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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Local leaders to praise benefits of federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program grants in Flint, Genesee County
Published: Thursday, January 12, 2012, 3:55 PM Updated: Thursday, January 12, 2012, 4:18 PM
By Kristin Longley | Flint Journal
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GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan — The federal government pumped $21 million into the local economy through its Neighborhood Stabilization Program grants, local leaders are expected to announce at an event on Friday.
Officials from Genesee County, Flint and the Genesee County Land Bank are holding a news conference at 10 a.m. to highlight NSP grant accomplishments, "including tracking of funds spent, number of properties improved and local businesses who benefited" from the grant funds, according to a news release.
Speakers will include Flint Mayor Dayne Walling, County Treasurer Deb Cherry, county board Chairman Jamie Curtis and county Commissioner Brenda Clack, along with some local business owners.
The news conference will be held at Vernon Chapel, 5802 Dupont St.
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
It appears the press conference was about how Obama had helped stimulate the local economy.
The pastor of Vernon Chapel praised the Land Bank calling them dynamic.
No Flint Council members were present and no one from HUD was there. Jaime Curtis was replaced by Omar Sims. Deb Cherry had a death in her family so she was represented by Doug Weiland. Cherry allegedly sent a message to remind everyone that Obama's Stimulus Programs helped stir the local economic development.
Walling, the only Flint representative, also touted the partnership as a major boost to the economy-"economic development at it's best". He said that thanks to Obama, you can see the progress and the renovated homes for sale.
Brenda Clack, County Commissioner and Vice Chair of the Land Bank, seems to have forgotten that the county took the funds to deal with blight in the properties owned by the Land bank. Instead, she and others touted the jobs programs and boarding up of houses the Land bank did in the past and unless a new funding source comes about they can no longer perform these tasks.
Charles Young Jr of Smith Village Construction LLC and Operation Unification, spoke of declaring victory in Smith Village. Odd because just today the list of forfeitures and foreclosures came out from the Treasurers Office. Operation Unification, Joann Burks of OU Homes who owns the offices of Operation Unification, and Charles Young Jr., all had properties on that list. That had to make victory seem somewhat hollow.
Even the properties that comprise the Village in Beecher and are owned by Young, were on the list and county records show them as delinquent in their taxes. Some kind of deal must have been cut as some of the delinquencies go back to 2008.
Two properties were transferred to other entities, but taxes are still owing and must be paid by February.
Parcel #14-14-552-026, 2452 Coldwater Rd, was transferred to Kingdom First COGIC. The taxes for 2009 are now $400 and for 2010 are $752. This does not include 2011 taxes.
Parcel #41-17-377-032, 1005 Lippincott, was transferred to T R Harris Community Development, however the city still shows the property as belonging to Operation Unification. The taxes for 2009 are $1,970.37 and 2010 are $1, 372.04. Summer taxes for 2011 are $905.70 and winter taxes are $59.90.
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S ROLE WAS REALLY ADDRESSED AT LEAST THREE TIMES, IF NOT FOUR.
Is this the beginning of the Obama campaign in Flint's north end. The Land Bank has been implicated in politics before.
$21M in federal anti-blight funding created jobs, cleaned up communities, officials said
Published: Friday, January 13, 2012, 12:10 PM Updated: Friday, January 13, 2012, 1:31 PM
By Kristin Longley | Flint Journal
View full sizeKristin Longley | The Flint JournalCounty Commissioner Omar Sims, D-Flint, speaks to members of the media Friday morning at a news conference to promote the local economic benefits of the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program at Vernon Chapel AME Church in Flint.
FLINT, Michigan —
More than $21 million in federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds were pumped into the local Genesee County economy last year, benefiting more than 100 local businesses and cleaning up blight, city and county officials said this morning.
And, another $15 million in federal grants is expected to be spent on projects in 2012.
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This is a celebration," county Commissioner Omar Sims said, flanked by more than a dozen public officials, clergy members and business leaders at Vernon Chapel AME Church. "We're celebrating a new beginning — a spark has been lit."
The grants funded the demolition of more than 1,100 vacant houses and more than $12.5 million of the funds were used to build or rehabilitate 134 homes in 10 communities — and the new state Department of Human Services building in Flint.
As of today, all the federal and state deadlines and spending requirements have been met, according to a news release from the Land Bank.
So far, the city of Flint has spent $8.9 million, the Genesee County Land Bank has spent $6.1 million and Genesee County has spent $6 million as part of the grant program, officials said.
"For those naysayers out there, this is truly a partnership," Sims said.
