|
| Author
|
Post |
 
|
|
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
|
Genesys urgent care facility proposed for downtown Flint vacant storefront
Published: Friday, June 29, 2012, 8:00 AM
By Kristin Longley | klongley1@mlive.com
Kristin Longley | MLive.comThe former Roberts David Alan menswear building, 420 S. Saginaw St., is the proposed site of a new Genesys urgent care center in downtown Flint, according to an application to the city of Flint for redevelopment tax incentives by Uptown Developments.
FLINT, MI -- A new downtown Flint urgent care facility run by Genesys Health System has been named as a possible tenant for a high-profile storefront along Saginaw Street, according to city documents.
The Genesys facility would be put in the former Roberts David Alan clothing store, now a vacant building at 420 S. Saginaw Street, according to an application filed by Uptown Developments with the city of Flint.
Uptown, which owns the vacant structure, is seeking redevelopment tax incentives from the city and state.
Representatives of Genesys and Uptown could not be reached for comment Thursday.
A Genesys facility would be the latest major development in a series of businesses and programs assembling in the city's core. The company announced in 2010 it would be opening a downtown Flint urgent care center in a to-be-announced location.
The proposed Saginaw Street building is within a block of the University of Michigan-Flint, and near the proposed site of the new Michigan State University Flint medical campus, which was announced in December.
"The project is located in the heart of downtown Flint and is an important piece of downtown Flint's revitalization efforts," the project description says.
The Genesys clinic would offer walk-in medical and urgent care, but not emergency care, and could be a site for training of MSU medical students, the application says.
About 75 Genesys employees would be relocated to the new site, most of them from the Genesys West Flint Health Center on Beecher Road, which has been slated to close.
The plan says 11 new positions, including receptionists, nurses and technicians, could potentially be added to what the plan calls a "health and research facility."
The target occupancy date is listed as November 2013.
Flint emergency manager Michael Brown said the project would be a "positive" for Flint.
"If there's folks making investments, there's opportunity for job creation," he said. "Certainly for the city, the income tax is a positive."
Renovations to fit the space for Genesys are projected to cost about $3.85 million, as outlined in the application for a 12-year tax abatement for redevelopment under Michigan's Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA).
The vacant building is one of 11 downtown buildings recently included in two OPRA tax abatement districts approved by the emergency manager.
A public hearing to consider granting the abatements is set for 10 a.m. Monday.
If approved, the taxable value of the properties would be frozen at their current levels, meaning property owners would not have to pay additional taxes for any improvements made on the buildings for up to 12 years. |
|
|
Fri Jun 29, 2012 7:34 am |
|
|
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
|
Flint Area Chamber opposes downtown Flint tax incentives as proposed
Published: Friday, June 29, 2012, 6:15 PM
By Kristin Longley | klongley1@mlive.com
Flint Journal file photoGenesee Towers is one of 11 downtown Flint properties up for possible tax incentives for redevelopment.
FLINT, MI -- The leadership of the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce opposes tax incentives that have been proposed for 11 vacant properties in the cash-strapped city of Flint.
Chamber officials said they're against any property tax breaks without a guarantee that jobs will be created as a result, according to a news release issued today by the organization.
The redevelopment incentives, if approved, would freeze property taxes on the buildings for up to 12 years, meaning the owners wouldn't pay additional taxes on the properties for any new investments.
The city is facing a projected $25 million deficit and is under the authority of a state-appointed emergency manager.
The executive board voted unanimously Thursday to oppose the tax abatements, which are proposed under the state's Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA).
“We oppose any property tax breaks unless there is stipulation that a certain number of jobs are created for certain percentages on tax abatements,” Mike Killbreath, president & CEO of the Flint Area Chamber, said in a statement.
Killbreath said there are Flint property owners other than those proposed who are deserving of such tax incentives.
A public hearing on the tax abatements is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at Flint City Hall.
Some of the targeted properties include Genesee Towers and the Capitol Theatre (see a full list here). The former Roberts David Alan menswear building, owned by Uptown Developments, is also being proposed as a potential site of a new Genesys Health System urgent care center.
