Former Flint Delphi site being readied for redevelopment

FLINT, Michigan—A $36,000 state grant is being used to promote new development at Flint’s former Delphi Flint East property, a part of nearly a half-million in grants supporting the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce programs focused on economic and community growth.

The site readiness program grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will help get the half-square-mile portion of the former Delphi site ready to be developed and help market the property to prospective developers. The area sits along Dort Highway and Robert T. Longway Boulevard and for nearly 100 years was home to Delphi, A.C. Spark Plug and UAW Local 651. 

“We see great potential with the former Delphi site,” Herman said. “Once we complete this assessment and mapping project, the property will meet all vetted sites criteria set by the MEDC and achieve its ‘shovel-ready’ status.”

The property, which is bound by Averill and Davison, sits adjacent to the property purchased two years ago by Phoenix Investors for $3.15 million two years ago. 

Related story: Investors in former Delphi plant seed demolition with $50,000 donation

The MEDC grant program aims to assist with the development or enhancement of industrial sites to help them get closer to having vetted site standards. The Flint & Genesee Chamber will use the grant to conduct an infrastructure assessment and mapping project of the Delphi site, and also support the development of marketing materials. 

The MEDC grant was one of several announced recently by the Flint & Genesee Chamber. The largest grant was $345,006 from the Defense Logistics Agency to support the chamber’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center. The center provides procurement advice and counseling to Michigan companies interested in doing business with local, state, and federal governments. 

The remaining grants include:
  • $80,500 from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint for the TeenQuest/Summer Youth Initiative.
  • $36,000 from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Michigan Site Readiness Program for economic development.
  • $10,000 from The Whiting Foundation for YouthQuest.
  • $7,000 from the Child Welfare Society for YouthQuest.
  • $2,500 from the GM Summer Youth Corps/United Way for YouthQuest.
  • $1,000 from the Burroughs Memorial Trust for TeenQuest/Summer Youth Initiative.
  • $500 from the Kiwanis Club of Flint for the Summer Youth Initiative.

“We are thankful for the support of our funders,” said Tim Herman, CEO at the Flint & Genesee Chamber. “Their generosity allows us to continue delivering programming that supports the success of our current and future workers, businesses and community.”
Enjoy this story? Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.

Read more articles by Ashley Schafer.