Work was done in Flint, Burton, Clio, Fenton, Mt. Morris, Swartz Creek, Flint Township, Genesee Township, Grand Blanc Township and Mt. Morris Township.
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program was announced in 2008 as part of President Obama's federal economic stimulus program.
Last edited by untanglingwebs on Sat Sep 21, 2013 5:51 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Sat Sep 21, 2013 9:37 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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| Sims either did not know or chose to ignore that Boji , the developer of the new Human Services building was under investigation and the City of Flint helped buy the land. |
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Sat Sep 21, 2013 5:49 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Did local developer with close county ties have inside track to federal money?
: 11/19/2011
•By: Ross Jones By: Ross Jones
(WXYZ) DETROIT - On a Friday night in September in Downtown Detroit, forty thousand fans packed the stands to watch the Tigers take on the Cleveland Indians. But few had a seat as good as the fans sitting in Wayne County’s suite. Ron Boji has been a guest many times. His brother-in law is Asst. Wayne County Executive Nader Fakhouri.
Boji is a developer with real estate projects far and wide. He and his family have been some of Robert Ficano’s most reliable campaign contributors. Not long ago, Boji held a birthday party fundraiser for Ficano at his sprawling Orchard Lake home.
Boji’s name surfaced in the widening Wayne County scandal back in October, when the FBI named his company, The Boji Group, in a federal subpoena. At issue tonight: did his relationship with Ficano’s office help land his company federal money for a big development in Wayne County? And did Fakhouri stand to benefit from the deal?
Boji used that federal money to build the Inkster Marketplace, a sprawling two-block, four-building development that couldn’t have materialized had it not been for federal funds provided by Wayne County. It passed along government grants totaling almost $2 million that ultimately went to Boji’s company. And the county official who handed over the money? Fmr. Economic Development Chief Turkia Mullin.
Last summer, the Wayne County Building Authority bought one of those buildings from Ron Boji, paying about $7 million. What building authority officials didn’t know when they bought it? Boji’s brother-in-law, the assistant county executive, had a 20% stake in the Inkster development. It’s an investment he only disclosed in October, a month after we told Ron Boji we were looking into his work with the county.
But that’s just part of this story, and this development project. A few hundred feet down the street, Boji was also working on a new headquarters for the local YWCA.
For that building to be developed, the Y first needed to sell its old headquarters to the city of Inkster for its new police headquarters. But they needed to find an appraiser, first. According to a memo written by the then director of the YWCA, Ron Boji recommended one person: Jumana Judeh. She’s a Dearborn based commercial real estate appraiser and she just happens to be County Executive Robert Ficano’s girlfriend.
She received about $2,000 for her appraisal. And not long after, the City of Inkster purchased the old YWCA. Construction on their new headquarters is still ongoing, but it stopped for several months when the Y ran out of money. It started up again in the summer after the county awarded the Y another $300,000 in federal money that would go to Boji. Once again, Turkia Mullin signed off on the money.
Ron Boji denies having the inside-track to any federal money awarded by Wayne County. We were scheduled to meet with Boji today at 3 o’clock about this story, but late yesterday his spokesman abruptly cancelled our interview.
As for Boji’s access to the county’s Comerica Park suite, Ficano spokeswoman Brooke Blackwell says it’s not a sign of favoritism.
If you have a tip for the Action News Investigative Team, contact us at tips@wxyz.com or at (248) 827-9466.
Read more: http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/local_news/investigations/did-local-developer-with-close-county-ties-have-inside-track-to-federal-money%3F#ixzz2faE7OFxq |
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Sat Sep 21, 2013 9:18 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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MORE HUD PAYBACKS FOR FLINT
Flint Talk
Goto page 1, 2 Next
Author Post Post new topic Reply to topic
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
HUD sent a monitoring visit letter to Mike Brown in mid June that detailed four findings, three which must be repaid. The monitoring visit was conducted on April 23-26, 2012 by Kathleen Hines, a Community Planning and Development Specialist. The letter stated that HUD found evidence of "noncompliance with CDBG and NSP regulations that will require program modifications and repayment of disallowed costs."
Finding 1- For Profit development of a building for the general conduct of government.
1A-undue enrichment to the developer $550,000
Finding 2- Ineligible activity- Housing counseling services provided by a non_HUD certified housing counseling organization and failure to provide certification to potential homebuyers- $250,000
Finding 3- Failure to properly procure management of the NSP1 Program $244,916
finding 4- Failure to comply with applicable laws, code, and other rquirements relating to housing safety, quality and habitability in competing NSP rehabilitation
Concern 1- unreasonable costs related to homebuyer counseling activities.
