Eighty-three new homes will be built north of downtown Flint. Twenty-five of those expected to be completed by the end of this year, but with thousands of homes already in foreclosure, is this the right time and place build more homes?
According those who expect Flint to turn things around, it is.
"The question is 'Does the City of Flint want to be in the game?' When a person is looking for a new home, you have to stay in the game," said Woodrow Stanley, State Representative.
"Staying in the game" may mean giving those potential new homeowners the tools they need to actually stay in those homes once they get them.
Bernard Lawler, Councilman for Flint's 5th Ward says, "We have a plan. We're having individuals go through the Circle of Love Counseling Services for those who fit the criteria of low to moderate income so they are ready to buy a new home."
University Park Estates, a subdivision that was built in the late 1990's, is thriving and residents hope for the same thing to happen with their future neighbors at Smith Village.
"It's a toss of the coin. Me personally, I think it is a good idea for those who can afford to upgrade into a larger home," says Flint resident Mike Boon.
"I wish them the best. The economy is bad. I hope they can find some good buyers," says David Alexander of Flint.
Officials involved in the project aren't worried about finding buyers. They say there is already a waiting list for those homes.
