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Topic: Weaver and her secret deal with Pastor Flynn
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Locally owned grocery store inches closer to reality on Flint's north side
Updated May 28, 2017; Posted May 28, 2017
North Flint Food Market.jpg
A sign shows the site where a locally-owned grocery store is working to open on Flint's north side in the 2300 block of West Pierson Road. Photo Courtesy of Reginald Flynn.

By Dominic Adams dadams5@mlive.com
FLINT, MI - The Rev. Reginald Flynn and 400 grocery store co-op members await federal grants that will allow demolition work and construction of a 25,000-square-foot grocery store on Flint's north side.

Flynn, president of the North Flint Reinvestment Corp and pastor of Foss Avenue Baptist Church, said the Genesee County Landbank is taking the lead on getting grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to knock down two buildings in the 2300 block of West Pierson Road.

Nearly half of Flint's residents live more than a mile from a supermarket and there are far fewer stores per capita than in other Michigan cities.


The plan for improving access to grocery stores on Flint's North End involves opening two new markets and helping four existing businesses make improvements.


A market assessment in December showed that Flint can support two additional smaller groceries - built at a cost of $3 million to $8 million for new construction - and each could generate sales of up to $4 million annually.

"In a little over a year, we have over 400 members and raised $50,000 toward our member equity," Flynn said. "When Kroger and Meijer closed - when we were facilitating meeting - we heard that people wanted more control."

He said he expects demolition work to start in September, with construction to follow a few months later.


The building will take about six to eight months construct, Flynn said.

It is anticipated that there will be 50 to 60 jobs associated with the grocery store, according to Flynn.

An additional 20-30 jobs could come if the project is able to secure funding for an adjacent office building, credit union and a police ministration, Flynn said.

"The whole idea is to spur economic development in north Flint," he said. "We are in the beginning stages of doing just that. We want to expand that.

"We're trying to be a part of the Flint renaissance by spurring economic development in neighborhoods that have experienced disinvestment."

Flynn encourages anyone who is interested in the coop to attend the next meeting at 6 p.m. June 26 at Eagles Nest Academy, 5005 Cloverlawn Drive. Grand Rapids Attorney Todd Hoppe will be there to answer questions about corporate law, board governance and corporation dividends.
Post Mon Feb 12, 2018 7:21 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

From the office of Emergency Manager Michael Brown

Flint, Michigan – May 4, 2012 – Approximately 10:00am yesterday, May 3, 2012 Pastor
Reginald Flynn began a one man protest in the lobby area of City Hall. He had a
bullhorn and was using the siren to begin his protests. At approximately 10:15am
Pastor Flynn entered the Mayor’s office with the bullhorn. Pastor Flynn began
screaming into the bullhorn over the reception desk and disrupting normal work activity
of city hall staff. He proceeded to make accusations against the Emergency Manager
and his Staff.
After a verbal tirade of more than a half hour, Pastor Flynn then began to turn over
furniture and knock phones and computer equipment onto the floor. Several witnesses
including volunteer and paid staff observed both the verbal tirade and the destruction of
city property. Photos of the mess that Rev. Flynn created were taken as evidence of his
erratic and frightening behavior.
After stepping outside of the Mayor's complex, one of the Building and Ground’s staff at
city hall locked the outer door of the complex so that Pastor Flynn could not reenter and
cause more havoc in the Mayor's area.
Pastor Flynn then proceeded to continue his tirade verbally in other areas of city hall.
He was on the second floor of the city hall complex yelling loudly into the bullhorn and
disrupting city workers’ normal activity. At that point, he was observed by Captain
Johnson of the Flint Police Dept who was delivering some paperwork to the City Clerk’s
office. He asked Pastor Flynn to stop yelling and disrupting the workday at city hall.
CITY OF FLINT
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGER
MICHAEL K. BROWN
City Hall
1101 S. Saginaw Street - Flint, Michigan 48502
810-766-7346 FAX: 810-766-7218 www.cityofflint.com
Pastor Flynn then screamed at Captain Johnson and said “Who are you?” Captain
Johnson then identified himself as a police officer and asked Pastor Flynn if he wanted
to talk. Pastor Flynn then stuck the bullhorn in the Captain’s face and began screaming.
At that point, two officers who had been called by Chief Lock to quell the disturbance
arrived. They observed Pastor Flynn raising the bullhorn in an aggressive manner.
Therefore, they took physical control of the Pastor and confiscated the bullhorn. The
officers then proceeded to place Pastor Flynn under arrest.
There were several witnesses who were either volunteering or attending meetings in the
Mayor's complex who observed the erratic and disturbing behavior by Pastor Flynn in
the City Hall complex. Photos were taken of the destruction of public property by Pastor
Flynn.
I have withheld a statement until today while the facts were gathered about the incident.
It is now a police matter and is being investigated by the appropriate police department
officials.
–END
Post Mon Feb 12, 2018 7:25 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Did the police finish the complaint or did Prosecutor Leyton refuse to file charges?
Post Mon Feb 12, 2018 7:27 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