Post Fri Jul 20, 2012 1:30 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
The letter also references 4 additional findings from monitoring reports in 2011, of which only one was closed.
NSP3 is in jeopardy as the city agreed to Special Contract Conditions in March 2011 and has yet to meet those conditions. The City must modify its Action plan to meet these conditions which must be completed in order to meet the 50% expenditure deadline of March 2013. Memorandums were sent to the city in January 2012, but as of the date of the letter nothing has been completed..
Of the $3,076,522 budgeted for NSP 3, as of march 31, 2012 no money was expended.
NSP is the neighborhood Stabilization Program.
Last edited by untanglingwebs on Wed Jul 25, 2012 6:10 pm; edited 1 time in total
Post Fri Jul 20, 2012 1:38 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Page 2 of the letter references previous monitoring that took place April 27-30, 2010 and may 24-27, 2011.
The four findings were:
1, Failure to adhere to rehabilitation standards
2. Lack of oversight of subrecipient monitoring.
3. Failure to follow procurement regulations; and
4. Failure to solicit women and minority owned business enterprises.
" As a reult of the city's lack of progress, an NSP Needs Assessment was completed in 2010 by ICF International but no technical assistance was provided. Along with the NSP3 agreement, special contract conditions were imposed at HUD headquarters. At the time of this writing,
the City has been approved for and is receiving NSP Technical Assistance. Emphasis on restoring NSP2 activities will be the primary goal with NSP1 and NSP3 to follow."
Post Fri Jul 20, 2012 1:54 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS
"We sought to determine the eligibility of the project in the city's DRGR Action Plan titles "Acquisition for Redevelopment-Boji." HUD questioned this activity first in October 2011 and this project is the subject of the first finding as an ineligible activity for the city .
The original Boji contract was awarded through the State of Michigan and was for the Department of Human Services. This is the new DHS building constructed on Clio Road near Pierson.
Boji, under the name of MIG Investments, LLC, is a for-profit developer who won the award for the building through a competitive bid process through the State of Michigan.
MIG sought gap financing for this project and was awarded $550,000 in the form of a forgivable loan, with security interest released at the completion of the project.
NSP projects are required to follow CDBG (Community Block Development Grant) rules and this project violated 24 CFR 570.201, 24 CFR 570.207 and OMB Circular A-87 (C)(2). Also Flint did not establish need based on service to low, moderate, middle income residents in the area of greatest need. Simply being located in Flint does not establish need.
In addition, the report cites a resale back to the City as a condition of the State of Michigan award that resulted in the developer's net proceeds including the NSP award in excess of 23% or more than $1 million at closing. "This rate of return is generally considered unreasonable, especially for a project with long term tenants in place prior to construction. The low risk does not justify this rate of return."
Post Fri Jul 20, 2012 2:19 pm
untanglingwebs
F L I N T O I D
Hud recognized the significant needs of the City of Flint that these NSP funds could have been used for. Since the project was already planned to be constructed in Flint by the State of Michigan, providing funding to a for-profit builder resulted in less funding for other needs.
Hud states the City must return the $550,000 to the US Treasury. The money, upon repayment, will be in the City's line of credit and must be used for eligible activities.
Post Fri Jul 20, 2012 2:27 pm |
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Sat Sep 21, 2013 9:24 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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| The question should be whether anyone in the City of Flint received a kickback for this sweetheart deal? |
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Sat Sep 21, 2013 9:26 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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The show cause hearing that started in early September will be continued on October 21st. The Sept 20th was cancelled by lawyer for Operation Unification..
New supoenas for:
Jason Perdue, the construction and rehabilitation project coordinator for Flint
Sue Southon of ICF Int.
Sue is a Senior Tech Specialist, consultant, construction project manager and a trainer and economic specialist for HUD |
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Sun Sep 22, 2013 2:12 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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ALLOCATION COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, February 4, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Abrams, City of Swartz Creek
Christine Durgan, Principal Planner, GCMPC
Mark Emmendorfer, Montrose Township
Phyllis Hilborn, Forest Township
Julie A. Hinterman, Director-Coordinator, GCMPC
Patricia Lockwood, Board of Commissioners
Omar Sims, Board of Commissioners
Charles Smiley, City of Burton
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jeff Lutze, Village of Otisville
Karen Miller, Davison Township
John Northrup, Board of Commissioners
OTHERS PRESENT: Peggy Cole, Secretary, GCMPC
Liz Moss, City of Burton
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at approximately 10:35 a.m., by Ms. Durgan. Members were absent or present per aforementioned.
II. MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 REGULAR MEETING
Ms. Durgan asked for any additions or corrections to the minutes of the January 7, 2010 regular meeting. There were no additions or corrections. Ms. Durgan asked for a motion concerning the minutes.
Action Taken: Motion by Mr. Abrams, supported by Mr. Emmendorfer, to approve the minutes of the January 7, 2010
meeting, as written.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
III. GENESEE COUNTY NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM – APPROVAL TO NEGOTIATE SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT WITH OPERATION UNIFICATION
Ms. Durgan summarized the written report and the background, regarding this request for approval. She added that Mt. Morris Township is supportive of this partnership and is in agreement with this request and the cooperative relationship. These properties will actually be rental units. Commissioner Sims stated that he has worked with this group and supports this partnership. Mr. Smiley asked if the rental units will go back onto the tax rolls. Ms. Durgan said they would be returned to the tax rolls at 100%. Mr. Emmendorfer inquired as to how this organization came to be.
Commissioner Sims explained that the director, Charles Young, is a Beecher graduate who wanted to find a way to give back to the community.
Mr. Emmendorfer also expressed concern that these homes be maintained, after the rehabilitation, by the renters. Ms. Durgan assured him that Operation Unification has a property management company that keeps an eye on things and that our staff inspects the property annually. She added that this is the main non-profit we’ve been working with, in recent years, and they have a proven track record.
Action Taken: Motion by Commissioner Sims, supported by Commissioner Lockwood, to approve the Genesee County Neighborhood Stabilization Program negotiating a subrecipient agreement with Operation Unification.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
IV. OTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Durgan distributed a handout containing the 2008 CDBG program balances that need to be spent before the end of April. She went through the list and stated that any dollars, not spent by the deadline, will be re-directed and those recommendations would be presented to this body at the May meeting. Mr. Emmendorfer asked if there are projects waiting to use the recaptured funds. Ms. Durgan said that new projects cannot apply, but there are pre-approved projects which could utilize the funding. She also noted that staff is expecting to receive payment requests for many of the projects on the handout.
V. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:51 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Cole, Secretary, GCMPC
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Sun Sep 22, 2013 9:15 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Board Meeting Minutes
GENESEE COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
January 19, 2010
11:00 a.m. at Genesee County Administration Building
Board Members:
Present: Patricia Lockwood, Patrick Gleason, Omar Sims, Brenda Clack, Jill McKenzie
Absent: Paul Long, Jim Ananich
Quorum present? Yes
Staff Present: Philip Stair, and Doug Weiland, Paul McShane, Jennifer Riggs
I. WELCOME
Meeting was called to order at 12:29p.m. by Brenda Clack.
A Waiver of notice of special meeting was made. Gleason made a motion to approve
waiver. Lockwood seconded and all were in favor. Motion carries.
II. APPROVAL OF JILL MCKENZIE AS ACTING CHAIRPERSON
Lockwood made a motion to approve the Jill McKenzie as acting Chairperson. Sims
seconded and all were in favor. Motion carries.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Lockwood made a motion to approve the December 15, 2009 meeting minutes.
Gleason seconded and all were in favor. Motion carries.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
None
IV. FINANCIAL REPORT
A. Financial Report
Paul McShane presented the financial report dated for the month ended December
31, 2009. Discussion followed. Lockwood made a motion to accept the financial
data that was presented. Sims seconded and all were in favor. Motion carries.
B. Signatory Change
A Signatory change for banking accounts was needed to reflect current appointment
of acting Chairperson Jill McKenzie. Clack made a motion to approve signatory
change. Lockwood seconded and all were in favor. Motion carries.
V. OLD BUSINESS
None
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Sales Report
I. Sales
Philip Stair presented the sales reports for December 2009. Sims made a motion
to accept the sales reports. Clack seconded and all were in favor. Motion
carries.
II. Multiple Lot Sales
Mr. Charles Young has been awarded a contract to acquire foreclosed properties
in one of the City of Flint NSP1 areas bounded by Carpenter Rd., S. Saginaw St,
Hobson St., and Dupont. The properties in the request are being reviewed for
purchase. Other properties may be identified. Staff would like permission with
review by the Director to provide as many properties as possible to the City of
Flint for the NSP program. Sims made a motion to accept the multiple sales
Lockwood seconded and all were in favor. Motion carries.