Flint emergency manager Michael Brown has lauded the incentives as an important economic development tool that can potentially create jobs, thereby increasing city income tax revenue.
The incentives would first have to be approved by Brown, then by the state in order to take effect, according to the OPRA guidelines.
John Carpenter, the chamber's vice president for business development, also criticized the tax incentives for not guaranteeing job creation as Flint residents are being assessed higher fees as part of the new city budget that takes effect July 1.
"It's wrong because Flint's citizens are being asked to pay higher water bills, higher sewer bills, new street light fees, assessments on vacant lots and garbage pick-up fees," he said.
Flint City Councilman Sheldon Neeley has also questioned the tax abatements, saying such incentives should be applied equally and judiciously throughout the city.
Brown has said no decisions have been made yet on the incentives.
"Tax abatements and the value of these properties are all legitimate issues for public comment," he said. "I expect there's going to be a fair amount of comment. That's healthy." |
|
|
|
Sat Jun 30, 2012 12:29 am |
|
|
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
|
Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act
The Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act adds another avenue for property owners, buyers, developers and lenders to promote redevelopment projects. The act provides an exemption from ad valorem property taxes to commercial property and commercial housing property if an obsolete property rehabilitation district has been established. Buildings and improvements within the districts are eligible for exemption from ad valorem property taxes from one to 12 years. The property's value is frozen at its pre-habilitation value and a 60 percent reduction in taxes for the additional investment.
Properties eligible for obsolete property exemption certificates are those that meet the definition of obsolescence, which means the property must be a "facility" (contaminated), "blighted" or "functionally obsolete."
Rehabilitation expenses must exceed 10 percent of the true cash value of the property.
Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act
Application for Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate |
|
|
|
Sat Jun 30, 2012 12:31 am |
|
|
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
|
Ted Jankowski
I'm not trusting the reporting because it says here that the tax rate will be frozen where it's at for up to 12 years. That doesn't sound too bad on the outside. Except that I'm wondering if what they are paying now in taxes for those properties is just as over valued as the home owners of Flint are overpaying for value that isn't there.
Another thing. While Mr. Brown is the Financial manager. He is already well associated with the uptown Development. If he was an elected official his past relationships with this group would probably be considered a conflict of interest. Under normal circumstance. (however, understanding that the USSC has ruled that buying politicians isn't "bribery", it's "Free Speech" So maybe I'm reaching here.
Uptown doesn't have a very good track record. I'm sure the investors are making a good return. When ya consider the City Taxpayers have had to bail them out twice with their downtown projects. Must be nice to invest without worrying about the risk.
One last thing. Have we not learned.. We gave the Flint Urinal a tax break to build a printing building and stock it with equipment and create Jobs, We did the same with General Motors over on Van Slyke and other of their properties to invest in Flint and create jobs. It later because to save jobs and later because lost jobs. But they still got the tax breaks. I could sure use the tax breaks myself in order to be able to afford to stay here. Esp. with Taxes and Water bills going crazy. |
|
|
|
Sat Jun 30, 2012 6:01 am |
|
|
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
|
Speakers say Flint can't afford proposed downtown Flint tax abatements
Published: Monday, July 02, 2012, 12:23 PM Updated: Monday, July 02, 2012, 2:09 PM
By Kristin Longley | klongley1@mlive.com
FLINT, MI -- Flint can't afford to grant property tax breaks to the owners of 11 downtown Flint buildings, several residents said at a public hearing this morning.
The tax abatements for redevelopment are proposed for some of downtown Flint's most recognizable landmarks, including Genesee Towers and the Capitol Theatre, under Michigan's Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act.
At least eight people spoke out against the tax incentives at a public hearing this morning at Flint City Hall, saying a city with a projected $25 million deficit and a state-appointed emergency manager shouldn't be giving tax breaks.
Flint resident Laura Clark said the city is in need from the additional property tax revenue it would get if the buildings were redeveloped. She also said the city's police department isn't properly staffed because of Flint's financial problems.
"Where exactly are we going to get the police force necessary to protect the people flocking to downtown?" she said, adding that the tax incentives should be included on the "laundry list of 'no, we can't afford it.'"
