“We are not an island. Our success is tied to Flint's success. We have an obligation of service. One of the things we want to teach our students is community service.”
Kettering University’s redevelopment efforts on the University Avenue Corridor were prominently highlighted in a Flint Journal article on September 13. The article, entitled "Unlikely crusader buying up Flint property; Kettering University now one of city's leading land owners," highlights the university’s acquisition of Atwood Stadium and numerous residential properties in the area with the aim of catalyzing cleanup and redevelopment efforts around campus.
Kettering acquired the properties from the City of Flint and the Genesee County Land Bank Kettering has agreed to take on the demolition and cleanup costs of the vacant structures.
Kettering President Dr. Robert McMahan told Sarah Schuch of Mlive.com:
"We are not an island. Our success is tied to Flint's success," Kettering President Robert McMahan said. "We have an obligation of service. One of the things we want to teach our students is community service."
Flint Mayor Dayne Walling lauded Kettering’s efforts and indicated that the school’s redevelopment work in surrounding neighborhoods is “multiplying the benefits to the community.”
McMahan also outlined Kettering’s goal of increasing walkability on the corridor and connecting the campus to Saginaw road in downtown Flint.
"We have an amazing capability to have an impact to play a part in the economic revitalization in Flint -- but we have to engage," McMahan said.
Read the full Mlive story by clicking here.
A complete list of Kettering's recent redevelopment efforts are outlined below:
Kettering, Flint celebrate at 'University Corner' - March 22, 2013