III. Approval needed to enter into an agreement with Commercial real-estate
brokers.
Doug Weiland presented evaluations and recommendations on two commercial
real-estate brokers. Discussion followed. Lockwood made a motion to accept the
authorizing of the Executive Director to negotiate agreements with both firms with
common commission structures. Clack seconded and all were in favor. Motion
carries.
B. Approval of Executive Director as signatory for all State and Federal grants
related to MSHDA NSP1, NSP2, and Flint Home grant funds.
Sims made a motion to approve the Executive Director as signatory. Clack
seconded and all were in favor. Motion carries.
VII. Executive Director Report
Doug Weiland reported on various activities that are currently taking place at the
Land Bank that were not otherwise covered by staff reports. These activities
include MSHDA NSP Demos and Rehab, 2010 Weed and Trash Abatement,
Genesee Business Center, Commercial Real Estate Broker, Edible Flint II, Clean
& Green 2010, Deconstruction, Workshops for Block clubs, and the Durant.
IX. ADJOURN
Meeting was adjourned at 1:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Jennifer Riggs.
Board Meeting Minutes
GENESEE COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
February 23, 2010
11:00 a.m. at Genesee County Administration Building
Board Members:
Present: Jill McKenzie, Brenda Clack, Patrick Gleason, Paul Long, Omar Sims
Absent: Patricia Lockwood
Quorum present? Yes
Staff Present: Doug Weiland, Paul McShane, Alicia Pruitt, Jennifer Riggs
I. WELCOME
Meeting was called to order at 11:07a.m. by Jill McKenzie.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Gleason made a motion to approve the January 15, 2010 meeting minutes. Long
seconded and all were in favor. Motion carries.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
None
IV. FINANCIAL |
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Sun Sep 22, 2013 9:22 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Friday, May 24, 2013
Two employees of Indiana Land Bank arrested on bribery and fraud charges
United States Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett announced this afternoon the arrest and charging of five defendants who are alleged to have participated in a scheme to abuse the Indianapolis Land Bank program for their own benefit. The indictment alleges that the two City of Indianapolis employees and three co-conspirators engaged in wire fraud and bribery in order to facilitate a number of fraudulent land purchases.
“These charges involve a conspiracy to defraud the taxpayers of Indianapolis and abuse a local housing program designed to help rebuild this city’s most troubled neighborhoods,” Hogsett said. “For those in positions of public trust, both here in Indianapolis and across the state, I hope these developments have confirmed the message: the era of corruption is over.”
“The FBI criminal program’s top priority is public corruption,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. “The integrity of our public officials is the cornerstone of fair governance.”
“The Indiana State Police appreciates U.S. Attorney Hogsett’s aggressive prosecution of government officials are alleged to have violated the public trust, and we stand ready to assist in future investigations,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter.
According to the indictment unsealed a few moments ago, defendant Reggie Walton, age 29, is the Assistant Administrator of the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD), and oversaw the operation of the Indianapolis Land Bank. He was assisted in his official duties by defendant John Hawkins, age 27, who is the Senior Project Manager for the DMD.
The purpose of the Indianapolis Land Bank is to acquire abandoned and tax delinquent properties in Indianapolis and make them available for sale to non-profit and for-profit real estate developers. For-profit investors interested in purchasing real estate from the Land Bank must ask the city treasurer to include the property in a sealed-bid auction, and the auction price must meet or exceed a property appraisal. Non-profit purchasers, however, may bypass the auction process, purchasing real estate for a price between $1,000 and $2,500 per parcel, regardless of the appraised value of the property.
The indictment alleges that Walton and Reed accepted bribes and “kick-backs” to facilitate fraudulent property sales to non-profit entities that would then sell the property to for-profit businesses. After these “pass-through” transactions had taken place, Walton and Hawkins would receive kickback payments from the non-profit organizations from the proceeds of the property sales. The investigation into the pair also included the use of an undercover agent, and Walton accepted $500 from that agent in return for his agreement to fraudulently transfer at least ten parcels of land to the agent for $1,000 each.
The indictment charges David Johnson, age 47, Executive Director of the Indianapolis Minority AIDS Coalition with having used his non-profit business to participate in this scheme. Additionally, Randall K. Sargent, age 57, President of New Day Residential Development, another registered non-profit corporation, has been charged with participating in the scheme. Both men are alleged to have engaged in wire fraud as part of the kickback scheme, and Sargent faces an additional count of bribery for allegedly providing money to Walton in order to influence and reward his illegal activity.