CCN TV

MY AM ADVANTAGE
CCN RADIO
Local News
BY MIKE KILLBREATH​​​​​​​​

Executive Editor

​The Daily Gazette

Posted 6 pm on February 12, 2018

© The Daily Gazette & Tri-County Publishing Inc. — A Division of Crusader Media & Entertainment Inc.

-------------------------------------------------------------------


​​​​​​Morning Gazette Radio Show report about 7 police officers at Flint church confirmed but Flint police won't say exactly why

FLINT (CCN) — A Flint Police Department official has confirmed a Morning Gazette Radio Show report on Monday about seven uniformed officers being at Foss Avenue Baptist Church at Sunday morning's service. Rumors had been flying on social media about why police officers were posted at the church, and confusion remains about exactly why they were there although police confirmed it was related to a criminal investigation.

City of Flint Deputy Police Chief Devon Bernritter said, ""We can confirm that we had a temporary presence during the morning of February 10 related to a criminal investigation. As this investigation is open and on going, we cannot comment further."

Pastor Reginald Flynn did not respond to a request for a comment about why police were at his church during Sunday's morning service. An attorney representing Pastor Flynn, Archie Hayman, was reached by phone Monday but also chose not to comment on the matter.

Pastor Flynn is also President of the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation which is developing a grocery store on Pierson Road near a charter school launched a few years ago at the former Urban League building. The grocery store project has raised funds from community members as investors and has also received received $200,000 in city funding recommended by Flint Mayor Dr. Karen Weaver's administration and approved in two grants by the Flint City Council.

The second grant, approved by a 7-to-2 vote of city council members on Jan. 22, became controversial when Pastor Flynn asked for $125,000 to purchase property he wouldn't identify. The Morning Gazette Radio Show reported that an FBI agent and an individual who works for the U.S. Attorney's Office were in attendance during the meeting. A Freedom of Information Act requested by MLive subsequently revealed that the funding was to purchase property owned by Abundant Life Ministries which was formerly operated by Pastor Larry Holley who was ordered to sell assets to refund investor money in a ruling by the U.S. Securities & Exchange.

Flint City Councilwoman Kate Fields has charged that the $125,000 grant was illegal and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) officials are now investigating, according to HUD Public Affair Specialist Gina Rodriquez who was quoted in a Flint Journal story. Rodriquez said the city administration shifted $442,000 in community block grant funds that had not been spent from a $3.5 million grant which is above the 10 percent allowed for reallocation. An additional item, according to Rodriguez, was a concern about why a citizen participation plan was not given to allow residents to suggest other potential uses for the federal grant money.

Rodriguez told MLive in a Feb. 7 story that HUD is now "requesting clarification regarding proposed revisions" in how the grant dollars will be used.

Pastor Flynn also came under fire on Friday when Flint Beat published a story about allegations that he assaulted a 6-year-old child at his charter school known as Eagles Nest Academy.

Attorney Hayman was quoted in the Flint Beat story as defending the pastor who serves as the school's superintendent. "he has done so much work in the community, it’s ridiculous to think that he would try to abuse a child," Hayman said. "The response that I would make on behalf of Pastor Flynn is that the community should know pastor Flynn is someone who has been dedicated to uplifting the north side of Flint. This is a situation where there is a troubled child and a troubled family that a pastor has tried to help. You are going to demean this man’s character based on allegations that have not been proven. It’s just ridiculous. We will address it in an appropriate forum. This man has been dedicated to the community and uplifts his community."

The mother of the alleged 6-year-old victim made numerous comments on social media, but was not quoted by Flint Beat in its story. Community activist Arthur Woodson told The Morning Gazette Radio Show, however, that he has spoken with her and said she questions how seven officers were dispatched to Foss Avenue Baptist Church when she was unable to get a police officer to respond to her complaint.

Flint City Councilman Eric Mays said he is unaware of any police complaint about the allegation.

Another abuse allegation at the same school resulted in a $25,000 settlement in November. It came after claims in a Genesee County Circuit Court lawsuit alleged that a 10-year-old child needed surgery after suffering a broken arm when the charter school officials didn't supply adult supervision during a recess period and allowed "bullies" to "dog pile" on the boy who was hurt.

