 29, 2012 ... FLINT, Michigan -- The Genesee County Land Bank board has ... "We call the project Ujima Village," said Foss Avenue Baptist Church Pastor ...


Video: Flint pastor looks at economic development across Flint's ...
http://www.mlive.com/business/mid-michigan/index.ssf/2012/02/video_flint_pastor_takes_on_p...
Feb 29, 2012 ... A vision for business growth across Flint's north side is being developed ... FLINT, Michigan -- The spiritual leader of Flint's Foss Avenue Baptist Church is ... Plans include the Ujima Village and possible Walmart, and growth of ...


North Flint Group Launches Neighborhood ... - CPSA Courier
http://cpsacourier.com/CPSA%20Courier%20-%20January%208,%202012%20[Reduced].pdf
Jan 8, 2012 ... tressed in north Flint, announces the launching of Ujima. Village. ... Mr. Harvey Hollins, III, the Michigan's ... FLINT, Michigan - December 29, ...
Post Fri Mar 22, 2013 4:54 pm 
 View user's profile Send private message  Reply with quote  
untanglingwebs
El Supremo

The North Flint Reinvestment Corporation, Inc.
(NFRC), a community economic development organization
comprised of a network of public and private sector
partners committed to revitalizing economically distressed
in north Flint, announces the launching of Ujima
Village.
Ujima Village, a Swahili term signifying neighborhood
unity, will consist of three major neighborhood development
components to include early childhood education
initiatives, mixed-income housing, and comprehensive
neighborhood services. According to NFRC projections,
each component of the project is expected to be
completed within 24 – 32 months.

According to NFRC, one of the primary goals is to
establish a “cradle to graduation” educational continuum
by merging north Flint’s Eagle’s Nest Child Care Center,
an area charter school, and an Arts, Trade and Technology
Center. According to Dr. Flynn, founder and Vice
Chairman of the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation,
“the merger of these entities, and the construction of
this new facility, will create a central hub for traditional
education opportunities as well as diverse skilled trades
training for youth and adults.”

NFRC also plans to construct mixed income, mixeduse
housing adjacent to the charter school and arts and
technology center. A housing collaborative, consisting
of Genesee County Habitat for Humanity and the Flint
Housing Commission, has been formed “to coordinate
the construction of quality housing for families and se-
Minister Blake Strozier, Executive Director, North Flint Reinvestment Corporation, presents the Ujima Village
conceptual plan to potential Investors
nior citizens.” Approximately 30 homes will be constructed
as part of this component.

Ujima Village will also include a commercial district
“that offers goods, services, safety, and recreational
activities to area residents.” A federal credit union, police
mini-station, neighborhood grocery store, recreational
facility, and multiple use office space will anchor
the neighborhood services component of this project.
According to Mr. Blake Strozier, executive director of
NFRC, “Our Ujima Village partners envision eradicating
the root causes of generational poverty through a holistic
approach to neighborhood revitalization. Our mission
is to transform people and places in north Flint
neighborhoods.”

Collaborating NFRC partners include Genesee County
Habitat for Humanity, Operation Unification, Concerned
Pastors for Social Action, Flint Housing Commission,
FABC Federal Credit Union, Citizens Bank, Foss Avenue
Block Club, Northeast Village Citizens District Council
and Northridge Academy.


The north Flint reinvestment group hosted an
investor’s luncheon on Friday, December 9th, 2011 from
12:00pm to 1:00pm. Mr. Harvey Hollins, III, the Michigan’s
state Director of Urban Development and Metropolitan
Initiatives, was their special guest. The group also unveiled
the architectural design for Ujima Village during
the luncheon. Anyone interested in learning more about
investing in the north Flint reinvestment venture can
contact Mr. Blake Strozier at 787-9019.
Post Fri Mar 22, 2013 4:58 pm 
 View user's profile Send private message  Reply with quote  
untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Instrument: 201207250062048 Volume Page:
Recorded: 7/25/2012 1:21:03 PM Prepared: 05/24/12 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type: TAX LIEN STATE DCIS Interest: Consideration: 953.27
Grantor: STATE OF MICHIGAN DCIS
Grantee: FOSS AVENUE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT / EAGLES NEST CHILD CARE CENTER
Post Fri Mar 22, 2013 5:04 pm 
 View user's profile Send private message  Reply with quote  
untanglingwebs
El Supremo

In the early 1990's the Concerned Pastors brought in a prominent attorney from Detroit to discuss the pitfalls of the Church becoming involved in business ventures.
This attorney had written a book on the subject.

Foss Avenue needs to tread lightly and with caution while linking the church to risky financial endeavors.
Post Fri Mar 22, 2013 5:07 pm 
 View user's profile Send private message  Reply with quote  
untanglingwebs
El Supremo

City of Flint has sold property to this group
Post Wed Oct 16, 2013 7:15 am 
 View user's profile Send private message  Reply with quote  
untanglingwebs
El Supremo

EM SUBMISSION NO.: 149 EM 2013

ADOPTED: 9/27/2013

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CITY OWNED LANDTO FOSS AVENUE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BY THE EMEGENCY MANAGER:

The City of Flint has acquired title to certainreal estate, specifically, parcel ifs 47-302-226-021; 47-302-226-029; 47-302-226-031; 47-302-226-032; 47-302-226-045; 47-302-226-046; 47-302-227-024.
These properties are vacant lots approximately 40’ x 155’ located on E. Carpenter Rd., E. Bundy Ave., and E. York Ave. in the City of Flint.

