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Topic: Downtown Flint Tax Credits- Equittable?
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2012/06/downtown_flint_development_gro.htmlFlint emergency manager creates tax break districts for vacant downtown landmarks, including Genesee Towers (with map)





Kristin Longley | klongley1@mlive.com By Kristin Longley | klongley1@mlive.com
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on June 25, 2012 at 11:22 AM, updated June 25, 2012 at 5:50 PM



Downtown Flint, including the area's tallest building, Genesee Towers. The structure at 120 E. First St. and 10 other vacant properties are included in two new tax abatement districts downtown approved by Flint emergency manager Michael Brown.




FLINT, MI -- Some of Flint's most notable downtown landmarks, including Genesee Towers and Capitol Theater, are in line for lucrative tax incentives for redevelopment following action by the emergency manager.
In total, 11 vacant properties are included in two new tax abatement districts created under Michigan's Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA).

The designation allows the property owners to apply to the city and state for tax breaks designed to encourage redevelopment of properties that are blighted, contaminated or "functionally obsolete."

If the tax breaks are approved, the city would freeze the taxable value of the properties for up to 12 years, meaning the owners would not have to pay additional property taxes for any new investments made on the properties.

The incentives come as several other redevelopment tax incentives have ended.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. said the purpose of the OPRA designation "is to rehabilitate older buildings into vibrant commercial and mixed-use projects," aiding in the revitalization of obsolete spaces.

Tax exemptions in Flint have been a controversial topic as the cash-strapped city is under the operation of a state-appointed emergency manager because of a structural budget deficit marked by years of declining property values and population loss.

A group of residents and two city council members recently spoke out against personal property tax abatements proposed for two Flint businesses, saying the city can't afford them.

(UPDATE: Council member says tax abatements should be fair and equitable)

A public hearing for the OPRA districts has been set by the city of Flint to consider whether the properties should receive the tax abatements. The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, July 2, at Flint City Hall, 1101 S. Saginaw St.

The properties include:
•Capitol Theater, 140 E. Second St.

•Genesee Towers, 120 E. First St.
•Former Flint Journal building, 200 E. First St.
•Flint Journal distribution center, 300 E. First St.
•Vacant commercial building, 529 Harrison St.
•Former International Institute of Flint, 515 Stevens St.
•Former Roberts David Alan building, 420 S. Saginaw St.
•Former Genesee Savings Bank building, 352 S. Saginaw St.
•Parking lot/Former site of Peppermill Restaurant, 111 W. Kearsley St.
•The Mercy Center, 116 W. Kearsley St.
• A vacant site at 126 W. Kearsley St.

Here is a map of the properties included in the two districts:


View Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Districts in a full screen map


Last edited by untanglingwebs on Sun May 31, 2015 7:58 am; edited 1 time in total
Post Sat May 30, 2015 6:33 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

State holds off on allowing $9 million bond for Flint; Residents, council members speak out at emergency manager meeting

Kristin Longley | klongley1@mlive.com By Kristin Longley | klongley1@mlive.com
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on June 11, 2012 at 8:55 PM


FLINT, MI -- The state of Michigan is postponing allowing the city of Flint to borrow $9 million to cover old deficits, emergency manager Michael Brown said tonight.
Brown said officials informed his office that the state board that approves municipal bond issues would prefer the city wait a few months to see if it can get a better interest rate.

"They're holding that off at this point," Brown said. "We believe it's going to be delayed."

Brown made the announcement as he presented his updated financial and operating plan to the public and Flint City Council members in the dome at Flint City Hall.

The plan includes a 2013 budget that calls for laying off about 100 city employees, a new $62 street light fee and a 25 percent water and sewer rate increase -- issues opposed by residents who spoke at the meeting.

Brown's plan also was to include issuing the $9.3 million in fiscal stabilization bonds this year to cover the 2011 budget deficit. But that will likely be postponed until the late summer or fall months, officials said.

The city's cash flow is at $8 million, a low amount but manageable, Brown said.

"There's no cash emergency," Finance Director Jerry Ambrose said. "We're managing the cash, although it's very marginal... (The state) looked at the cost of borrowing money into the future, and they think it will be more advantageous to wait a few months."

Also at the meeting, some residents spoke out against proposed personal property tax abatements for two Flint businesses as the city is laying off workers and raising fees on residents.



"The city is broke," resident Paul Herring said. "We cannot afford to give these people this kind of a discount."

Approval of the abatements would mean the companies would receive new assessments of their new personal property at 50 percent of the property's true cash value, according to information provided by the city.

Blevins Screw Products is investing $169,684.62 in new equipment and Extreme Precision Screw Products, Inc., is investing $181,955 in new equipment, according to the city.

Several residents said that now, as the city is under a state-declared financial emergency, it is not the time for Flint to be granting tax exemptions. City Council members Bernard Lawler and Jackie Poplar also spoke out against the abatements.

No representatives for the companies spoke.

