Westland council reprograms $10,000 in CDBG/HOME funds after debate over church camp and park uses

The Westland City Council voted to reprogram $10,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds that had been associated with a summer camp request, after more than an hour of discussion about process, prior funding sources and where the money should be spent.

Councilwoman Maria Rakowski moved the reprogramming; the motion was supported by Councilman Delano Hornbuckle and approved after a roll call. The motion passed on a recorded vote after a member called the question: six councilors voted yes and one voted no.

Director Joanne Campbell, who oversees community development, told councilors the church that had requested funds in 2024 received $25,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a summer camp; the CDBG application had requested $25,000 but CDBG provided $10,000. Because the camp ultimately used ARPA funding, the $10,000 in CDBG/HOME funds remained available and must be reallocated to a CDBG‑eligible activity, Campbell said. “The city council also awarded $25,000 for the parent rescue plan funds for the camp program… therefore, those funds do need to be reallocated to another project,” she said.

Council members debated alternatives. Some members and public speakers urged keeping the funds in the same neighborhood, including suggestions to allocate the money to Firefighters Park or to other improvements in the Norwayne (Norwayne) park area. Pro Tem Sampey said she opposed using the money for additional park improvements in an area already receiving park investment and voted against the final motion.

Resident Arthur Warren, a member of the CDBG advisory body, raised concerns at public comment that the advisory committee’s recommendations were being ignored and asked why the board had not been given a timely meeting with the administration. Ray (last name not specified), also on the advisory board, said the group wants to participate and meet as a body with city staff.

Campbell said the city is limited by CDBG rules, including a cap on public‑service spending; staff described options for reallocating the $10,000 either to a public‑service applicant that had received less than requested last year or to “bricks and mortar” park improvements in a CDBG‑eligible census tract. She said staff had informed nonprofits that the annual public‑services application window is open for 2025‑26 funds.

Council members asked staff to work with neighborhood stakeholders and the advisory board on next steps. The motion to reprogram funds passed by roll call after a motion to end debate was carried and then voted on.