Getting the public involved in fighting blight in Flint

The city of Flint plans to use a $25 thousand grant to get the public involved in efforts to reduce blight in the city.

Flint Mayor Dayne Walling says blight is a multi-faceted challenge that includes demolishing abandoned homes and reclaiming neighborhoods.    He says volunteers are critically important to solving Flint's problem with blight.

“Getting rid of the blight….getting rid of the trash…planting some new trees…maybe starting a new community garden,” says Walling,  “This is one more way we can combat blight in our neighborhoods…and try to put something positive in its place.”

Walling says the city plans to keep a photo record to show the changes to blighted neighborhoods over time.

The grant is from the National Cities of Service Volunteer Impact Fund.