Following the public hearing, it will be up to Brown to approve or deny the abatements.

"We're so broke we need someone else to come in and tell us what to do," resident Barbara Griffith-Wilson said, pointing to the emergency manager. "How can you give away what you don't have?"

During the meeting, Brown also said the city is on the verge of implementing the 2013 budget. The new fiscal year begins July 1.

Poplar said the new fee increases are burdening Flint residents.

"You have put your foot on the seniors," she said.

Councilman Sheldon Neeley said he hopes Brown will focus on programs for children this summer on the heels of the fatal shooting this weekend of 14-year-old Antonio Bell Jr. in Mott Park.

Neeley also said Brown's updated financial report was "anemic" and lacking in proposals for additional revenue streams. Neeley has been an advocate of increasing the income tax, which would require approval from the state Legislature.

Councilman Joshua Freeman said he's frustrated with the emergency manager's pace.

"It seems like if we're in an emergency situation we should be moving quicker," he said. "Come in, do what needs to be done and then get out."
Post Sat May 30, 2015 6:41 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Kristin Longley | klongley1@mlive.com
Jun 12, 2012

The bond is not on the State Administrative Board's committee meeting agenda for today as city officials expected. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/fcagenda_16770_7.pdf

Terry_Bankert
Jun 12, 2012

The Flint Emergency Manager [FEM]should not thought to be reporting to Flint Citizens. All we see is PR spin. The tax abatements needed the hearing last night. That was the only business. The FEM does report to the State of Michigan. Those reports are worth reviewing. Because of Flint's own lack of financial leadership our city's assets are being broken up and sold. Many residents will suffer, several business will prosper and the remainder of the states citizens are protected from us. We need change, we need leadership, there is much that can be done now and in planning for the future. But by whom?



Terry_Bankert
Jun 12, 2012


My suggestion to Mike Brown is to work with the council to create a regular report to the community format on your efforts to financially stabilize this community.


valtwin
Jun 11, 2012


Borrowing money to pay for borrowed money? Flint is a house of cards looking for a stiff wind.

northernmax
Jun 11, 2012

I own property in both Burton and Flint. The water/sewer rate in Flint is already about 3 times the cost of my Burton property. Why the cost difference?


JohnofGB
Jun 12, 2012

I own property in both Flint and Grand Blanc township. My Flint water bill is 2-3 times that of Grand Blanc township. Its NOT the price of the same water. Its the "service fees" in my case. Flint charges a little under $42 per month while the township charges it once every three months. Flint uses the service fees as a money making device that has very little to do with the house's service.


Flintrez
Jun 12, 2012


You know that pipe that brings water to your property? Well there is a whole network of pipes (both water and sewer) that cover every property in the whole city. They were installed to accommodate the city of 250,000. Just becasue the residents left, does not mean the pipes went away. Now we have an old system, being paid for by fewer people. Can any of you do math?


Phillip LaBarge
Jun 11, 2012

Its not the rates its the fees. Want to borrow 8.8 million the fee is $500,000. But if you borrow say 20 million the fee is also $500,000. Hmmmm are these guys Brown's buddy's or what? He wanted to pay them twice and the state said no.

burtonguy
Jun 11, 2012

The second paragraph of the article above has Brown saying the state wants to wait for a lower interest rate.


Phillip LaBarge
Jun 12, 2012


How much lower than zero can they go? Brown in the past said he wanted to hear from the people before he did his budget. Which came the first the budget or the public comment? Brown said his super chief came here and the man said he took a paycut to come to a harder job. Do you believe that story? veryone says we cant get all of our water from the Flint river and they say there were studies. Can I see one please? If we build a pipeline for water is anyone lined up to buy raw water? Our population is falling are they planning on us expanding? The FJ needs to do some real reporting to know the rest of the story.


intheknow767
Jun 11, 2012


City council members criticizing the EFM for how he is handling things? Are you kidding me? He is there because of their incompetence. They have no place to be criticizing nor should anyone listen to them. Again, they are the ones that could not manage Flint out of this and now they offer criticisms. Simply beyond belief.


burtonguy
Jun 11, 2012


Bond rates are at historic lows. Waiting for lower rates sounds like a lame excuse to me.


ic23b
Jun 11, 2012

That is what I thought also. State must have something up their sleeve.
Post Sat May 30, 2015 6:49 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

http://www.flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?t=12238

see about racial equity and how state issued tax credits have created a deficit affecting education funding among other funds.

Flint as been passing out tax breaks for downtown for years. Even the Flint journal got these tax breaks. Yet no one has ever reported that these tax break beneficiaries actually followed the stipulations attached to the breaks. Complaints were made to council regarding he Flint Journal.

Were permanent jobs created?

