Malls Versus Trees

Speaking of malls, it seems like Genesee Valley doesn't like the New Boyz, but in Grand Blanc the mall apparently doesn't take kindly to trees, especially maples owned by the city.

Scott Atkinson of The Flint Journal reports:

The Grand Blanc City Council decided tonight to table the issue of how to seek restitution from the owners of the Grand Mall, who cut down trees in the city's right of way along Saginaw Street.

After a disagreement about how to seek restitution for the trees, the council decided to meet with the Grand Mall owners again to further discuss the issue.

At the very least, this gives the Grand Blanc City Council a reason to exist.

New Boyz at Genesee Valley

Genesee Valley mall sounds a lot more exciting than it was back in the eighties when the biggest attraction was the giant frog and the chance to buy Smiths tickets.

The Flint Journal reports:

Police from five departments responded to the mall’s J.C. Penney wing just after 4 p.m. Sunday to control an unruly crowd of about 1,500 that had gathered for a free concert by the Los Angeles-based hip-hop duo New Boyz. The event was arranged by Club 93.7 in conjunction with a CD signing at FYE.

The act, known for racy and misogynistic lyrics, was slated to rap “Tie Me Down” and “You’re a Jerk” before signing autographs after the show, but fights broke out, there were medical emergencies and people started climbing on the stage causing promoters to pull the plug on the act halfway through the second song.

Police shut down the mall at 4:30 that day, an hour and a half before its normal closing time.

Things got so out of control some stores pulled down their gates even before police orders.