Hasselbring Senior Center has filed a lawsuit against the city of Flint, accusing the city of bullying, harassment, lies, and interference. The center claims the city made false statements and actions that hindered its ability to serve the public. The dispute escalated as Flint plans to take control of the center after eight years of nonprofit management, citing alleged violations of city ordinances, including events with alcohol at the city-owned building, according to ABC 12.
The suit is connected to a series of events involving a notice to quit from the city, giving the current service provider to leave on Sunday. Ed Taylor, Flint’s Chief of Staff, explained that lease negotiations broke down because the city council did not approve a new agreement. The original lease expired in 2016, but the senior center continued operating. Taylor mentioned that several opportunities were given to formalize a lease, including a $500 lease that was later suspended in favor of a previous $1 per year lease.
Hasselbring Senior Center President Percy Knapp said he felt pressured into accepting the city's lease terms, claiming, “My opinion, I think they’ve got a vendetta against the board and particularly our executive director.” Executive Director Beverly Lewis framed the lawsuit as a fight against “unjust tactics that seek to silence, intimidate, and diminish” community organizations. The center filed the lawsuit in Genesee County Court over alleged misrepresentation and truth-endangering actions by the city. They’ve also asked the Flint community for support and prayers in their “battle” against the city administration, as stated by WNEM and Mid Michigan Now.
