[{"_1":2,"_106":-5,"_107":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,96],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6643213,"mediaKeyId","2532556-943e7c95336a602399a6c7c69cfc410f","parentId",2532556,"title","Council adds two $50,000 ARPA items for missions after public comment on Flint food insecurity; reconsideration of St. Mark's ARPA allocation fails","audioSeconds",652,"startMs",270000,"endMs",922000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532556-943e7c95336a602399a6c7c69cfc410f&start=270&end=922","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532556-943e7c95336a602399a6c7c69cfc410f/thumbnail_270000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6643213/Flint-City/Genesee-County/Michigan/Council-adds-two-50000-ARPA-items-for-missions-after-public-comment-on-Flint-food-insecurity-reconsideration-of-St-Marks-ARPA-allocation-fails","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6643213-b9ef19afeaf1e4ff5e56d1ce220761da/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151768&Signature=UMxzn~xO8bvjgPhu~WK~z1BKA5zzZ0uqRh23vz5MfU1TuQpsOF~IKy2TsDZaNVpFGAPnGQlavRXGYcrHxpvtV0~H85xbIQuTSphCr5VKyBWI1MqXqZPR3uah6SOhrODYQPaBb9pR-gxZ29xTlURzKvw0Ly451tOAhstehSD3EnPe~vJdIV5uehTaGohsesJ9K8MjfaKLh6I7IYSblpLY5qv2jPD6cCs79iv4BU-Ea844GtCB-vHbK801rqbakIREmJ2Mw8WRfwqIeUhs-nSfLBt8nV5iDIJOW7AkimzP7WEjY4rkaaQX9tgsYKUx-8N3x5eclg4OEpnAFKT7N9OrHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Flint","date","2025-03-11T00:10:13.74Z","article","Early in the March 10 meeting, the Flint City Council added two agenda add-ons asking for $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the Franklin Avenue Mission and $50,000 for the Eastside Compassionate Mission Center. The chair announced the two add-ons at the meeting start; council then approved a separate roll-call to place Metro Housing’s presentation on the agenda.

Public comments: multiple speakers urged the council to prioritize food-access funding. Michelle Young, who identified herself as a neighborhood resident, called Flint a food desert and urged council members to use ARPA funds to support churches and missions that provide food. \"Please provide this church with $50,000 to problem-solve the food desert that we have,\" she said. Jeff Rolfe, director of the Flint East Side Mission, described his organization's 30-year history of feeding neighbors, operating a food pantry, clothing resources, showers and assistance obtaining identification; Rolfe said the mission serves \"upwards of 1,700 to 1,800 people a month\" for hot lunches and prepares 100–110 food baskets per week.

Council action and follow-up: council members approved placing Metro Housing's presentation on the agenda by roll-call vote 7–0 earlier in the meeting, and the consent agenda later passed 7–0. Separately, council took a motion to reconsider a previous resolution to reallocate ARPA funds for St. Mark's (resolution 240,548) but the motion to reconsider failed on a roll-call vote reported as 4 yes, 3 no. The meeting record shows the council considered ARPA reallocations as part of the evening’s business and heard multiple public pleas for support of food and shelter providers.

Why it matters: local missions and food pantries serve thousands of Flint residents and rely heavily on donations and small grants; council action adding ARPA items for missions responds to public testimony that emphasized increasing food costs and rising demand.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","031025--1-Flint City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The council added two last-minute resolutions to direct $50,000 in ARPA funds each to the Franklin Avenue Mission and the Eastside Compassionate Mission Center; public commenters including mission directors urged support. A subsequent motion to reconsider a prior ARPA reallocation for St. Mark's failed.","taxTitle","Flint City, Genesee County, Michigan","taxId",5770,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6643218,"Flint council rejects Community Benefits ordinance after debate over developer input and resident power",0,3183000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532556-943e7c95336a602399a6c7c69cfc410f&start=3183&end=3183","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532556-943e7c95336a602399a6c7c69cfc410f/thumbnail_3183000.jpg","/articles/6643218/Flint-City/Genesee-County/Michigan/Flint-council-rejects-Community-Benefits-ordinance-after-debate-over-developer-input-and-resident-power","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6643218-0e33e5dcdff61e271dfdadad0687ccf4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151768&Signature=cqE58v05oIMv6-H3PQ7WC40A5zpzH7Law2ywzgrUjfp-j-ZQr8uj6W-u51HsggXH9wODaj7koBBiLmMv5mpIxAcC9dla1A6n72uuZgNDq2cjnPZvgraNujTYfVqOkFQj2wZZmu3JWfE44jMIjYwJA0DCpDGUOWIUXbTM2NjvtgXj86PP7FuI4-R5YFxZPvMPPnst8hjO02a9o9o2KnUdELliRb7L8B2UtR1qI5ecJkz2XIWps1VwLQZCsbKEWSMF09NkV7Nrpd8-8O1kSGaDfq3XkSNARjyCp0Y8HSXiP4dFGdeWofNEzPCOxoc67evxbPKFAbVJghdC9oTZ1UGdxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Flint City Council voted on March 10 on the Community Benefits Agreement ordinance (agenda item 240430.1) after public testimony and technical comments from local advocates. Council members moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading, but the measure failed on a 4–3 vote.