Foss Avenue Economic Development Corporation, 1159 E. Foss Avenue, Flint MI 48505 proposes to utilize the properties as part of a neighborhood revitalization project that will provide substantial community benefits.

Redevelopment plans include a charter school and Arts and Technology Center, 25 new homes, expansion of the FABC Federal Credit Union, police mini-station, commercial district, beattification and landscaping improvements,
and urban gardens. The proposed project improvements/renovation is to be financed through the Foss Avenue Economic Development Corporation and private investors.

Foss Avenue Economic Development Corporation has offered a purchase price in the amount of $500.00 for all seven parcels and to pay the recording fees to register the conveyance documents at the Genesee County Register of
Deeds. Revenue realized from the sale of this property will be placed in the Real Estate Management Revenue Account #101-371.210-673.100.

The City of Flint desires to redue the number of properties that are not on the tax rolls, and/or not in productive use.

This transfer does not convey a right to develop the property. Transferee is required to comply with all legal requirements including but not limited to zoning regulations.

BE IT RESOLVED, That the appropriate City Officials are authorized to do all things necessary to enter into and complete the sale of the property commonly known as a vacant lots on E. Carpenter Rd., F. Bundy Ave., and B. York Ave., Flint, Michigan parcel ifs 47-302-226-021; 47-302-226-029; 47-302-226-03 1; 47-302-226-032; 47-302-226-045; 47-302-226-046; 47-302-227-024, for a cost of $500.00 and transfer the property to Foss Avenue Economic Development Corporation, 1159 E. Foss Avenue, Flint MI 48505 in an AS IS condition by means of conveyance of a Quit Claim Deed. Revenue realized from the sale of this property will be placed in the Real Estate

Management Revenue Account # 101-371.210-673.100.
APPROVED AS TO FO APPROVED AS TO FINANCE:
Michael K. Brown, Emergency Manager
RESOLUTION STAFF REVIEW
DATE: September 18, 2013
Agenda Item Title: Resolution authorizing the sale of City owned property to Foss Avenue Economic Development Corporation

Prepared By: Sheree Pierce, Planning/Zoning/Real Estate Office

BackgroundlSummarv of Proposed Action:
The City of Flint has acquired title to certain real estate, specifically, parcel ifs 47-302-226-021; 47-302-226-029; 47-302-226-031; 47-302-226-032; 47-302-226-045; 47-302-226-046; 47-302-227-024. These properties are vacant lots approximately 40’ x 155’ located onE. Carpenter Rd., E. Bundy Ave., and E. York
Ave. in the City of Flint.

Foss Avenue Economic Development Corporation, 1159 E. Foss Avenue, Flint Ml 48505 proposes to utilize the properties as part of a neighborhood revitalization project. Redevelopment plans include a charter school and Arts and Technology Center, 25 new homes, expansion of the FABC Federal Credit Union, police mini.
station, commercial district, beautification and landscaping improvements, and urban gardens. The proposed project improvements/renovation is to be financed through the Foss Avenue Economic Development Corporation and private investors.
Foss Avenue Economic Development Corporation has offered a purchase price in the amount of $500.00 for all seven parcels and to pay the recording fees to register the conveyance documents at the Genesee County

Register of Deeds. Revenue realized from the sale of this property will be placed in the Real Estate Management Revenue Account # 101-371.21 0-673.100.
Financial Implications:
The parcel of land will be placed on the tax rolls and eliminate maintenance and clean-up costs.
Staff Recommendation:
The City of Flint desires to reduce the number of properties that are not on the tax rolls.
I
Supervisor Approval: Megan Hunt Chief Planning Officer
Post Wed Oct 16, 2013 7:33 am 
 View user's profile Send private message  Reply with quote  
untanglingwebs
El Supremo

NORTH FLINT REINVESTMENT CORPORATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS


Juanita Crump, Chairperson
Pastor, Five Fold Ministries
Real Estate Development Consultant​


Reginald G. Flynn, Vice-Chairman
Pastor, Foss Avenue Baptist Church ​


Blake Strozier, Executive Director
Minister, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church ​


Vildred Austin, Secretary
CEO, Austin Administrative Services

Attorney Glenn Cotton, Esq., Treasurer
Glenn Cotton & Associates

Carlos Williams
Pastor, Metropolitan Baptist Church


Rod Slaughter
Executive Director, Flint Housing Commission ​


James Franklin, III
Vice-President, Michigan Minority Business Development Council​


Pastor David Galbraith
Vice-President, Concerned Pastors for Social Action


Jim Boles
Director of Human Resources, General Motors – Detroit



~ COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL ~

Joe King
President, Northeast Village Citizen’s District Council ​


Pamela Hawkins
President, Pamela Hawkins & Associates ​


Charles Smith
Professional Planner, Wade Trim

Charles Young
CEO, Operation Unification



Inez Brown
Chairperson, Uptown Reinvestment Corporation​


Bryant “BB” Nolden
3rd Ward Councilman, City of Flint

Ira Rutherford
Education Administration Consultant
Post Wed Oct 16, 2013 7:48 am 
 View user's profile Send private message  Reply with quote  
untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Has Flynn lost interest or is he unable to raise the money to develop the lots he bought in the old Ross plaza on PiersonRd?
Post Tue Dec 25, 2018 11:46 am 
 View user's profile Send private message  Reply with quote  
  Display posts from previous:      
Post new topic Reply to topic

Jump to:  


Last Topic | Next Topic  >

Forum Rules:
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

 

Flint Michigan online news magazine. We have lively web forums

Website Copyright © 2010 Flint Talk.com
Contact Webmaster - FlintTalk.com >