College News
Taubman College planning report on vacant land use sparks passionate discussion in Flint
A 100-page report by M.U.P. students is generating headlines and a lively discussion in Flint. Students Nathan Geisler, Shana Greenstein, Chuang-Chung Hu, Cisco Minthorn and Melissa Munsell wrote the report for the Genesee County Land Bank in August 2009. It suggests the organization should purchase targeted vacant land in the city for conversion into other uses such as farms, rather than wait for it to fall into foreclosure. Empty lots in near-empty neighborhoods are abundant in Flint, which has seen its population decline dramatically.
The report inspired a three-part Flint Journal series that quotes Eric Dueweke, community partnerships manager for the Urban and Regional Planning Program, and Urban and Regional Planning Professor Margaret Dewar, as well as Flint political leaders and residents. Additionally, the Flint Journal wrote an editorial on the issue that encourages people to get involved in their community by organizing and participating in park cleanup days and other activities.
Several newspaper readers have also weighed in with varying opinions through comments posted after the stories.
The newspaper articles can be found here: http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/12/new_report_identifies_...
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/01/flint_residents_living_in_near.html
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/01/with_most_vacant_areas...
To read the report:
http://www.taubmancollege.umich.edu/planning/students/student_work/proje...
Jan 5, 2010
