Teresa Gillotti Former Resident Research Fellow, Genesee Institute Thurs., April 24, 2008 Envisioning "Urban" Green Infrastructure: Plans and plantings in Flint, Mich.

Outline Flint’s story New opportunities Urban green infrastructure analysis for Flint The role of the Land Bank Testing it out

Flint’s story

Regional tale Population Change in surrounding counties 1970 to 2000

Vacant & Abandoned Property

Vacant Land in Flint 4,600

Opportunity

Green Infrastructure Objectives in 3 Counties

Green Infrastructure Objectives in Flint Priority One Priority Two Priority Three GLS Rivers

Restoration or re-vegetation of urban land into a network or system providing connectivity and opportunity as well as ecological and social restoration by capitalizing on the abundance of vacant, abandoned and underutilized land within an urbanized environment. Urban Green Infrastructure

Criteria Level of abandonment Size of vacant parcels Clustering of vacant parcels Low population density Not in economic development zone Environmental In the flood plain On steep slopes On permeable soils Connectivity Feasibility Urban Green Infrastructure

Land Bank’s role Revitalization tool for the community Catalytic redevelopment projects Housing renovation & rental program Brownfield redevelopment Demolition Foreclosure prevention

Land Bank’s role Move from maintenance to a greening strategy Side Lot Program Clean and Green Adopt-a-Lot Beautification Bank Maintenance Standards Demonstration Gardens

Testing it out Native/Rain Garden Nine abandoned parcels Underground drainage problems Area “gone wild” and target for dumping Goals Affordable & attractive low maintenance garden Create partnership with neighborhood and others for improvement and maintenance Create source of pride for neighbors

Testing it out Turf grass alternative All land bank demolitions since June ‘07 Will be evaluated this spring Seeking the “Holy Grail” seed mixes Phytoremediation demonstration 3 educational sites planted this spring Collaboration with youth Intensive community veggie garden Models vertical gardening

Moving forward Land Bank and collaborators are committed to continuing and expanding demonstration gardens Urban Green Infrastructure analysis will be shared with neighborhood groups for work on neighborhood level Land Bank is looking to implement targeted “ecologically grounded” maintenance strategy

Special thanks to the Genesee Institute & the Genesee County Land Bank Teresa Gillotti Questions?