Editorial for October 24, 2005Before the Dormitories
With the purchase of the Durant Hotel by the Genesee County Land Bank Authority, UM-Flint is one-step closer to student housing. Before undergraduates move in, however, the city and university must plan for that day.
Housing in the downtown area can work but only with supporting businesses. Grocery and convenience stores must be running prior to the opening of any student housing. After housing opens, businesses will move to the area because of the potential for new business. At least that is our hope.
Flint needs a shot of enthusiasm, and UM-Flint can be the certain catalyst that can transform and revitalize the downtown area. City and college leaders cannot wait after the fact to begin planning for the needs of students living in downtown dorms. If we fail to address these concerns, the city will be doomed to repeat past failures such the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the much-ballyhooed über-boondoggle, Autoworld.
© The Michigan Times 2005
