Demolishing Blighted Structures as Funds are Secured
By the time the Land Bank accepts properties from the Genesee County Treasurer each year after the tax foreclosure and auction process is complete, most structure have been vacant and abandoned for years. Many structures are deteriorated beyond repair and require demolition. Since the Land Bank was established in 2004, we have demolished more than 8,400 blighted structures in Flint and Genesee County. As our inventory of blighted properties grows each year, we are constantly seeking additional funding for demolition.
Funded Demolitions
As funding is secured, blighted structures in our inventory are prioritized for demolition following funding eligibility requirements that may include, location, structure-type (commercial or residential), project cost, etc. The Land Bank further prioritizes projects following resident input using a demolition scoring framework described in more detail here. For more information on our funded demos click here.
As projects are funded and prioritized, they are listed as “Funded” on the publicly available The Flint Property Portal. When feasible, the estimated timeframe for demolition is included. Projects noted as funded may become unfunded or infeasible as more information becomes available about the project or if the grant funds are fully expended and not all projects can be completed as planned. In this case, we will continue to seek needed funding until all projects are funded.
$39.5 Million Secured to Demolish up to 1,910 Blighted Structures
The Genesee County Land Bank, working in partnership with the City of Flint and Genesee County, has secured $39.5 million for blight elimination from several sources, including $16 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) from the City of Flint, $8 million in ARPA from the County, $10 million in grant funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, $4.5 million from the Land Bank and Genesee County Treasurer, and $1 million in Community Project Funding through Congressman Kildee’s office.
Click here for a property list and more information.
Demolition Contractors
For information about Genesee County Land Bank bids, please click the Contracts/Bids button at the bottom of the page or click here. Through the Contracts and Bids page you can view current and past bids, award information, and access additional resources for working with Genesee County Land Bank.
Protecting Neighbors and the Environment
We have a reputation for having a safe demolition program with strict controls in place to protect residents and workers. We take the following steps to ensure that demolitions are conducted safely and with minimal risk or inconvenience to nearby residents
Asbestos & Hazardous Material: Contractors take precautions to remove and mitigate health hazards by removing safely accessible asbestos and hazardous materials prior to demolition.
Dust Control: Houses are sprayed with water during demolition to keep dust down and prevent it from spreading.
Advance notice: Contractors are required post door hangers no less than one week prior to demolition to let neighbors know what they can do to avoid any dust or other potential health concerns
Timeliness: Once a structure has been hit, contractors are to load out the debris expeditiously.
Security: Any time a project cannot be knocked down and loaded out within a 48-hour time frame, contractors are required to secure the site with chain link fencing.
Any time an open hole is to remain for more than 24 hours, contractors are required to secure the site with snow fencing.
Accountability: Contractors caught violating demolition requirements will be held accountable. Call 810-257-3088 to report any problems.
Reducing Long Term Maintenance Costs on Vacant Lots
The Land Bank plants Dutch White Clover after demolishing blighted structures. In addition to reducing long term maintenance needs and costs, clover fixes nitrogen in the soils, supports pollinators and much more!
- Grows only 10-12 inches tall
- Provides the look of a maintained property
- Requires mowing only once or twice a year
- Provides food for wildlife
- Is drought-tolerant
- Is a legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving the soil condition
Tips on How to Maintain Dutch White Clover:
- During the first year, clover sites should be mowed every 4-6 weeks
- Set the mower deck high (4") when you mow clover
- Weed lots when necessary, especially in the spring
- If the clover is not growing well, contact the Land Bank