Pastor Flynn referred questions at the time to attorney Henry Cooney, but Cooney didn't respond to requests for comments by MLive or The Daily Gazette.
Post Mon Feb 12, 2018 8:03 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Genesee County Land Bank meeting of January 18,2017




. North Flint Market & Option- Pastor Flynn - Action Required
- Phil Stair presented to the Board a memo regarding the sale. Brenda Clark
asked Pastor Flynn if this was the last hurdle to move the project forward.
Pastor Flynn stated this is one of many hurdles and hopefully things can move
forward. Discussion Followed. Mark Young made a motion to approve the sale
and Brenda Clack seconded. . All in favor except Bryant Nolden abstaining.


* Nolden was correct in abstaining as he is a member of Floss Avenue Church

During the months of August and September of 2017, The Land Bank used taxpayer money to demolish the buildings on the property purchased by Flynn.
Post Tue Feb 13, 2018 6:48 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

RICK SNYDER
GOVERNOR
STATE OF MICHIGAN
DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY
LANSING
NICK A. KHOURI
STATE TREASURER
November 13, 2017
Approval
Municipality Code: 254916
Fiscal Year Ended: 6/2017
Report ID Number: 67733
Dear Chief Administrative Officer:
Thank you for submitting a Qualifying Statement for Eagles Nest Academy to the
Michigan Department of Treasury on November 6, 2017. Based upon the information
provided in the Qualifying Statement, we have determined that the municipality is in
material compliance with the criteria identified in Section 303(3) of Public Act 34 of 2001.
The municipality is now authorized to issue municipal securities under this Act without
further approval from the Department. This authorization will remain in effect for six
months plus 30 business days after the end of your next fiscal year, or when the
Department has made a new determination, whichever occurs first.
Within 15 business days of completing the issuance of any municipal security the
municipality shall file with the Department a Security Report and all documents required
in Section 319 of Public Act 34 of 2001. The Treasury Website (Security Report) can be
found on our website, Michigan.gov/Treasury, by clicking on Local Government Services,
Municipal Finance, Municipal Finance Forms, and 3892. The Security Report and
accompanying documents may be emailed to Treas_MunicipalFinance@Michigan.gov or
mailed to the address below. If emailing, the subject line must read the same as the file
name of the attached documents.
If you have any questions, contact the Division at 517-373-3227.

Sincerely,
Edward B. Koryzno, Jr., Director
Bureau of Local Government and School Servic
Post Tue Feb 13, 2018 7:30 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Charter School Bonds as Alternative Investments. What You Need to ...
https://financialcareeroptions.com/charter-school-bonds/
Mar 30, 2017 - Individual investors are responding well to charter school bonds since they're classified as municipal securities (essential services). ... If you are going to invest in charter school debt, you should really do your homework on the particular bond issue since default rates vary drastically between credit quality.



Is this how Flynn hopes to finance his grocery store. higher risk of default.
Post Tue Feb 13, 2018 8:23 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Flint Beat
HomeLatest NewsWoman alleges prominent Flint pastor assaulted her son, attorney says it’s not true
Woman alleges prominent Flint pastor assaulted her son, attorney says it’s not true
February 9, 2018Jiquanda Johnson
FLINT, MI — A local pastor has been accused of allegedly assaulting a six-year-old Flint boy.

According to Flint Police officials, a complaint was filed against a prominent Flint pastor on Feb. 9, 2018, by the mother of a six-year-old boy who said her son was assaulted by the pastor while at school.


Photo from Eagle’s Nest Academy Superintendent Pastor Reginald Flynn. (http://www.eaglesnestflint.org/)
An attorney for Foss Avenue Baptist Church Pastor Reginald Flynn says his client did not assault the boy.

“He has done so much work in the community it’s ridiculous to think that he would try to abuse a child,” said Attorney Archie Hayman of his client. “The response that I would make on behalf of Pastor Flynn is that the community should know pastor Flynn is someone who has been dedicated to uplifting the north side of Flint.”

The mother who has not responded to messages from Flint Beat regarding the issue took her claims to Facebook on Feb. 8, 2018, saying Flynn assaulted her son. She also posted pictures of her son with bruising to his face and neck. Her post was shared hundreds of times on Facebook.

According to the mother’s Facebook page, she took her son to the hospital and filed a report after Facebook friends urged her to do so. She first posted about the incident Thursday night and a number of Facebook friends showed outrage over the alleged incident.

