FLINT -- The former Buick City site in Flint may be reborn. Developers plan to create a truck-to-rail intermodal hub on which would bring new jobs to the area but some complications may be standing in the way.
Developers say toxic contaminations are keeping them from moving forward with plans to re-develop the area.
What used to be a booming industry in the 1900's, now sits as a desolate waste land in the middle of Flint.
Communications Director for the City, Dawn Jones, says Buick City's current owners, Motors Liquidation Co. is preparing the south end portion of the 452 acre property for potential redevelopment.
"This is the first step for any redevelopment at the south end of the Buick City site, and once the site is cleaned up, then of course the potential for redevelopment is high at that point,” said Jones.
But before this desolate land can be used again, the EPA is looking into the contamination from 100 years of toxic chemicals.
"At the south end, the main contaminant in the soil is lead, and in the ground water, there are gasoline hydraulic oils and other various chemicals from solvents," said EPA Project Manager Jill Groboski.
Motor Liquidation Co. has to shell out over $5.9 million before construction begins.
The EPA told NBC25 there's no risk to public safety, all the contamination is staying on sight, but they encourage the community to share ideas about the clean up.
"We will be here after the clean up starts, and we will continue to be here in the community, to gauge the community feeling,” said EPA Public Affairs Director Rafael Gonzalez.
While it may take quite a while once the project is complete, it will bring new life into the old site and new jobs to the area.
“This will not be a quick fix, the remedy will not be quick, so we won’t see any of this potential at least for a couple of years out,” said Jones.
The public is invited to an open forum where they can give their comments about the clean up project at Mott Community College on February 18th.