Why are Tax credits and other tax breaks only given to the downtown groups and those associated with one group? This is a sore point among residents.
Post Sun May 31, 2015 7:46 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2015/04/flints_landmark_capitol_theatr.html

Uptown group plans $21-million rehab of iconic Capitol Theatre in Flint

Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com By Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com
on April 17, 2015 at 11:15 AM, updated April 22, 2015 at 8:23 AM

Key players in the push to redevelop downtown's Capitol Theatre say they are on the verge of securing $500,000 for exterior repairs to the historic building.

FLINT, MI --A subsidiary of Uptown Reinvestment Corp. has signed a deal to buy the Capitol Theatre, a cornerstone downtown property, and aims to spend an estimated $21 million to redevelop and reopen the landmark building.

The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce said in a news release today, April 17, that the Friends of the Capitol Theatre, an arm of the nonprofit Uptown group, has signed a purchase agreement with the Farah family, which has owned the Capitol for 38 years.

Officials declined to release terms of the purchase, but a statement from the chamber says the venue "could be ready for a grand reopening in the next 18-24 months," operating as a "first-class music and performing arts venue" for concerts, plays and other performances.

Tim Herman, URC president and chief executive officer of the chamber, called the potential redevelopment project "a major step forward" and a potential "tipping point for downtown Flint's resurgence."
•RELATED: Help pick Michigan's favorite historic theater

"Downtown Flint continues to show steady growth," Herman said in a statement. "The revitalization has been on the upswing for a decade now with buildings being renovated, loft and other residential living made available, and great restaurants and nightlife. Now we're primed to add the Capitol to this wonderful mix."

Herman said the purchase agreement allows the Friends to perform due diligence and put together the financial structure for the project. Local, state and federal grants as well as tax credits could figure into the mix, he said.

Troy Farah of Capitol Theatre Building LLC, which owns the theater, called the purchase agreement "a very bittersweet transaction for us."

"We had no interest, no desire in selling the property," Farah said, "but it became apparent the only way to raise the funds needed would be under a nonprofit structure."

Today's announcement comes a month after Farah and other key players in the push to redevelop the Capitol said they were on the verge of securing a $500,000 grant from the state of Michigan for exterior repairs to the ornate building.

In recent years, officials for the city, Uptown and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation have expressed interest in redeveloping the Capitol, which opened in 1928 and operated as a Butterfield movie theater for 50 years.

The building also hosted a a mishmash of live concert performances, including AC/DC, Ray Charles, John Mellencamp and Mel Tillis from the late 1970s until the theater portion of the building closed about 20 years ago.

Farah said the Friends of the Capitol Theatre will be in a position to begin a full renovation quickly because of recent work by his family, including architectural and engineering drawings, asbestos abatement and selective demolition. The Farah family has invested more than $1 million in the Capitol in recent years, he said.

Farah said the Capitol is one of the best-preserved but unrestored theaters in the country.

Built in Italian Renaissance style, one ceiling was designed after the outer vestibule of St. Peter's cathedral in Rome, according to Flint Journal files, and interior walls recreate views of buildings that evoke old Italy.

Today's news release says that in addition to the 2,000-seat theater, the renovation plan includes 25,000 square feet of attached office and retail space.

City officials have highlighted the building as an important asset in Flint's first new master plan in 50 years, and Mayor Dayne Walling and emergency manager Jerry Ambrose supported grant applications to the state earlier this year.

Farah said his father, George Farah, fell in love with the Capitol when he purchased it in 1977 and realized the importance of the property to Flint.

"It's a legacy to our father. He really had the vision of what the Capitol could be to downtown," he said
Post Sun May 31, 2015 8:02 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

edited.


fredaf
Apr 17, 2015

Wasn't there a big announcement a few years ago that U of M Flint was taking over the Capitol Theatre? What ever happened with that?



Sharpcc
Apr 17, 2015

This is exciting news. Finally, the Capitol will be restored. The plans to use it as an entertainment venue will help draw people downtown and to other businesses, especially the various dining establishments. Hopefully we will see some concerts down there as well as a great opportunity to show some classics on the screen. One only needs to look at the Fox and Fillmore(State) theaters in Detroit and see how they accessible for many types of entertainment. Now if we can only get the old Woolworth building restored, especially its original facade.



john
Apr 17, 2015
Such a sad waste of taxpayer funds.


Sharpcc
Apr 17, 2015

@john This will benefit the whole city in the end. Furthermore, if you read the whole article, the non-profit organization is taking over the facility. Tax payer funds are generally not used. Uptown Redevelopment uses proceeds from the sales of its properties it has acquired through tax foreclosures and acquired properties that have been abandoned. They also use grants from both State, Federal, and Private organizations, the largest of which is the Mott Foundation. In addition, the state and federal grants are going to go organizations just like Uptown somewhere in the state or country and its preferable they get them here. Also, everyone said the same thing about the new Farmers Market and its been a boon to downtown Flint.


wayover50
Apr 17, 2015


@Sharpcc - First you state that "taxpayer funds are generally not used" then go on to say "they use grants from both state, Federal (taxpayer money) and private organizations". Right out of the chute Michigan taxpayers will be subsidizing the Farah family's self serving money grab to the tune of a half million dollars.