Hayman said the family of the boy has ongoing issues and Flynn has tried to help them.

“This is a situation where there is a troubled child and a troubled family that a pastor has tried to help,” Hayman said. “You are going to demean this man’s character based on allegations that have not been proven. It’s just ridiculous. We will address it in an appropriate forum. This man has been dedicated to the community and uplifts his community.”

Flynn currently serves as pastor of Foss Avenue Baptist Church, is president of the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation, a non-profit spearheading the development of a grocery store on Flint’s north side. He is also the superintendent and founder of Eagle’s Nest Academy in Flint.

As of Friday, no formal charges had been filed.
Post Wed Feb 14, 2018 11:05 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

HUD in continued talks with Flint over grant spending plan
Updated Feb 14, 4:00 PM; Posted Feb 14, 4:00 PM

(
By Oona Goodin-Smith ogoodins@mlive.com
FLINT, MI - A federal agency is in continued talks with the city of Flint after raising questions regarding the city's shifting of $442,000 in community grant dollars last month.

In late January, the Flint City Council voted to send a total of $442,000 in unspent federal Community Development Block Grant dollars to purchase a new city fire truck, repair the roof of a city business center and help the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation buy an undisclosed building on Flint's north side.

Because the total amount in the resolution exceeded $356,372 - 10 percent of the roughly $3.5 million awarded to Flint by the United States Housing and Urban Development Department to distribute to community causes - and was not previously listed in the city's annual plan for the funds, Flint officials were required to submit a formal request to the agency, a HUD spokesperson originally said.

However, the city has now communicated to the agency that its community participation plan - previously approved by HUD - allows for Flint to reprogram up to 15 percent of the $3.5 million, or $534,559, without notifying the federal government.

HUD is meeting with the city next week for additional clarification, said spokesperson Gina Rodriguez in an email to MLive-The Flint Journal.



A federal agency is asking Flint for answers after the city shifted $442,000 in community grant dollars without allowing for public input.


"We are currently responding to their questions pertaining to the projects and the process," said Suzanne Wilcox, Flint Acting Director of Planning and Development in an email statement through city spokesperson Kristin Moore. "We believe we followed the process, and we believe the proposed projects are indeed eligible. The Department of Planning and Development communicates regularly with HUD, and much of the conversation revolves around analysis and interpretation of the regulations. We were already in the process of reviewing and revising some of our policies due to the current lack of a city-wide review committee and other (emergency manager) orders that need to be amended."

Flint is currently in the process of doing its due diligence and anticipates further discussion with HUD prior to executing any contracts, Moore added.


At a city council meeting on Monday, Feb. 12, council debated reconsidering the vote on reprogramming the CBDG funds but ultimately decided against the move to expedite the purchase of a new fire truck and roof repairs for the Oak Business Center.

"These activities were under that 15 percent threshold," Wilcox told the council.

The unspent CBDG funds, Wilcox previously said, came from a surplus created at the end of the calendar year when other CBDG-funded projects came in under budget or did not move forward.

Just hours after State Treasurer Nick Khouri repealed an emergency manager order allowing the city more financial freedom on Monday, Jan. 22, council voted 7-2 to pass the resolution to reprogram the total $442,000 in community block grant funds.

The resolution redirected $200,000 to the Flint Fire Department for a new truck, $117,000 to the city's Economic Development Corporation for roof repairs at the Oak Business Center, and $125,000 to the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation for an undisclosed building.

The building's exact location and use were approved by Wilcox, but kept secret from council members and the public in order to protect the purchase from competition, said North Flint Reinvestment President Rev. Reginald Flynn before the council's vote.

City council sends $125K to undisclosed north Flint building project
City council sends $125K to undisclosed north Flint building project

Neither the building's exact use nor its location have been made public.


While Fourth Ward Councilwoman Kate Fields and Eighth Ward Councilman Allan Griggs voted against the resolution to reallocate funds without further review, the majority of the council said they put their trust in the city's assessment.

City records obtained by MLive-The Flint Journal through a Freedom of Information Act request show Flynn requested reprogrammed block grant money on Nov. 30, 2017, to put toward a purchase of the Abundant Life Ministries facility - a church operated by Pastor Larry Holley - for a "neighborhood-based quality early childhood learning center" at 5402 Clio Road in Flint.


Holley was forced to stop operating his investment business in September 2017 after the Securities and Exchange Commission filed civil fraud charges against him, accusing him of exploiting church members, retirees and laid-off auto workers into investing in a real estate business he claimed was successful.



Holley used faith-based rhetoric and scripture and biblical references to lure in investors, offcials said.


