Flint, a city that has long grappled with blighted properties, is now witnessing the demolition of a once-cherished community landmark. The former Oak Park Methodist Episcopal Church, a victim of fire damage and neglect, has been slated for removal according to city initiatives to eliminate dangerous eyesores and revitalize neighborhoods. In a measure that looks to balance memory with progress, the City of Flint has announced that the historic church's bell will be salvaged and preserved despite the building itself coming down.
Speaking about the site's future, Mayor Sheldon Neeley highlighted potential development opportunities, saying, "That is a very viable corner with about a 2,500 car count passing each and every day," in a statement detailed by WNEM. Dr. Daniel Moore of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church conveyed mixed sentiments, recounting the church's community engagement and supporting the city's steps forward. The demolition project, bankrolled with $200,000 in Community Development Block grants, has been contracted to SC Environmental.
The ongoing safety concerns that blighted properties introduce into the urban landscape are at the forefront of this initiative. Flint City Councilwoman Ladel Lewis addressed the responsibilities of property owners, stating, "Flint isn’t a place where you buy and just forsake your property. You must take care of your property. You must maintain your property," echoing the administration's stance on urban stewardship as reported by WNEM. The Blight Elimination Department, under Director Arnold Brown, keeps on tackling such challenges. However, it often faces setbacks from continued illegal activities, as with one cleaned property, only to be quickly cluttered again.