If Flint emergency manager Michael Brown approves the tax breaks for the properties, the taxable value on the buildings would be frozen at their current levels for up to 12 years and the owners would not have to pay additional taxes for any new investments.
The incentives would have to be approved by both Brown and the state in order to take effect.
Brown has said the incentives could entice investments that would lead to new businesses and jobs in downtown Flint, thereby increasing the city's income tax revenue.
Many of the properties are owned by Uptown Developments, which officials said has invested $65 million in redevelopment projects downtown.
Scott Whipple of Uptown spoke during the hearing, saying the company is committed to revitalizing downtown Flint. He said the economic impact could be in the millions and there is a potential for "hundreds of new jobs."
"Once vacant and dilapidated buildings are adding to the vital resurgence of our communities," he said.
But other speakers during the hearing said the tax incentives aren't being applied fairly throughout the city, and said Flint can't afford to "give away" tax breaks.
"We can't even get a meeting for small north end businesses," Flint resident Eric Mays said, shortly before he was escorted out by police for speaking beyond the three-minute time limit and refusing to take his seat when asked.
Three members of the executive board of the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce also spoke out against the tax incentives as proposed, saying the city should not grant tax breaks without a guarantee that jobs will be created. |
|
|
|
Mon Jul 02, 2012 1:31 pm |
|
|
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
|
| Eric Mays made some good points at the hearing, but he apparently ruffled the feathers of the assistant city attorney, who had him arrested! Even the city's public relations person commented that what Mays said was valid. |
|
|
|
Mon Jul 02, 2012 1:34 pm |
|
|
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
|
Flint resident Eric Mays arrested at public hearing on downtown Flint tax incentives
Published: Monday, July 02, 2012, 11:52 AM Updated: Monday, July 02, 2012, 2:04 PM
By Kristin Longley | klongley1@mlive.com
Kristin Longley | MLive.comA Flint police officer escorts Flint resident Eric Mays out of a public hearing at Flint City Hall this morning. Mays refused to adhere to a three-minute time limit while speaking out against proposed tax abatements for downtown Flint properties.
FLINT, MI -- Flint resident Eric Mays was escorted by police out of a public hearing at Flint City Hall this morning after speaking out against proposed tax abatements for downtown Flint buildings.
An assistant city attorney asked Mays to take his seat after he went over a three-minute per-person time limit at the podium in the Flint City Council Chambers.
Mays refused, saying he should be given more time to speak because he had been interrupted earlier in the hearing. He also criticized the three-minute time limit established under emergency manager Michael Brown's administration.
Mays was given more time and continued to protest the 11 proposed downtown Flint tax abatements, saying small business owners on the north end have not been offered the same incentives.
"You going to know as of today that we from the north side to the east side, the neighborhoods, we're not going to sit idle anymore," he said. "This is a day of change."
Carter again asked Mays to take his seat to allow the final three speakers to give their comments. Mays continued to speak and Carter said Mays' behavior amounted to disorderly conduct.
A police officer approached Mays at the podium and asked him to sit down.
Mays again refused and the officer handcuffed him without incident and escorted him out of the room.
Mays was issued an appearance ticket for "disrupting a meeting of a public body" and released within an hour of his arrest.
Mays said he's going to fight the ticket in court.
He said Carter should not have interrupted him during his first three minutes when Mays addressed City Attorney Peter Bade in the audience. Carter had asked Mays to address the entire public rather than one individual, to which Mays took exception.
"That was improper," he said. "They interrupted the meeting."
Mays was one of about eight speakers this morning who opposed the tax abatements that are proposed for some of downtown Flint's most notable vacant buildings.
Genesee Towers, the Capitol Theater and the former Flint Journal building are among downtown properties that are being considered for tax incentives that city officials say could bring more housing and retail space to the city's core.
If the emergency manager approves the tax breaks for the properties, the taxable value on the buildings would be frozen at their current levels for up to 12 years and the owners would not have to pay additional taxes for any new investments.
For more on the public hearing and the tax abatements, visit www.mlive.com/flint this afternoon. |
|
|
|
Mon Jul 02, 2012 1:56 pm |
|
|
|
Forum Rules:
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Register
Profile
FlintTalk.com Forum Index
> Political Talk