The indictment also charges Aaron Reed, age 35, with wire fraud and bribery for his role in the scheme. Reed is the registered agent for the Naptown Housing Group, a for-profit real estate corporation. It is alleged that Reed would solicit for-profit investors to obtain real estate currently held by the Land Bank. After the investors obtained the property from one of the “pass-through” non-profit organizations, Reed would obtain profits, which he would share with Walton through payments and kickbacks.
The indictment further alleges that Reggie Walton, while working at the DMD and heading up the Land Bank program, became a silent partner in the Naptown Housing Group. Walton concealed his involvement with the corporation from the City of Indianapolis and the public, and received a share of the corporation’s profits as part of the scheme.
Today’s indictment comes as the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prioritized the investigation and prosecution of fraud, waste and abuse on the part of public officials and those in positions of trust. As part of this effort, in 2012 the Office created its first Public Integrity Working Group to assist in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving public corruption and white collar crimes. This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police, both active members of the Working Group.
According to Special Litigation Counsel Bradley A. Blackington, the wire fraud charges carry a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison, and the bribery-related charges carry a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. All five defendants had initial appearances in federal court at noon today, and will be under court-ordered supervised release pending trial. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Print ArticlePrint Article | Email ArticleEmail Article | Share ArticleShare Article | AuthorThe Editor - Ian Shuter - DMS |
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Sun Sep 22, 2013 7:57 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Genesee County Land Bank Authority - SOM - State of Michigan
www.michigan.gov/.../257541GeneseeCoLandBankAuth... · PDF file
Genesee County Land Bank Authority Contents Independent Auditor's Report 1 Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other
This report indicates one material deficiency and that involves the 1% equity investment f the Land Bank in the Berridge Hotel LLC, which had not been audited. Plante Moran performed the audit.
Material Weakness 2011-1
Criteria-Generally accepted accounting principles require the (Land Bank) Authority to evaluate its equity investment in a for-profit Limited Liability Corporation for any impairment on an ongoing basis and adjust the recorded cost accordingly.
Condition- The Authority is not currently performing the evaluation.
The report states the Land bank has an investment in the Berridge Hotel LLC "to own and operate the residential rental unit." The report indicates this was programmatic purposes and not investment purposes as the goal was to encourage economic development in the downtown area.
The Authority did not have a process in place to deal with this kind of investment. Since the Berridge LLC had not been audited, there could be no analysis. Also since there had been no recent appraisal performed on the property, Plante Moran requested the land bank make an effort to obtain valuation reorts so the account could properly take place. |
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Mon Sep 23, 2013 6:53 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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HIGHLIGHTS
www.hud.gov/offices/oig/reports/files/ig1151001.pdf · PDF file
Finding 1: The City Lacked ... Contrary to HUD’s requirements, Flint Project entered into a land contract with the home buyer on ... 1A. Revise Berridge Hotel
The units of the Berridge Hotel were intended to be sold and not rented. Because the City of Flint also had federal money in the project and was hit with a finding. The owner of the Berridge Hotel LLC was the Court Street Village. The land Bank operated as a developer in this project. At the time of the HUD monitoring visit, five of the units were vacant. |
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Mon Sep 23, 2013 7:54 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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| In addition, Flint was cited for the failure of Salem Housing to sell their rehabbed homes and turning them into rentals. Then the Land bank turns around and allows Salem to rehab more homes with federal money and has to help them sell the houses. Some homes have been vandalized and have had their prices reduced. |
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Mon Sep 23, 2013 8:00 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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At least some of these liens were on the properties the city wants deeds from. The Land bank issued numerous forfeitures in March 2013 to Operation Unification, including properties allegedly belonging to Young and address in the bank lawsuit, but they kept on giving Young property.