This whole thing with Uptown as the fronting organization is pure unadulterated profit motivated maneuvering by a small group of elitists in bed with the Farah family to finance this purchase with taxpayers picking up the majority of the costs all said and done.

What hasn't been disclosed are the details where the Farah family will be receiving residuals long after the sale from any events taking place once the renovations are done.


Sharpcc
Apr 17, 2015

@wayover50 @Sharpcc Taxpayer funding are generally not used for their projects, however for this one they are expecting grants. Those grants will be used somewhere on projects such as these and I prefer to see them used in Flint. The elitists that you mention is somewhat true, however the average person has neither the financial wherewithal or connections to make a project of this size work. Then the building will actually be used. Its odd, that at one time Charles S. Mott was considered an elitist with little interest in the community and now he is cherished as the greatest benefactor this city has ever seen. Furthermore, you probably assume way too much that the Farah family will see residuals, take the conspiracy book and put it back on the shelf.


wayover50
Apr 17, 2015

@Sharpcc - Stating "the elitists that you mention is somewhat true" is like stating it is possible to be a little bit pregnant. As for the details of the purchase agreement - the fact Uptown "declined" to release them but goes on to glorify what is in the making is the 4 ton elephant in the room you and your cohort proponents of this conveniently fail to notice - or comment on.

This whole thing stinks to high heaven. Period.

Sharpcc
Apr 17, 2015

@wayover50 @Sharpcc Get a life and quit your complaining. If you live in the area you should be grateful things are being done to make this area better. If you don't live in the area, problem solved, don't come around, cause we don't need all the crap that so many of you naysayers constantly preach. I am tired of this whole conspiracy around ever corner from so many just like you. All you can do is complain about anything instead of actually giving something a chance. You serve no purpose to the people of Flint. Its really each to complain since you have no idea on how to improve anything, including yourself.


wayover50
Apr 17, 2015


@Sharpcc - Look at it this way Sharpcc. I have no issue with "things" being done to make Flint a better area. The problem is all those "things" are centered along either side of Saginaw Street from Court to just north of the river by a select group who collectively stand to profit while the other 95% of the city rots on the vine.

Instead of investing to improve the old farmers market and surrounding areas which would have had everyone's support good ol' Uptown unilaterally decided to close it and build a new one in - drum roll - downtown Flint. And here again it was a case of "no details provided" regarding the back room decision process by the same small group of self assumed stewards of their vision for Flint.

I can remember being able to walk to and from nearly any location in Flint at any time of day or night w/o fear for my safety. Streets were well maintained, downtown [was] the center of entertainment options along with businesses of all manner and all prospering w/o the infusion of private or public "grant" dollars to sustain it.

Point being, I lived and worked and paid taxes in Flint for close to 50 years and moved out 7 years ago when I could no longer sit on my front porch in the evening because of the scumbag societal lowlifes that had infested the area.

As such and contrary to your pious holier than thou condemnation of my objections to this Uptown and Farah family [crap] suffice to say I earned my right to question this and other sweet heart deals conjured up by this group of wheeler and dealers who "declined to reveal the details of the purchase agreement".


ic23b
Apr 17, 2015

@Sharpcc " Local, state and federal grants as well as tax credits could figure into the mix, he said." These are taxpayers funds.


Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com
Apr 17, 2015

Here's a link to the full news release from the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce:

http://www.flintandgenesee.org/friends-capitol-theatre-enters-purchase-agreement-acquire-historic-capitol-theatre/
Post Sun May 31, 2015 8:34 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

sharpcc appears to have connections to the various Uptown groups.

Sharpcc
Apr 17, 2015

@wayover50 @Sharpcc Taxpayer funding are generally not used for their projects, however for this one they are expecting grants. Those grants will be used somewhere on projects such as these and I prefer to see them used in Flint. The elitists that you mention is somewhat true, however the average person has neither the financial wherewithal or connections to make a project of this size work. Then the building will actually be used. Its odd, that at one time Charles S. Mott was considered an elitist with little interest in the community and now he is cherished as the greatest benefactor this city has ever seen. Furthermore, you probably assume way too much that the Farah family will see residuals, take the conspiracy book and put it back on the shelf.



sharpcc needs to read Andrew Highsmiths dissertation "Demolition means Progress" and then he/she would realize how C S Mott and his realtor and education cohorts perpetuated racial disparity in the city.

Is the Mott legacy continuing?
Post Sun May 31, 2015 8:41 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

http://www.flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?t=12237

link to item on the city forcing the Jazz Festival and the Juneteenth Celebration to relocate. There should have been plenty of time to have resolved this earlier. With the Uptown groups emphasis on specific venues, will there be a permanent attempt to move these two venues out of Flint.
Post Sun May 31, 2015 8:46 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/flint/index.ssf/2015/04/reopening_of_capitol_theatre_w.html _

Scott Atkinson | satkins1@mlive.com
Email the author
on April 21, 2015 at 6:00 PM, updated April 22, 2015 at 8:29 AM



Key players in the push to redevelop downtown's Capitol Theatre say they are on the verge of securing $500,000 for exterior repairs to the historic building.

