“The goal is community vitality and the revitalization of Flint. Our success as an institution is tied to Flint’s success as a viable and dynamic economy.”
Kettering University President Dr. Robert McMahan joined the executive director of the Genesee County Land Bank Doug Weiland on Michigan Radio’s Stateside program in September to discuss the university’s revitalization efforts in Flint.
Below are highlights of the interview.
McMahan on Kettering’s goals:
“The goal is community vitality and the revitalization of Flint. Our success as an institution is tied to Flint’s success as a viable and dynamic economy.”
…
“We as an institution are growing and we look forward to reinvesting and doubling down in Flint and expanding our footprint in Flint as that growth that occurs. We are acquiring these properties not specifically with that purpose in mind but we are acquiring these properties really to do our part to cleanup blighted areas.”
McMahan emphasized Kettering’s vision to connect the school with downtown Flint via University Avenue. McMahan envisions a walkable and economically vibrant corridor. Specifically, he discussed the vision for Chevy in the Hole:
“To your earlier question about the Chevy in the Hole property, in 5 to 10 years, that’s going to be a spectacular park, greenway - connector between the University and the downtown area … the power of having greenspace and waterscape going through the middle of a town can be an enormous economic driver."
McMahan on Flint’s future:
“Flint has a lot of work to do and we have many challenges but what gives me the greatest sense of resurgence in flint really beyond the infrastructure development is the investment of people and their time and energy for the community. Rebuilding the community is a community effort. It’s a shared journey.”
President Dr. Robert McMahan and Flint Mayor Dayne Walling
Listen to the complete interview.
Kettering University’s redevelopment efforts on the University Avenue Corridor were prominently highlighted in a Flint Journal article on September 13.
A complete list of Kettering's recent redevelopment efforts are outlined below:
Kettering plays key role in Flint’s master plan process – September 30, 2013
Kettering efforts highlighted in EPA report – September 26, 2013
Kettering student helps organize ‘College Town’ leadership day – September 24, 2013
Kettering student collaboration provides a transformational foundation for St. Luke N.E.W. Life Center. - September 12, 2013
EPA grants will help in cleanup, testing at Chevy in the Hole property - August 23, 2013
Atwood Stadium to become part of campus - August 14, 2013
State-of-the-art, high definition security center unveiled - August 7, 2013
Kettering, Flint celebrate at 'University Corner' - March 22, 2013