October 12, 2016
The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and the Genesee Area Focus Fund, in partnership with the City of Flint, has received an $197,416 Economic Adjustment Assistance grant to conduct a feasibility study for a business accelerator at the former Buick City site, Flint's largest brownfield.
The grant is part of a $2.5 million investment by U.S. Department of Commerce in Kettering University, the University of Michigan-Flint and the Flint & Genesee Chamber to support brownfield redevelopment projects.
The feasibility study will provide the city and its strategic partners with critical capacity building to support the redevelopment of Buick City. It will include three main elements – a market study, a site plan and a business plan – that will determine the justification for constructing a business accelerator facility at the Buick City site.
“Brownfield sites are both a challenge and an opportunity for Flint,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber. “Apart from a perception that there are environmental and infrastructure challenges at the sites, there can be difficulties involved with identifying property price, processing site plans, and working through business licensing and legal procedures.
“On the other hand, brownfield sites are optimal sources of real estate on which to build modern facilities that will be attractive to site selectors and businesses looking to locate here. The EDA grant provides a critical piece of the puzzle for brownfield redevelopment in Flint.”
To read the full news release, click here.