FLINT, MI -- Gerard Burnash was as surprised as anyone.

As the head of the Flint Downtown Development Authority, it was only natural that his eyes would return again and again to one of Flint's most beautiful buildings, an Italian Renaissance-style structure that sits on the corner of Second Street and Harrison Street in downtown Flint.

"I'd made countless calls, reached out, trying to find funds for it. Troy (Farah, current Capitol owner), he exhausted every avenue also," Burnash said of the Capitol Theatre, which has sat empty and in need of renovations since it closed about 20 years ago.

Before it closed, it was a place that drew large acts such as AC/DC, Rage Against the Machine, Ray Charles, Cypress Hill, and Gallagher.

It seemed that every few years there would be news of a possible sale, some forward movement, on the old theater -- hope that those days might return -- before those whispers faded away and the Capitol continued to sit unused.

Then on April 17, it was announced that it was happening -- really happening. There was a purchase agreement between a subsidiary company of Uptown Reinvestment Corp. and Capitol Theatre owner Troy Farah that would secure $21 million in grant funding to not only restore the building, but do it quickly, within two years, maybe sooner.

The building so many had given up on now had a new birthday.

"This is truly a game-changer. It's the most exciting that happened since I've been down here," Burnash said.

Over the past several years, downtown Flint has seen a resurgence in local businesses, with coffee shops and restaurants opening up and down the main downtown artery of Saginaw Street. Burnash said the reopening of the Capitol won't just mean more people and the money they spend downtown, it means that downtown itself will expand.

Downtown business is concentrated along Saginaw and this will get people straying further down side streets, Burnash said.

"It's another one of those dominoes. That side of town, the east side of Saginaw ... to develop that and make that the entertainment section of town, it's just a very positive development," he said.

People expressed similar sentiments when the Flint Farmers' Market relocated to downtown Flint on First Street, noting that it's an area that previously didn't get much foot traffic.

When the city of Flint updated its master plan in 2013, there was a heavy emphasis on working the arts into the plan, and Mayor Dayne Walling said the reopening of the Capitol fits right in with what is included in the plan.

"A healthy and diverse downtown business district is essential to the long-term sustainability of of the Flint economy, and the redevelopment of the Capitol Theatre is one of the top outstanding opportunities," he said. "A large arts and cultural performance space is the missing link in the downtown fabric, so it is critical to get the doors of the Capitol Theatre open again."

Joel Rash has been putting on concerts in the Flint area for the last two decades, mostly through the all-ages venue, The Flint Local 432, and hosted some shows at the Capitol.

With more businesses downtown now, he said he thinks the Capitol and the area around it have a better chance of success than they had when they closed.

"What was lacking was a downtown Flint that could accommodate 1,500 concert-goers with a place to get a bite to eat beforehand, or grab a drink afterwards. The last decade has seen quite a bit of new food and drink options downtown: Table & Tap, Cork, 501, Blackstones, Tenacity, etc. The economic impact of a restored and active Capitol Theatre is going to be tremendous," he said.

In a statement, Tim Herman, URC President and CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, said the Capitol will play host to a variety of acts.

"This is a major step forward and could be the tipping point for taking downtown Flint's resurgence to the next level," he said. "We envision restoring this community gem back to its historic glory and creating a modern entertainment venue for concerts, stage plays, comedy shows and other performance arts."

Farah has called the sale of the theater "bittersweet."

He said he didn't want to let the building go, but said he realized the only way for it to get the funding it needed was to have it under the control of a nonprofit.

He said he's excited at what he thinks the theater will bring to downtown, once it's operational again.

"When the theater operated from 1987-1995, which were the most recent years, we were pretty active, downtown was active at that time, but it was more of a bar scene," he said. "I think today the difference is downtown isn't as much of a bar scene. It's more of a restaurant scene. ... The traffic that the theater will generate -- maybe a couple thousand people a week, that's what's estimated -- will really be incredible for the foot traffic downtown, especially to the restaurants."

It's not the only theater around. Just on the other side of I-475 is the Flint Cultural Center campus, which is home, among other institutions, to The Whiting Auditorium.

Jarret M. Haynes, The Whiting's executive director, said he doesn't see the Capitol as competition but rather a positive development for Flint -- even for The Whiting.

"I'm a big believer in the rising-tide theory," he said. "If you're familiar with The Whiting and the Capitol, they are complimentary venues. It's going to attract a wider audience from the region."

The restoration of historic theaters is nothing new to Haynes, who before coming to Flint was the head of the arm of a nonprofit responsible for restoring nine historic theaters in New York City along the famed 42nd Street.