What the ordinance would have done: the ordinance was drafted to require developers seeking certain public incentives to negotiate a proportionate community benefit with the directly affected ward and the citywide advisory council. Supporters said the proposal would return negotiating power to residents and allow communities to define benefits that matter locally, including monetary contributions, volunteer programming, scholarships, cleanups or other services.

Public reaction and technical comments: Joel Arnold, planning and advocacy manager at Communities First, said the draft had improved but urged technical clarifications to avoid capturing small projects and to clarify treatment of nonprofit project structures, recipients of HOME/CDBG funds and the size threshold for coverage; he suggested a threshold around $20 million to avoid burdening small projects. Other public speakers urged clearer language and community town halls before final adoption.

Council debate: proponents on the council said the ordinance was intended to return power to residents and to ensure tax breaks delivered proportional benefits to communities. Opponents and some council members raised concerns, echoing commenters, that the ordinance as written needed technical fixes to avoid discouraging smaller developments or causing unworkable uncertainty for lenders and smaller projects. Council members said the ordinance could be revised and reintroduced if changes were needed.

Final action: the motion for second reading and enactment was put to a roll-call vote and the ordinance failed 4–3. (Council recorded the final tally as 4 yes, 3 no.) The council discussed options to send the draft back for committee consideration and noted a revised version could return with a new ordinance number if further amendments are requested.

Why it matters: the ordinance was intended to create a formal process for neighborhoods to negotiate benefits from developers receiving public incentives, clarifying resident input on projects that may affect neighborhood resources and services.","On a second-reading vote March 10, the Flint City Council rejected a Community Benefits Agreement ordinance intended to give residents a formal role in negotiating developer benefits; the measure failed on a 4–3 vote after public testimony urged clarity and technical edits.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":78,"_43":89,"_45":89,"_47":90,"_49":91,"_51":92,"_53":93,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":94,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":95,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6643222,"Returning citizens and advocates urge Flint council to pass Fair Chance housing ordinance",4594000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532556-943e7c95336a602399a6c7c69cfc410f&start=4594&end=4594","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532556-943e7c95336a602399a6c7c69cfc410f/thumbnail_4594000.jpg","/articles/6643222/Flint-City/Genesee-County/Michigan/Returning-citizens-and-advocates-urge-Flint-council-to-pass-Fair-Chance-housing-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6643222-d9e3067ffc3559e02638e66108102afa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151768&Signature=LI6Moyw-D1VcpggIgPnoygn2jf4Rl0Fdqrp6kgGrleCdLm-m7MFQ5LNevemd-Okb36FrV5o6nVGFyNd-PrUGRTZyzGQgwlZ~H90lWlFL1SzAG~oxXm~YL4~1NiC-yuraJLAMd8BTBgkZ~WuR6kiK0JbxxtMq66wo90IoTQ1e7MAoHncPr3kaylUZCBfZk7LJA69gW5NhAmjupA6r0jULrY4OWBYb04armM4tUe4uQ1zz3PcR5oQmycfUtBl12vnKC-TUlJLyBEXtmszckAdmsZt4auqsCwrfJ9DEXp8GerO5qyfL1PFDls4N3699FW6pNLYiY2qSbop-bJRrm5An3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Flint City Council opened and then closed a public hearing March 10 on a proposed Fair Chance Access to Rental Housing ordinance (public hearing item 240426-6). Several residents, many identifying themselves as returning citizens, urged the council to approve the ordinance to reduce barriers to housing for people with criminal records.

Speakers described housing as a first step to stability. \"Getting access to housing is one of the most important things,\" said a returning citizen who said he had rebuilt his life after incarceration. Charmel Allen, who identified herself as a returning citizen and volunteer in the community, told council that neighbors who have served time can be reliable residents and urged compassion: \"To have me as your neighbor would have someone to look out for you,\" she said.

John L. Allen Bay, who described himself as a returning citizen and Genesee County resident, told the council that homelessness includes people staying temporarily with others without their name on a lease and that removing barriers to formal leases is essential to stability. Audrey Muhammad and other speakers also urged passage and asked the council to honor the origins of fair housing protections.

