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Buick Impound, Buick City
While, I'm not against Flint having an impound lot or even controlling it.
It's something that should have been done a long time ago. I am against the city
using it as a easy way to take advantage of its citizens, by encouraging car theft.
Since the police refuse to do any type investigation into car theft in Flint. So
that, by not investigating car theft, when it happens. The city is making money
off the hardship of the citizens. But, since the city makes money off the towing
and impound fees. There is no incentive to bother investigating car theft.
Now, I am not thrilled with the idea of using the Buick City property for the
impound lot. I have a better idea. Why don't we use the property in Flint,
located at Mount Morris Road, alongside the I-75. That seems to be a great place
to put the City's impound lot. It would take care of the City's major blight
areas. Then we could move the Flint Casino, to the Buick
City property. That sounds like a good idea to me. I'm sure we could get a
pretty good lease option on that property?
Mayor seeks Buick City acreage
FLINT
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Saturday, March 18, 2006
By Christofer Machniak
cmachniak@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6304
FLINT - Mayor Don Williamson is eyeing 10 acres of the sprawling former
Buick City property to expand space for his ambitious towing and storage
operation that aims to make millions of dollars for the city.
But some say the new impound lot would be an eyesore and hurt plans to
market the industrial 250-acre Buick City site for redevelopment.
An agreement between General Motors and the city over the property could
be proposed to the City Council as early as a special meeting Monday. Its
unclear whether the city would buy, lease or just be given access to the
land.
GM spokesman John M. McDonald confirmed Friday the city has approached GM
about land for an impound lot and there have been talks with area
stakeholders, but added there is no agreement yet. He declined further
comment.
The site would complement an existing city-run impound lot at the Oak
Business Center, according to Council President Darryl E. Buchanan. That
lot is directly across North Street from the proposed site.
The Journal could not reach Williamson or other members in his
administration Friday for comment. The mayor has said the facility would
generate enough cash to reopen the jail and hire more police.
But opponents including UAW Local 599 are lobbying GM and the council to
not approve any plan. They also charge that Williamson already has tried
to use the site without permission.
Local 599's union hall sits about 100 yards north from the site. Bill
Jordan, president of Local 599, said members have approved a resolution
against the idea. He said he's concerned about possible spillage from the
vehicles and the general idea of an impound lot along N. Saginaw Street -
a corridor the city has long looked to revitalize.
"I'm not really tickled about where it's at right now," Jordan said. "Do
we need an impound lot by just-built new housing on Saginaw Street? Don't
we have enough impound lots? How many junkyards do we need?"
But 3rd Ward Councilman Kerry Nelson, who represents the area, said people
are spreading misinformation about a site that would be kept clean and
include fencing that blocks views of the unsightly vehicles. He said no
one has complained about other blight in the area.
"It's not a junkyard," Nelson said. "Never would I allow a junkyard in the
3rd Ward. I'm trying to get rid of the junk."
At least one council member is against the plan. Ninth Ward Councilman
Scott Kincaid said the impound lot would scare away potential developers
for the rest of the Buick site.
"Nobody would want to take a brand new business next to a junkyard or an
impound lot," he said.
Buchanan said he supports the mayor's towing plan, calling it the
"out-of-the box" thinking the city needs. But he added he won't back the
Buick City location without getting buy-in from the union and residents.
Still, he added, the site gets no use now.
"Something has to be done," he said. "Have you seen it lately? We might as
well utilize it awhile."
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http://www.mlive.com/news/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/news-35/114268626032700.xml&coll=5
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