He said he's been through the Capitol and excited to see it restored as well.

"The thing about those old theaters, and you could take this all the way back to the ancient Greeks, is the way the angles work. There's not a bad seat in the house."

Haynes said he's had some informal talks with people involved in the restoration, and that he is happy to offer whatever insight he can.

"To the extent that we can be helpful, we're certainly willing to be," he said.

Rash, who still oversees The Flint Local 432, said he also thinks having another venue downtown will be a boost for his not just his own organization, but local performers.

"A huge benefit of big shows at the Capitol is the opportunity for local bands to open for national acts. In the '80s and '90s, Troy Farah worked hard to make sure Flint-area bands got a chance to play on the Capitol stage. It was good for ticket sales, but also great exposure for a band that normally played the 432 or local bars," he said.
Post Sun May 31, 2015 8:57 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

criticofgov
Apr 22, 2015





Worked in downtown Flint again for the biggest part of the last two years, most days arriving before daylight, leaving most days after dark. Was chased numerous times, was accosted at least a dozen times trying to go into the downtown building where I was working. The last five times we took members of the family to the new restaurants downtown Flint, caught thugs trying to break into our car twice about 8p.m., met by panhandlers once, offered drugs for sale twice. We had parked on Saginaw Street each time.

There is no safe place to leave your vehicle in downtown Flint. It is still not safe, even in a group, to visit anything in downtown Flint. Even during the last Back to the Bricks, our group found itself in the middle of a gang fight that was breaking out around 4p.m.--no police presence anywhere near at that time. One of our group was pushed into a building doorway during the visit by two thugs and robbed of his wallet, watch and glasses.

Those of you who protest that Flint is safe downtown are the ones who have not visited downtown Flint lately and are the real part of the problem.




Don't address or admit the problems there and they will continue to never be corrected and Flint will continue to go down the hole
Post Sun May 31, 2015 9:03 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Just how safe is downtown Flint? the police scanners suggest there is some crime there and remember a security guard was attacked downtown. U of M Flint has there own police department.
Post Sun May 31, 2015 9:06 am 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

Ryan Michael Eashoo

May 29 at 5:33pm ·

.

This is just plain stupid! Flint City Council voted against development in Downtown Flint. If they don't support the project the developer will either A.) Leave it as it is, which will essentially freeze property taxes as they are today because it won't be improved. It won't improve downtown but remain a stagnant corner or B.) Force the developer to raze the buildings, leaving a empty lot which will decrease the property values by 90%. Then in 12 years the taxes won't be anymore than they are today but they will be less.

I say approve the tax freeze, the city will continue to get tax revenue and in 12 years it will be back on the tax rolls 100%. Every project that renovated buildings, bringing in new revenue, businesses and people to our city is a good thing.
Post Sun May 31, 2015 2:34 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

While most of Ryan's friends agreed with him, there were dissenters.


Tony Palladeno Jr. This tax freeze is a joke! Hey spread the wealth? Gave the Journal a tax break Ridgeway got 3 million for a broken wall! Give the residents a tax freeze Them Uptown developers need

· May 29 at 11:23pm

Tony Palladeno Jr. to spread into the neighborhoods!

· May 29 at 11:24pm

Brian Edwards If it's worth a renovation, the cost will be worth it regardless of tax breaks. Flint needs the money anyway, or it will end up a renovated ghost town.

· May 29 at 11:27pm
..

Tony Palladeno Jr. The whole County tax issues need to be reviewed I paid 750.00 in taxes for the university building to be torn down now the Mott foundation give them 200,000,00 for improvements Nice building the farmers market got hmm how did that happen? spread the doe Rowe was told Downtown would be a hub well send some to the spokes on this wheel !

· May 29 at 11:28pm
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Tony Palladeno Jr. Wish I was a church or a 501c3 these taxes would mean nothing believe it!!!

· 1 · May 29 at 11:30pm
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Fawn Swank Yeah you said a 12 year tax freeze how about a compromise 6 years?? Something needs to be done the city was so pretty and needs to be fixed up. If the taxes are sky high there's no money to make improvements. It's a vicious circle! But I do think there should be a 1 time limit Things are so screwed up everyone has a Dif fix but nothing's getting done to actually solve the problem!

· Yesterday at 6:16am · Edited
..

