Mount Clemens approves 2023 CDBG allocations including $150,000 play structure for Kearns Community Center

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to approve the recommended 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations, including a proposed $150,000 capital project for an outdoor play structure at the Kearns Community Center and small public-service grants for local programs.

Staff told the commission that “the city may allocate up to $13,700 in community development block grant funds for public service organizations,” and that the city may apply for one or two capital projects, each with a maximum request of $150,000. Staff also recommended specific awards: $150,000 for a Kearns Community Center play structure, $5,600 for Advancing Macomb’s Breaking Barriers program and $8,100 for Mount Clemens senior recreation programming. Staff said the awarded CDBG funding must be spent by Dec. 31, 2024.

A committee member moved to approve the recommended allocations as presented; the motion was supported and passed on roll call. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from commissioners present.

The allocations were presented as part of the city’s continuing CDBG process; staff said draft ordinance amendments and the formal first-reading materials will be brought to the commission after agency review. The presentation noted that capital-project eligibility requires work inside census-tract block groups that are primarily residential and will benefit primarily low- and moderate-income residents.

The commission’s approval authorizes staff to proceed with the recommended grant applications and to bring any required ordinance amendments or formal first-reading materials back to the commission. The city manager’s office and community-development staff will oversee project implementation and ensure federal spending deadlines are met.