Solar project approved at former GM landfill, Mary Crapo Park opens after redevelopment and more Flint-area n

GENESEE COUNTY, MI – A solar developer has received approval from Flint Township officials to pursue a solar energy project at a former landfill.

In other news, a newly redeveloped park in Swartz Creek will serve as a hub for local athletes and community members.

Learn more about these stories and other Flint-area news with these headlines from the past week.

Solar energy project approved at former GM landfill in Flint Township

A large-scale solar energy project is planned at the former site of a General Motors landfill in Flint Township as developers look to bring new life to the 28-acre property.

Earlier this month, the Flint Township Planning Commission approved a special use permit allowing solar developer AC Power to pursue a solar installation at the site, located at 1200 S. Linden Road.

Township officials have argued that the project is suitable for the property because its disturbance of the soil on the environmentally constrained site will be limited.

Construction would be able to begin at the site once the soccer organization currently utilizing it leaves, which is expected to occur in November 2026.

Read the full story here.

Flint residents urge school board to preserve more of historic Central High

Flint residents, alumni and parents repeatedly urged the Flint Board of Education on Wednesday, Dec. 17, to reconsider plans for the new Flint Central High School and to preserve more of the historic building, arguing the district still has time to adjust course and that preservation and modern education do not have to be mutually exclusive.

The project would mark the first new high school built in Flint Community Schools in about 50 years, district officials said.

During public comment at the board’s regular meeting, speaker after speaker asked the trustees to revisit what has been described as “scenario one,” a design option that would retain a larger portion of the existing Central High structure while still constructing a mostly new school, located at 601 Crapo St.

Read more here.

Pistons, Voices for Children gift Christmas presents to more than 140 Flint kids

The Voices for Children Flint headquarters transformed into Santa’s workshop Wednesday night, Dec. 17, as more than 140 kids received Christmas presents.

The holiday magic was paid for by a partnership with Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores. Children took photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and were treated to Little Ceasars pizza and hot chocolate before receiving gifts from their own Christmas lists.

Gifts included board games, books, electronics and more.

It was the fifth annual gift distribution held in partnership with the Gores family, Voices for Children and the United Way of Genesee County.

Read more here.

Flint resident to stand trial for illegal firearm parts intercepted by customs

A Flint man is facing six felony charges after U.S. Customs intercepted firearm conversion kits from China that were being shipped to a local address.

Chad Edward Walker, 24, is charged with receiving and concealing a stolen firearm, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a device that is designed or intended to be used to convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm and three other felony firearm charges.

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton announced Walker’s trial is scheduled for March in circuit court.

Read the full story here.

Flint police concerned by potential mold in closed section of City Hall complex

The city has told employees to stay out of a basement area in Flint’s municipal office complex after employees raised concerns about potential mold that’s been uncovered in the area.

Photos of the area show black staining along the floor and up the walls in a hallway of City Hall North, which links the Police Department to the primary City Hall building.

A city spokesman said an air quality test was carried out at the Police Department on Tuesday, Dec. 16, and testing will expand to the North City Hall building on Wednesday, Dec. 17, in response to concerns.

Test results are expected within four business days, according to the city, which did not immediately respond to a request for additional information from MLive-The Flint Journal.

Read the full story here.

Mary Crapo Park redevelopment brings modern athletic facilities to Swartz Creek

The redeveloped Mary Crapo Park in Swartz Creek has opened to the public, bringing new state-of-the-art athletic facilities and recreational areas to the community.

Located at 8197 Miller Road, the park will support student athletes and serve as a gathering place for community members.

The park features a varsity baseball field, pickleball courts, a concession stand, and a walking path.

Weather forced the postponement of a ribbon cutting ceremony Swartz Creek Community Schools had planned for the multi-use park in December, but the park’s grand opening has been rescheduled for March.

“It’s a place where families, athletes and neighbors can gather, connect and create lasting memories,” interim Superintendent Jim Kitchen told the Flint Journal.

Read the full story here.

Criminal sexual conduct case against ex-Kearsley schools staffer moves to trial

A former Kearsley Community Schools support staff member charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct will face trial.

Chad Lee Mosher’s case was bound over to Genesee County Circuit Court after a preliminary examination in October. Last week, Mosher appeared before Judge Mark Latchana, where prosecutors announced there was no plea agreement offer on the table at this point.

The court set a final pretrial date of Jan. 28 and a trial date of Feb. 24.

Read the full story here.

What’s that? New charcoal cooking restaurant coming to Genesee County

Drivers along M-15 may have a new sign that popped up on the facade of a former restaurant.

Charcoal & Ash Kitchen and Bar will be moving into the former building occupied by Senor Lucky’s, located at 840 S. State Road (M-15) in Davison.

Senor Lucky’s permanently closed its doors on June 30 of last year. The property was purchased by Popoff Investments III LLC in late July, according to public records.

“Charcoal and Ash is an elevated bar and grill built around open fire cooking with natural hardwood charcoal,” the restaurant’s website reads. “Our chefs use a custom Jasper grill from Spain to bring bold flavor to every steak, burger, and plate that leaves the kitchen.”

Read the full story here.

Flint redevelopment projects among casualties of $645M in cuts by House Republicans

While state Democrats try to undo $645 million in Republican spending cuts for programs throughout the state, Flint area organizations with projects in limbo are watching, waiting, and worrying if they’ll ever see the money allocated for their projects.

“I’m hopeful — you have to be hopeful …,” said Asa Zuccaro, executive director of Latinx Technology & Community Center. “The very clear, unfortunate part is if this stands as is, it feels like another blow in which state government has negatively impacted our community.”

Less than two months ago, state Sen. John Cherry, D-Flint, and state Rep. Cynthia Neeley, D-Flint, announced LTCC had been allocated $2 million from the state for the redevelopment of the former Knoblock Hardware on Flint’s east side.

Read more here.

Durand man, 79, killed in crash with construction vehicle on I-69

A 79-year-old man died after rear-ending a construction vehicle on I-69 last week, police announced.

Ronald Marshall, of Durand, was driving westbound on I-69 when he ran into the construction vehicle stopped partially in the roadway between I-75 and Bristol Road around 12:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12.

Marshall was pronounced dead on the scene from his injuries, according to a news release from the department.

The construction vehicle’s occupants were not injured.

Read the full story here.

$2,500 reward offered for information in man’s shooting death in Flint

A $2,500 reward is being offered by Crime Stoppers of Flint & Genesee County for information leading to an arrest in the fatal shooting of a man in Flint.

Officers with the Flint Police Department responded around 1:45 a.m. Dec. 7 for a shooting in the 1100 block of North Chevrolet Avenue near Sloan Street for a report of a shooting.

Dominick Donielle Wright, 47, had been shot multiple times.

He was transported to Hurley Medical Center and died later the same day from injuries suffered in the shooting.

Read the full story here.