Steven Barber I disagree with this votw but I will say this- recently a building was attempted to be purchased by someone who has been in Flint with a striving business for more than a decade. Would of brought at minimum 1,000 people downtown on a weekend, if not double that. When it was attempted to purchase a historic site, money not being a problem, architectural design not an issue, the big wigs in Flint didn't want the person to own it and instead sold it to Uptown. So my issue is, why does Uptown get to monopolize

1 · Yesterday at 12:16pm
..
Tony Palladeno Jr. People we have been giving tax breaks for ever! Lets not forget AutoWorld If you want Flint to be progressive taxes need to be paid The Landbank was designed to put properties back on the tax bracket right? Then ask yourselves why 1 of the biggest owners are churches? Tax exempt.. And Uptown controls downtown but asks for tax breaks? Outside looking in..Lets give the residents the tax breaks

Yesterday at 12:23pm

Tony Palladeno Jr. Flint needs new development but not on the backs of the residents, You all know they'll go back and try for this tax freeze at a future date,4yrs. 2yrs. What Flint and Uptown needs to do is not only invest in properties but also in the residents...We've stayed through the BAD AND THE UGLY! When it becomes Good we all deserve a piece of that pie...Flint is Strong when we all get along...ALL!

· 1 · Yesterday at 12:33pm
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Ryan Michael Eashoo Totally agree Tony Tony Jr. Palladeno, but who else is stepping to the plate to do it?
at 12:44pm

Ryan Michael Eashoo I can totally relate to everyone's frustrations and at first I didnt support the farmers market move or Genesee TMost communities who go from a depressed downtown to a vibrant downtown will use these same development options to improve areas that need it. Unfortunately without some of these incentives a lot of projects are feasible.owers demolition. Realize if it wasn't for The Genesee County Land Bank and Uptown our Downtown area wouldn't be as amazing as it is today.

· Yesterday at 12:43pm

Tony Palladeno Jr. Open the playing field first. The residents are not asked what they think or how things should or could better their lives ie; taxes on street lites? The Landbank is given properties that I feel the residents should get 1st crack at, Why does the lanb...See More
· Yesterday at 12:52pm
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Tony Palladeno Jr. As far as the Farmers Market this move was made way before they got the place just my opinion look at the players 37 million dollor building no brainer? Who paid for that? 8 million dollor tax break to the Journal towards the build because it will keep...See More

· Yesterday at 1:03pm.
Post Sun May 31, 2015 2:46 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

State oversight board asked to reverse Flint council opposition to downtown tax break.

Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com By Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com
on June 10, 2015 at 6:00 PM, updated June 10, 2015 at 6:02 PM


FLINT, MI -- Flint's new Receivership Transition Advisory Board will be asked to overturn a City Council decision the very first time it meets.

City Administrator Natasha Henderson plans to ask the five-member RTAB to approve a tax break for Uptown Reinvestment Corp. at its meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 10.

Uptown officials have said they need an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act tax freeze in order to renovate a shuttered downtown property.

A divided City Council voted 5-3 May 27 to reject Uptown's request to leave property taxes at the current level for 12 years at 600 S. Saginaw St., once the site of a Perry drug store.

Henderson said there's no justifying that action and city spokesman Jason Lorenz said she will ask the RTAB to consider overruling the council.

According to an order issued before the departure of former emergency manager Jerry Ambrose, the receivership board should review and act by resolution on proposed economic or redevelopment projects recommended for approval by the city administrator.

"The more people we can get into the downtown area, the better," said Henderson. "Nothing is happening (without the tax incentive). I stand behind it because it's in the best interest of the city of Flint."

The property and building had a taxable value of $96,200 in 2014 but the site is expected to more than double in value after renovations. The property is also expected to generate income tax of $1,872 to $4,617 in the first year, according to city documents.

Council members who voted against the tax freeze said the city can't afford not to collect less than the full tax bill for properties downtown. Some council members have said too much of the focus in economic development has been on downtown.

"Flint is still in a financial emergency (so) shame on them (Uptown). They should be ashamed to ask for" a freeze in property taxes, said Councilwoman Monica Galloway. "We're in poverty as a community."

Appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder, the five-member RTAB has the authority to monitor the affairs of the city and has the specific authority to act in areas of finance and economic development.

The Flint RTAB members are Fred Headen, legal adviser to state Treasurer Nick Khouri; Brian Larkin, director of community outreach and core initiatives for the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce; David McGhee, a program officer with the Skillman Foundation and chairman of the Flint Public Library Board of Directors; Robert McMahan, president of Kettering University; and Beverly Walker-Griffea, president of Mott Community College.

In addition to Henderson, Mayor Dayne Walling supports the Uptown tax request.

An order issued by former Flint emergency manager Jerry Ambrose says the RTAB should evaluate the city administrator's recommendation for any economic or redevelopment project and any City Council rationale against it.

"The board shall select the course of action which, in the board's sole discretion, best serves the interests of the citizens of the city of Flint," the order says.

State officials have said the RTAB is to stay out of day-to-day management of the city, but to maintain a voice in big financial decisions.

Uptown's plan for the old Perry building involves creating eight new storefronts with individual entrances and encouraging small business owners to move into them.

Uptown has received the same OPRA exemption for other downtown redevelopment projects such as the Michigan State University medical school, Flint Farmers' Market and the new Genesys PACE senior care center.

Uptown Reinvestment Corp. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999 with a mission to revitalize downtown Flint.


