In Flint, a legal tussle has materialized between city officials and the Hasselbring Senior Center, after the city opted to end its association with the non-profit that has historically managed the facility. The Hasselbring Senior Center's previous nonprofit management filed a civil lawsuit against the city, alleging instances of "bullying, harassment, lies and continuous interference," as reported by ABC12.
City representatives have maintained that the takeover's primary intent is not to disrupt service but to enhance it. Flint Chief of Staff Edward Taylor, while not yet apprised of the lawsuit's particulars, stated, "No. 1, the center is not closing," He added, "No. 2, there will not be an interruption in services by us as the city of Flint and that things are going to be bigger and better once we take it back into our hands," in comments acquired by ABC12.
Further, the Flint administration under Mayor Sheldon Neeley, has been forthright in its rationale to reclaim control of the senior center, citing concerns about the facility hosting alcohol-permitted events, a clear contravention of city ordinances. Ed Taylor mentioned that these rentals could place the city under liability, implying a need for more stringent oversight, as noted by MLive.
Beverley Lewis, the Senior Center director, counters the city's narrative, charging the city administration with tarnishing the center's reputation and acting counter to the community organization's mission. "Hasselbring has long been a beacon of hope and a place of refuge for countless seniors in Flint. Our mission has always been to uplift, empower, and support those who need us most. Yet, despite our unwavering dedication, we have faced lies, misrepresentation, and reckless disregard for the truth from the very administration that should champion and protect community-based organizations like ours," Lewis declared in a statement provided to WNEM.
Amidst this upheaval, the city has reiterated its commitment to the center’s clientele, ensuring service continuity. The city plans to staff the facility with municipal employees and oversee it through an advisory board to implement improved services. However, if the non-profit holds its ground past the eviction deadline, the dispute may escalate to court proceedings. Flint’s First Ward Councilman Leon El-Alamin expressed confidence in the city’s success in such legal matters, as he told MLive. It remains to be seen how the senior center will navigate beyond January 6, the scheduled date for the city’s takeover of operations.
