Macomb sees millions of dollars of investment for infrastructure, housing and economic development through federal Community Development Block Grant

Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) is marking National Community Development Weekby celebrating its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)program, a 50-year-old federal initiative that provides essential funding to communities that can address infrastructure, economic development and housing needs.

"These dollars improve quality of life in Macomb County," said Vicky Rowinski, director, MCPED. "Our team facilitates the funding and gives it to our local communities for projects that range from park development to senior housing - and we wouldn't be able to bring these efforts to life without the grant coming down from the federal government. It's been in place for over 50 years, and in that time, it's had a tremendous impact."

Enacted by Congress in 1974, the CDGB program distributes annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

Macomb County has been a part of the program since the very beginning, receiving up to $1.8 million in annual grants from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development in the last five years. During the 2024 program year alone, 46,326 residents were impacted and saw real benefit from CDBG funds. Recently completed projects and activities include:

Public facility and infrastructure projects

• Installation of new ADA sidewalk ramps in Shelby Township, Macomb Township and New Baltimore
• Installation of new sidewalks on 24 Mile Road between Shelby Road and Mound and Mound Road between 24 Mile Road and 23 Mile Road
• Improvements to Rein Park in the City of Eastpointe
• Installation of solar lighting at the City of Eastpointe
• Installation of a new ADA entry door at the Richmond Library
• Installation of a new HVAC system and a playground at the Mount Clemens Cairns Community Center
• Installation of a new program sign at the Fraser Senior Center
• Renovations to the Macomb Township Senior Center
• Resurfacing to Sprenger Street in the City of Eastpointe

"Reinvestment is vital in developed communities like Eastpointe," said Eastpointe Mayor Michael Klinefelt. "Road money is always scarce so we've come to rely on CDBG funding for much needed local street projects. Another well-received project supported by CDBG is the installation of solar street lights in residential neighborhoods as a safety feature. CDBG grant programs have also made it possible to add playground equipment in some of our smaller parks, like Roxana and Goetz, which are located in dense residential neighborhoods. These types of projects improve the quality of life for our residents and help our city thrive."

Public service activities

• Senior programming in Chesterfield Township, City of Richmond, Macomb Township, Mount Clemens and New Baltimore
• The purchase of large print books for seniors and the visually impaired for the Utica Library
• Funding for the Dial-A-Ride program, which provides transportation services to seniors and disabled persons in Harrison Township
• Funding for camp scholarships for income eligible program participants of Armada PAL
• Funding for CARE House, which provides counseling and services for victims of abuse
• Funding for Samaritan House, which provides food assistance to individuals and families in need
• Funding for Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, which provides aid with chores to assist the elderly
• Funding for Wigs4Kids, which provides wigs for income eligible children that experience hair loss due to illness
• Funding for Macomb Community Action Chore Program, which provides grass cutting and snow removal for senior citizens
• Funding for Turning Point, which provides shelter for victims of domestic violence
• Funding for MCREST, which provides shelter for the homeless
• Funding for Hearts for Homes, which provides rent assistance for families with children

Additional Macomb County CDBG efforts were highlighted in fall 2024, which was the 50 year anniversary of the CDBG grant. Those projects include:

• Facilitation of the Macomb County Housing Rehabilitation Program, which has spent a total of $4,763,167 to rehab 443 homes across the region.
• Construction of the Sterling Heights Senior Center in 2005. Additional dollars have been used to make parking lot improvements and to install an outdoor fitness area.
• Expansion of the Owen Jax Recreation Center in Warren. The city had acquired North Bay Machinery which was adjacent to the existing recreation center. After demolition and a clean up, the city created a new park and green space. They also renovated the existing gym with the center.
• Funding of the Clinton Township Adaptive Softball Program, a league for special needs adults who might need some type of accommodation to play.
• Installation of lighting in Eastpointe, which saw solar lights added on the right of way in residential neighborhoods at mid- block locations for the safety of residents.
• Revitalization of Roxana Park in Eastpointe, where CDBG funded the majority of a $135,000 project. The city engaged residents in the decision-making process for improvements, and ultimately new play equipment, picnic tables and a pavilion were installed.
  

To learn more about the Macomb County planning and CDBG program, visit https://www.macombgov.org/departments/planning-and-economic-development/community-planning-servicesand to learn more about the overall HUD program, visit https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/cdbg/.

Images from projects and other Community Development Week assets are available here.

Stephanie Burgess
586-466-6256
stephanie.burgess@macombgov.org

Department:Planning and Economic Development

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