Myrtle Grove Trailer Park Faces Asbestos Concerns Amid Demolition

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News Summary

Flint Township plans the demolition of Myrtle Grove Trailer Park, complicated by asbestos concerns and rising costs, affecting local residents and officials.

Myrtle Grove Trailer Park Faces Asbestos Concerns Amid Demolition

In a disturbing turn of events for Flint Township, officials have declared plans for the demolition of Myrtle Grove Trailer Park, now complicated by rising costs due to potential asbestos presence. As of July 1, 2025, the township announced an increase in trailer disposal expenses attributed to the possibility of hazardous materials lurking in the park’s dilapidated structures.

Costs Not Adding Up

During a Flint Township Board of Trustees meeting held on June 16, the panel unanimously approved a budget allocation of $34,000 specifically earmarked for asbestos abatement. The motion, presented by Trustee Gene Leverette and seconded by Trustee Tenesia Todd-Lloyd, reflects mounting financial concerns over the derelict trailer park that has long been a blight on the community.

Supervisor Karyn Miller reiterated the township’s commitment to public safety, confirming that the area is now cleared and blocked off to prevent illegal dumping while measures are taken to ensure safe removal of hazardous materials. Further complicating matters, the State of Michigan has mandated that the remaining trailers must be treated as though they contain asbestos, exacerbating the already inflated costs.

Funding the Cleanup

The initial estimated cost for the entire demolition project was pegged at $135,000. This figure encompasses not only the demolition of the deteriorating trailers but also the removal of adjacent buildings, while leaving the cement pads intact. Funding sources for this massive undertaking include $80,000 acquired through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and $55,000 drawn from the township’s general fund.

A Timeline of Decay

The decision to demolish Myrtle Grove Trailer Park was reached by township trustees in October 2024, spurred by a grim litany of reports detailing water service shut-offs and lack of trash collection due to non-payment issues. Indeed, water service was shut off on August 5, 2024, due to claims that the park’s owner owed Flint Township $14,344.06 in unpaid bills. Additionally, approximately $1,600 was owed to a dumpster company for overdue trash collection fees, further illustrating the dire financial situation contributing to the park’s decay.

Legal Proceedings and Evictions

As conditions within the park deteriorated, the Genesee County Circuit Court became involved. Court documents filed in September revealed a shocking reality of appalling living conditions, with the park unfit for even the most resilient of creatures. Judge B. Chris Christenson intervened, issuing a temporary restraining order on September 18, which allowed the township to evict remaining tenants after a mere seven-day notice, citing the park’s unsanitary conditions as justification.

Fire and Further Safety Concerns

In a further sign of distress, the park saw a spate of suspicious fires, with at least five incidents reported between September and December. Emergency responders even needed to employ an excavator to quell a fire that erupted just before the demolition work was set to commence, starkly highlighting the inherent dangers present within the park’s confines.

Final Preparations for Demolition

By December 2024, demolition started in earnest as all 38 units in the trailer park were officially “red-tagged,” marking them as unsanitary and unfit for human habitation. This demolition project also includes provisions for permits and the capping of water and sewer lines. However, it is critical to note that inspections for asbestos and well abandonment were not included in the initial plans.

What Lies Ahead

As the township forges ahead with this complex demolition project, it has been made clear that all costs incurred will initially be fronted by Flint Township. Still, it remains that these expenses will ultimately be charged to the park owner’s tax bill, which raises questions about accountability and the future of similar housing facilities across the region. The impacts of neglect and mismanagement resonate deeply, leaving Flint Township residents on edge as they wait to see how this situation unfolds.