A notable development during the meeting was the participation of Lisa Jones, the new director of Family First, who expressed her readiness to act as the fiscal agent for the TDI fellow. Her offer to provide extra office space and conference rooms at the health center, situated in a repurposed supermarket, adds a practical dimension to the initiative. This support is instrumental in facilitating the TDI program, which aims to enhance community development through strategic partnerships and investments. The initiative is designed to foster neighborhood improvements by deploying a fellow with relevant expertise to collaborate with local entities.

The TDI program offers property owners within the designated district the opportunity to apply for equity grants, potentially channeling $1.5 to $2 million into the area. This financial boost is intended to support projects such as facade improvements along Pleasant Street, a key artery in the Flint area. The TDI fellow is expected to play a role in stimulating new ideas, such as organizing community festivals or creating vibrant street designs, while addressing the coordination gaps identified in past efforts with local arts organizations and businesses.

However, discussions also highlighted significant challenges in the local real estate market. The sale and rehabilitation of buildings in the area present ongoing hurdles, with a number of properties approved for apartment conversions but still struggling to attract developers for more problematic structures that require demolition and new construction. The high cost of developing new units, estimated at around $280,000 per unit, poses a significant barrier to profitability and discourages investment. Public funding through programs like the Housing Incentive Program (H-DIP) could provide financial support, but the limited availability of these funds, with only two projects eligible per city every six months, creates stiff competition among multiple cities for state resources.

In addition to the TDI initiative, the meeting touched on the successful “Love Your Block” program, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which has mobilized community volunteers to undertake projects like the community garden in Father Travaso’s Park. This initiative has fostered community engagement, bringing together various local groups, including the Cambodian community and seniors and children from Espirito Santos School.

Another topic of discussion was the New Market Area (NMA) and the safety issues surrounding the library and nearby establishments. A recent meeting with the police chief aimed to address concerns about loitering and incidents in the area, with the NMA committee working to enhance safety by potentially increasing police presence in defined blocks. Community members have expressed concerns about safety while navigating from offices to parking lots, which the committee is seeking to address.

Further updates included an inspection report on the cathodic protection project at Norton Pier. The inspection found most work satisfactory, although some sections of the bulkhead required additional coating due to challenging wave action. Adjustments to the revetment installation were also necessary to ensure proper stone placement. Despite these challenges, the project is expected to be completed by Christmas, with erosion control measures in place for the winter.

The meeting also covered a revision to the pre-procurement policy, aimed at adapting to a more electronic platform for contract signatures. The revision allows designated individuals to sign documents on behalf of the board, facilitating quicker execution of contracts necessary for billing against grants. The board discussed the need for clarity in procedural changes and emphasized the importance of maintaining board approval for any contract amendments requiring funds.