Flint651

And people thought democracy had returned to Flint???? Can you say suckers? Another tax dodging welfare scam perpetrated by the local crooks, if you can't afford the taxes then don't rehab it. But it will get overturned and try to remember Walling endorsed getting it overturned. A mayor for all the people or just a few? Dumb question, we know the answer.


4realjoe

Did the company who is currently renovating the Dresden building also request a tax freeze? I'm not sure but I don't think so. Also, something is very wrong with the way Flint is assessing commercial property in and around downtown if this building currently has a $96K valuation. There are plenty of other buildings within a two mile radius in much better condition only valued at a fraction!

Uptown has received multiple tax breaks downtown and should now consider seeking tax breaks for only projects outside of downtown.


Ruinitforeveryone


"Appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder, the five-member RTAB has the authority to monitor the affairs of the city and has the specific authority to act in areas of finance and economic development."

And there it is. Now you know one of the reasons the RTAB was created, and also why this WILL be overturned. The city council nor the voters of Flint have no say in the matter. None.




FutureGenesee


City services like police and fire have been dramatically slashed in recent years in order to balance the budget so that most neighborhoods have become unlivable war zones. The state finally has taken a step back to create the illusion that democracy is being restored, but the outsiders still really in charge are now pulling the strings to ensure that the Uptown millionaires get another tax break. Uptown has done a lot of good downtown, but elected leaders on the Council ought to be able to decide what our budgetary priorites are, and their power should not be trumped by this millionaire elite which for the most part doesn't even live in the city. Paul Jordan has posted elsewhere how Uptown is profitting handsomely through all these insider deals. Enough is enough. It's time to really restore democracy and to let the people through their elected representatives spend some of their own tax money in the neighborhoods for a change.
Post Wed Jun 10, 2015 8:56 pm 
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo

http://www.abc12.com/news/localnews/headlines/Gr

Updated: Fri 6:56 PM, Jun 12, 2015



By: Damon Maloney - Email


Uptown Reinvestment Corporation looking for tax freeze for Flint project


Residents weigh in on concept of tax breaks for companies looking to develop properities


The Uptown Reinvestment Corporation requested a tax freeze in order to help secure money for its project at 600 S. Saginaw Street. City council denied the request last month, but the city

FLINT (WJRT) - (06/12/15) - A group looking to bring new storefronts to Downtown Flint has hit a roadblock.

The Uptown Reinvestment Corporation requested a tax freeze in order to help secure money for its project at 600 S. Saginaw Street. City council denied the request last month, but the city's newly formed Receivership Transition Advisory Board can reverse that decision.

The building at the center of the conversation once was a Please delete me! in the heart of the city.

"The goal is to convert that - break it down and create eight new storefronts," said Marcus Papin, with Uptown Reinvestment Corporation. "We're going to be able to give people the opportunity to start their businesses or grow their business into a brick and mortar space."

Papin called council's denial of a 12-year tax freeze disappointing.

"At this point, the project would not be financially feasible without this tool," Papin said.

The tool he's talking about falls under the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act. It holds property taxes at their current level for a period of one to 12 years.

In 2014, the taxable value on the property at 600 S. Saginaw was about $96,000.

Councilwoman Monica Galloway voted down the request. During the city council meeting, she said the city would be out tens of thousands of dollars in tax revenue if the request was approved.

"Twelve years is along time," Galloway said. "And I think that based on the financial position of this city, that we must become better fiduciary trustees to what the residents have entrusted to us."

Councilwoman Vicki VanBuren was another "no" vote.

"What are you going to do for us?" VanBuren said during the city council meeting. "It's always what will Flint do in return. We are bending over backwards I think so many times. How much more can we bend?"

Uptown says their request would give the project the best chance of survival and would keep rent rates affordable for businesses that are looking to establish themselves and grow.

"Our goal is to work together and really just do good for Flint," Papin said.

Those who live and work in Flint and the surrounding area have differing views on the concept of tax breaks for companies and groups like Uptown Reinvestment Corporation.

Bill McDonald supports tax breaks if they're awarded selectively.

"Yes, if they follow through and actually produce what they say they're going to," McDonald said. "I would be in favor of them getting tax breaks, because I think in the long run it would stimulate the economy and promote more people spending money."

Others frown upon the idea of letting investors and companies skip out on paying the full price of doing business.

"I'm personally against the tax breaks, but I see reason for them," said Jan Graham. "I think we're hurting enough for taxes and revenue coming into the cities and state and everything. We need to increase tax revenue (and) not give it away."

Kendra Adams says tax breaks could give the community the jolt she says it needs.

"It would bring more business to Flint and more people would want to stay in Flint," Adams said. "I think it would bring the crime rates down too, because there would be more jobs for people to do."

Tuyana Williams shares Adams views on the issue.

"Give us a break and let some people get some jobs and get some stores down here," Williams said. "I think that's a good idea."
Post Sat Jun 13, 2015 7:18 pm 
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