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Council hears plan to reallocate $159,523 in CDBG funds for Maker’s Row pedestrian improvements and reviews $1.4M FY2026 action plan
Summary
Staff told the council a $159,523 CDBG amendment would cover bid shortfalls to finish pedestrian and bicycle amenities near Maker’s Row; staff also reviewed the FY2026 Community Development Block Grant annual action plan with anticipated funding of about $1.4 million and program income of $261,733.
The West Allis Common Council on May 19 heard details about two Community Development Block Grant items: a proposed substantial amendment authorizing $159,523 in prior unprogrammed funds to complete pedestrian improvements in the Maker’s Row / West National corridor, and the city’s FY2026 CDBG annual action plan with anticipated available funding of about $1.4 million.
Economic development director Patrick Schloss explained that unprogrammed CDBG funds can accumulate from underspent activities, program income and loan repayments, and that the amendment is required by the city’s citizen participation plan when an annual plan change is substantial. He said the $159,523 would make up a shortfall after construction bids for the pedestrian project exceeded the original budget. Schloss provided the budget context: an original design budget of about $110,042 and a remaining construction budget of about $68,000, but the construction bid arrived at more than $227,522 — prompting the proposed reallocation to complete the project.
When Alderman Grisham asked whether the improvements included lighting or were primarily crosswalks, city staff identified several elements. Melinda, a city staff member who provided the project details, said: “We’re creating bump outs at the corners. We’re doing a mid‑block crossing… So we’re putting in one of the rapid flashing rectangular beacons there. We’re also changing some of the parking in the area so the sight distances are better… and improving the crossings around the farmers market.” She added the project includes a bicycle accommodation — a repair station at the farmers market — and that a companion project next year will improve bus pull‑in lanes and bump outs toward 70th Street.
On the broader budget, Schloss said the FY2026 annual action plan totals about $1,400,000 in available funding, including an estimated $261,733 in program income for the program year. He noted the city received HUD’s funding letter on April 6 and that the notified figure was about $11,000 less than the estimate used in the budget; awards and agreements remain contingent on HUD’s later review and plan approval.
Councilors asked no substantive follow‑up beyond clarifying the scope of improvements; the public hearing was closed. The transcript does not record final council approval of the amendment or program allocations during this meeting; subsequent formal actions may appear on future agendas or in committee paperwork.