Council context: the city attorney told the council that several amendments had been made to the ordinance and that the revised version before the body \"shortens the number of years as far as fair housing is concerned.\" The public hearing record shows strong community support for the measure from residents who described reentry and housing barriers.

What happens next: the public hearing was closed and the ordinance will return to council for consideration in the regular legislative process. No final vote on the ordinance was recorded during the meeting.","During a public hearing on the Fair Chance Access to Rental Housing ordinance, multiple returning citizens and advocates urged the council to approve the measure to reduce housing barriers for people with criminal records; the hearing was closed and the ordinance will proceed to council deliberation.",{"_33":97,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":98,"_41":78,"_43":99,"_45":99,"_47":100,"_49":101,"_51":102,"_53":103,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":104,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":105,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6643227,"Metro Community Development to open $1M home-repair applications for Flint homeowners",4147000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2532556-943e7c95336a602399a6c7c69cfc410f&start=4147&end=4147","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2532556-943e7c95336a602399a6c7c69cfc410f/thumbnail_4147000.jpg","/articles/6643227/Flint-City/Genesee-County/Michigan/Metro-Community-Development-to-open-1M-home-repair-applications-for-Flint-homeowners","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6643227-a22fc405142cca180e9854c587aec0c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151768&Signature=ORF6LVhB6Cg3kNY3fxhBfK9RYbLFaIyanREw-3WtgTCOOR3atdTNtMbjfOU4nUV6l8~1bzmXgBVnVgEafvGD~9NkKAbgaP160uqYbVYlBVloq81ei6cWTEcZ3VQsAb7s5BlfHhgxrGCzzJsMxuEI88buUUf450xYZr9kE6V0WMnewBkuCgabUnC4gY1Ef0Al3MR9TPGPL0cDgKtjwzrKV~1QmST~HAviUR-gRGeTW7GXiSQmXaB6TORT757RxapveBtah01FS9vXL5xOLaTCiLYKXw3mvp57GqUmEAb0m73mL3HbgFjiCZdH7shBvH5BOIPxW9KmJpeAZn~rNim1RA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brian Glowack, CEO of Metro Community Development, told the Flint City Council on March 10 that Metro will open applications tomorrow for a home-repair grant program that aims to award roughly $1 million to Flint homeowners.

Glowack said Metro expects to improve about 65 to 70 homes with funds available this year and that last year the program awarded about $860,000 and improved 52 homes. \"We're opening the applications tomorrow,\" he said, adding that applicants must return completed packets by April 15 because the program is first-come, first-served and Metro must submit a May 15 packet to the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Why it matters: the program targets low- and moderate-income homeowners and pays for major repairs that owners often cannot afford, such as roofs, furnaces, water heaters and mold remediation. Glowack said eligible repairs also include accessibility work such as grab bars and widened doorways.

How to apply and eligibility: applications will be available at Metro’s office, 1174 Robert T. Longway, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; applicants must provide proof of household income and a copy of the deed, show they are current on mortgage payments and property taxes, and supply copies of all documents (Metro will not accept originals). Glowack described the income limits roughly by household size (about $47,000 for a single-person household, roughly $51,000 for two-person households) and said Metro will require two contractor estimates per project.

Funding and scale: Glowack said Metro previously drew funds as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis and expects to seek approximately $1 million this year. He noted the funds are limited — \"it sounds like a lot of money. It is a lot of money, but it's only roughly 65 to 70 homes,\" he said — and urged applicants to provide complete materials promptly.

Q&A and logistics: Council members asked whether the application would be available online; Glowack said he would post it on Metro’s website and could email a digital version to council members. He also said Metro would accept applications at Metro’s office hours and handle requests by phone at (810) 767-4622. Metro staff will coordinate contractor estimates and manage filing requirements for the Federal Home Loan Bank.

Background: Metro said it has drawn these funds for about eight years and that the program covers roofs, windows, siding, exterior doors, furnaces, water heaters, gutters and certain accessibility modifications. Glowack said last year the program was able to deliver about $860,000 in grants in Flint and that it plans to expand to roughly $1 million this year.

Next steps: Applications open tomorrow. Metro will accept completed applications through April 15 and will prioritize complete submissions because it is a competitive, first-come, first-served process.","Metro Community Development announced a new home-repair application period opening tomorrow, seeking to distribute roughly $1 million to repair 65–70 Flint homes; applications are first-come, first-served and must be returned by April 15.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adds two $50,000 ARPA items for missions after public comment on Flint food insecurity; reconsideration of St. Mark's ARPA allocation fails

Flint council rejects Community Benefits ordinance after debate over developer input and resident power

Returning citizens and advocates urge Flint council to pass Fair Chance housing ordinance

Metro Community Development to open $1M home-repair applications for Flint homeowners