Instrument: 201303250046024 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/25/2013 4:15:13 PM Prepared: Mailed: Pages: 4
Document Type: NOTICE OF LIENS ETAL Interest: Consideration:
Grantor: MICHIGAN LUMBER COMPANY
Grantee: OPERATION UNIFICATION INC
Notes:
Legal Description:
Marginal:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Instrument: 201303140043470 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/14/2013 11:47:17 AM Prepared: Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type: CLAIM OF LIEN Interest: Consideration:
Grantor: VT CONTENANTAL WINDOW SYSTEMS INC
Grantee: OPERATION UNIFICATION
Notes:
Legal Description:
Marginal:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Instrument: 201303010026581 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 2:56:56 PM Prepared: 02/28/2013 Mailed: Pages: 4
Document Type: CLAIM OF LIEN Interest: Consideration: 4809.3
Grantor: MICHIGAN LUMBER COMPANY
Grantee: OPERATION UNIFICATION INC
Notes:
Legal Description: Sub: FLEMING ADDITION, Lt: 160, PrpId: 4635401009, St: 1318 MOORE ST, , , City Code: 54
Marginal:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Instrument: 201303010026579 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 2:55:45 PM Prepared: 11/02/2011 Mailed: Pages: 4
Document Type: CLAIM OF LIEN Interest: Consideration: 4869.08
Grantor: MICHIGAN LUMBER COMPANY
Grantee: OPERATION UNIFICATION INC
Notes:
Legal Description: Sub: WEBSTER WOODS NO 3, Lt: 202, PrpId: 4729178004, St: 6706 EASTMONT, , , City Code: 54, Remark: SLY 2
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Instrument: 201303010026578 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 2:54:57 PM Prepared: 02/28/13 Mailed: Pages: 5
Document Type: NOTICE OF LIENS ETAL Interest: Consideration: 4738.73
Grantor: MICHIGAN LUMBER COMPANY
Grantee: OPERATION UNIFICATION
Notes:
Legal Description: Sub: WASENA SUBDIVISION, Lt: 580, City Code: 54 / Sub: WOODWARD SQUARE, Lt: 26, City Code: 54, Remark: PART OF / Sub: WOODWARD SQUARE, Lt: 27, City Code: 54, Remark: PART OF
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Instrument: 201303010026577 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 2:49:15 PM Prepared: 07/07/2011 Mailed: Pages: 4
Document Type: CLAIM OF LIEN Interest: Consideration: 1411.14
Grantor: MICHIGAN LUMBER COMPANY
Grantee: OPERATION UNIFICATION INC
Notes:
Legal Description: Sub: HARTRIDGE, Lt: 129, PrpId: 4625151004, St: 633 FOSS W, , , City Code: 54
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Mon Sep 23, 2013 5:34 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Both the City and the County kept giving money to Operation Unification despite significant tax arrearages. Malfeasance, misfeasance and nonfeasance of the offices? Kickbacks? This is only one year (2013) of forfeitures meaning two years plus taxes were unpaid.
Instrument: 201303110041748 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/11/2013 8:41:14 AM Prepared: Mar 11, 13 Mailed: Pages: 2
Document Type:
TRANSFER REDEMPTION CERT Interest: Consideration: 25210.23
Grantee: OPERATION UNIFICATION
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 4119228002, City Code: 54, Remark: UNPLATTED. PART OF NE 1/4 OF NE 1/4 OF SEC 19 T7N, R7E AND PART OF NW 1/4 OF NW 1/4 OF SEC 20, T7N, R7E. COM AT THE NW COR OF SD SEC 20; TH SLY ALG SD WLY LINE 33 FT TO SLY LINE OF LIPPINCOTT BLVD. FOR P.O.B; TH DUE EAST ALG SD SLY LINE, 169 FT; TH DUE
Marginal: Bkwd I 201303010035295 (CERTFORFEI)
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Instrument: 201303110041747 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/11/2013 8:41:14 AM Prepared: Mar 11, 13 Mailed: Pages: 2
Document Type:
TRANSFER REDEMPTION CERT Interest: Consideration: 28860.03
Grantee: OPERATION UNIFICATION
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 4119228002, City Code: 54, Remark: UNPLATTED. PART OF NE 1/4 OF NE 1/4 OF SEC 19 T7N, R7E AND PART OF NW 1/4 OF NW 1/4 OF SEC 20, T7N, R7E. COM AT THE NW COR OF SD SEC 20; TH SLY ALG SD WLY LINE 33 FT TO SLY LINE OF LIPPINCOTT BLVD. FOR P.O.B; TH DUE EAST ALG SD SLY LINE, 169 FT; TH DUE
Marginal: Bkwd I 201203010020735 (CERTFORFEI)
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Instrument: 201303010035300 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:28:44 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 378.28
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION, INC
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 4119233015, City Code: 54, Remark: PEER ADDITION LOT 14
Marginal:
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Instrument: 201303010035295 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:28:44 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 2
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 23493.32
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 4119228002, City Code: 54, Remark: UNPLATTED. PART OF NE 1/4 OF NE 1/4 OF SEC 19, T7N, R7E AND PART OF NW 1/4 OF NW 1/4 OF SEC 20, T7N, R7E. COM AT THE NW COR OF SD SEC 20; TH SLY ALG SD WLY LINE 33 FT TO SLY LINE OF LIPPINCOTT BLVD. FOR P.O.B; TH DUE EAST ALG SD SLY LINE, 169 FT; TH DUE
Marginal: Fwd 201303110041748 (TRANSREDEM)
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Instrument: 201303010034962 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:28:37 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 20.48
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION, INC
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 4117378024, City Code: 54, Remark: LUCY-MASON-HOWARD PLAT LOT 56.
