Judge rules in favor of the City of Flint in Hasselbring Senior Center case

FLINT, Mich. — A 67th District Court judge has cleared the way for the City of Flint to take control of the Hasselbring Senior Center.

Judge Jessica Hammon ruled that there is no triable issue under state law before a courtroom packed with concerned seniors on Feb. 20, 2025.

The nonprofit currently operating the center has been ordered to vacate the city-owned building by March 3, 2025.

“I understand the plight of the defendant, I do, and I understand the feelings of a lot of people in this courtroom but it doesn’t change what the law is,” Hammon said. 

Hammon stated that if Flint City Attorney Joseph Kuptz is acting outside of his purview, the matter would have to be addressed in a different court. 

“The court doesn’t abide by city ordinances, the court abides by the statutes of the State of Michigan unless something is brought under a city ordinance in a different type case,” she said of the city ordinance that was presented by Hasselbring’s lawyers. 

Kuptz referenced several instances where Flint City Council had the opportunity to review the Hasselbring lease since the last hearing, including the Feb. 5 committee meetings, the Feb. 10 council meeting, a special meeting that did not meet quorum, and the Feb. 19 committee meeting.

His statement seemed to suggest that council members had opportunities to reintroduce the lease; though some, including First Ward Councilman Leon El-Alamin, argued that this responsibility rested solely with the administration.

Hammon stated that she does agree that Flint City Council decided to put the decision off on the court rather than making it themselves.

“We’re not going to make a statement on what I think about that, but that seems to be clear as to what has happened,” she said.

Earlier in the proceedings, she noted that the decision to not attend a meeting and not meet quorum is a “statement.”

“We are thankful that this matter has reached a resolution and pleased the judge followed the law by granting the city possession of the center allowing us to move forward in our focus on ensuring a safe, welcoming and enriching environment where seniors will thrive,” Flint Chief of Staff Ed Taylor said in response to the ruling.

Beverly Lewis, Director of Hasselbring Senior Center, confirmed that the non-profit has already filed another lawsuit in the 7th Judicial Circuit Court.

“Today, Judge Hammon ruled in favor of the City of Flint based on State Law. That’s not what we expected, because we were referencing the city charter and ordinances,” Lewis stated in an email.

“Although Mayor Neeley and his administration won the case today, we still stand on the belief that his actions throughout this entire situation have been wrong. As well as the four councilpersons who refused to bring the resolution back for consideration. They win the building, but they can not destroy our family or our community!!” she wrote.