The former Abundant Life Ministries building is part of the vision of a larger "health and wellness hub" on the land located off W. Pierson Road between Clio and Cloverlawn roads, according to Flynn's project proposal obtained by MLive-The Flint Journal.

The proposed hub will include an event/community center, grocery co-op store, urban garden, wellness center, business incubator, and space for housing and parking.

Demolition of a building on the property slated for the organization's intended co-op grocery store began in September.

In 2015, the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation opened the Eagle's Nest Academy on the site of former Selby Elementary School.



A search committee has also been started to help find a general manager for the store -- expected to employ 50-60 residents -- as part of the next steps moving forward.


Flint Journal reporting intern Zahra Ahmad contributed to this report.
Post Thu Feb 15, 2018 9:28 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Statewide blight elimination grants total more than $11.7 million
Media Contact: Misty Miller
Communications
517-373-1858
millerm58@michigan.gov

September 6, 2016


LANSING, MICH. – The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Nonprofit Housing Corporation (MHA) working in collaboration with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority recently announced more than $11.7 million in blight elimination grants to 10 cities and counties across Michigan.

“This is a big opportunity for communities across the state to tackle blight and help homeowners,” MSHDA Executive Director Kevin Elsenheimer said. “These funds can help local governments and partners stabilize their neighborhoods and improve property values.”

The funding comes from $188.1 million the state received from the U.S. Department of the Treasury under its Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) program in April to further stem the tide of foreclosure. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow led the effort with Senator Gary Peters and Congressman Dan Kildee to secure HHF funding in the 2015 end-of-year spending bill.
Post Thu Mar 01, 2018 9:11 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

This controversy over reprogramming HUD funds is not the first. The Flint Journal on September 21,1996 printed an article by Michelle Lott "Use of Flint community development funds to be discussed some heated moments between council and the Stanley administration.

Council alleged the administration had deliberately been "not forthcoming with their intentions for the money which was leftover between 1990 to 1994". A prior council meeting had the council angrily saying the Community Development officials "tried to mislead the residents by not discussing their plans."

A new public hearing was to resolve how the $1.1 million in accumulated funds should be spent.

Council also accused the administration of "influencing the citizens advisory board that makes the recommendations for the allocation of the federal Community Block Development Funds (CDBG).
Post Sun Mar 04, 2018 4:14 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Two new housing projects were targeted for the majority of the funds. Robert Turk was the Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development. Turk told council the city was to expend $250,000 that had been planned for "business development" was now to be used to facilitate the relocation of a business from proposed site of University Park on Flint's north side.

Another development was the Windcliff Village subdivision off Branch Road in Flint's northeast . The administration proposed using $760,000 for a portion of the projected $1.8 million infrastructure improvements in water and sewer systems.

The Urban League was to receive $57,000 for youth recreational activities including the Urban League Community Outreach and the Police Athletic League.
Post Sun Mar 04, 2018 4:40 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Council objected to the advertisement announced only general categories for spending and not the specific uses proposed to be funded.

Councilman Jack Minore stated it appears the administration was using a "back door" method for seeking approval.

Turk claimed the use of categories in the newspaper notice of the hearing was a decision made by the City Wide Advisory Committee (CWAC), who had the task of reviewing and making recommendations for the allocation of the federal funds.

Turk disavowed that any attempt was being made to deceive council and he admitted they should have been clearing about the public hearing.

"Turk and others in Mayor Woodrow Stanley's administration, also were accused by council members of coercing tha advisory board to back spending in the areas the administration favors."


Last edited by untanglingwebs on Sun Mar 04, 2018 5:11 pm; edited 1 time in total
Post Sun Mar 04, 2018 5:00 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Councilman Ed Taylor (2nd Ward) remarked how in the four year he had been on council, he could not remember the CWAC using those three broad categories and he found it odd. First Ward councilman Verdell Duncan agreed with Taylor an commented that he felt the CWAC was being overly influenced by the administration.

Duncan expressed the view that the council was not receiving as much information as the CWAC. The administration should be coming to council for input said Duncan.
Post Sun Mar 04, 2018 5:09 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

From normally reliable sources there are indications no contract has been signed .

Looking at past experiences with the reprogramming of HUD funds, it appears it always went to Council.

From 12-5-1996 page B-12, Flint Journal ad announced a Minor Amendment in the Consolidated Plan.
The amendment was to use $150,000of unused Flint NIPP funds to Flint Odyssey House for the construction of 8 low income homes.
Post Sat Aug 11, 2018 10:40 am 
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