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Instrument: 201303010032276 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:27:48 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 1138.54
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION, IN
C
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 4011426002, City Code: 54, Remark: MODERN HOUSING CORPORATION ADDITION NO. 5 LOT 1, BLK 153
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Instrument: 201303010029514 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:26:58 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 1103.95
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION, INC
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 1423526024, Town: 8, Range: 6, City Code: 14, Remark: LOT 24 CRANBROOK MANOR SUB NO 1 SEC 23 T8N R6E
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Instrument: 201303010029493 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:26:58 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 1851.5
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION INC
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 1423502015, Town: 8, Range: 6, City Code: 14, Remark: LOT 78 MENDEL BERGER SUB NO 2
Marginal:
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Instrument: 201303010029484 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:26:58 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 1261.61
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 1423501025, Town: 8, Range: 6, City Code: 14, Remark: LOT 25 MENDEL BERGER SUB
Marginal:
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Instrument: 201303010029388 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:26:56 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 950.31
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION, INC
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 1414581065, Town: 8, Range: 6, City Code: 14, Remark: LOT 140 JULIANNA HILLS SUB NO 2 SEC 14 T8N R6E
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Instrument: 201303010029369 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:26:56 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 1095.23
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION, INC
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 1414580004, Town: 8, Range: 6, City Code: 14, Remark: LOT 4 JULIANNA HILLS SUB NO 1 SEC 14 T8N R6E
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Instrument: 201303010029367 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:26:56 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document
Type: CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 695.21
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION, INC
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 1414579053, Town: 8, Range: 6, City Code: 14, Remark: LOT 253 AMY JO SUB NO 4 SEC 14 T8N R6E
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Instrument: 201303010029267 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:26:54 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 924.09
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 1413579017, Town: 8, Range: 6, City Code: 14, Remark: LOT 392 ARLINGTON MANOR NO 6 SEC 13 T8N R6E
Marginal:
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Instrument: 201303010029211 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:26:53 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 1059.13
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION INC
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 1413554091, Town: 8, Range: 6, City Code: 14, Remark: LOT 91 DAVID BERGER SUB SEC 13 T8N R6E
Marginal:
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Instrument: 201303010029190 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:26:53 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 808.17
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION INC
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 1413553037, Town: 8, Range: 6, City Code: 14, Remark: LOT 327 ARLINGTON MANOR NO 4 SEC 13 T8N R6E
Marginal:
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Instrument: 201303010029177 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:26:52 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 1006.63
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION, INC
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 1413552026, Town: 8, Range: 6, City Code: 14, Remark: LOT 279 ARLINGTON MANOR NO 3 SEC 13 T8N R6E
Marginal:
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Instrument: 201303010029174 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:26:52 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 1083.78
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION, INC
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 1413551194, Town: 8, Range: 6, City Code: 14, Remark: LOT 218 ARLINGTON MANOR NO 1 SEC 13 T8N R6E
Marginal:
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Instrument: 201303010028439 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:26:39 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 1100.67
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 1119553199, Town: 8, Range: 7, City Code: 11, Remark: LOTS 322 AND 323 LYNDALE
Marginal:
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Instrument: 201303010028432 Volume Page:
Recorded: 3/1/2013 6:26:39 PM Prepared: Mar 01, 13 Mailed: Pages: 1
Document Type:
CERT OF FORFEITURE OF REAL PROPERTY Interest: Consideration: 1565.62
Grantor: OPERATION UNIFICATION
Notes: Bulk DTS Insert
Legal Description: PrpId: 1119553171, Town: 8, Range: 7, City Code: 11, Remark: LOT 260 LYNDALE
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Mon Sep 23, 2013 5:45 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Our-Board - North Flint Reinvestment Corp
www.northflintreinvestmentcorp.com/Our-Board1.html
NORTH FLINT REINVESTMENT CORPORATION ... Michigan Minority Business Development Council ... CEO, Operation Unification ...
Charles Young is on the Economic Development advisory group. The Corp is headquartered at Foss Avenue. |
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Mon Sep 23, 2013 11:17 pm |
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