Burdened with hundreds of abandoned sites and structures, Genesee County and its 15 communities are getting more than $20.6 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDE) for their cleanup and redevelopment -- the city of Flint alone expecting to begin lead and asbestos removal, and demolition and site preparation at some 704 tax-foreclosed homes and buildings, including two former hotels downtown.

''These properties have been a source of blight, and now they will be a source of hope and rebirth,'' said Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm, voicing a key urban revitalization and quality of life theme of her 2006 State of the State speech. ''The creation of dynamic residential and commercial centers will enhance the livability and walkability of neighborhoods, and make the area a more attractive place to shop, invest, live, work and play.''

Among other projects, Flint will renovate and convert the vacant Durant Hotel to 109 two-bedroom apartments above stores and offices, redevelop the former Berridge Hotel as 20 affordable housing units and commercial space, and turn the adjacent historic Tinlin Building into four apartments.

''These brownfield projects will give the local economy a shot in the arm by removing and replacing problem properties with attractive new developments,'' said MEDC President and CEO James C. Epolito. ''Genesee County is making good use of the brownfield incentives that the state makes available for precisely this purpose.''

MSHDA Executive Director Michael DeVos expressed satisfaction over joint work with MEDC on brownfield reclamation, stressing, ''This partnership goes a long way in not only helping revitalize traditional downtowns, but also in making our downtowns a more desirable place to live, work and invest.''

Genesee County Land Bank Authority (GCLBA) Chairman and County Treasurer Dan Kildee, whose staff will administer the urban revitalization funds, added, ''Our experience so far proves that demolishing dilapidated structures, greening vacant lots, and redeveloping targeted properties unlocks the value of surrounding properties and improves neighborhoods.'' -- Michigan Economic Development Corporation 9/18/2007

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