Residents urge Mount Clemens to target CDBG funds to Shadyside Park

The Mount Clemens City Commission opened a public hearing to gather input on the city’s expected $59,254 Community Development Block Grant allocation for fiscal 2018 and invited residents and nonprofits to propose how those funds should be used.

Multiple residents used the three-minute public-comment period to urge the commission to prioritize Shadyside Park. Jean Dixon, speaking on behalf of Shadyside Park, said bids are already out and asked the commission to keep Shadyside at the “front of your mind” when allocating CDBG dollars.

Gloria Heller said neighborhood residents have noticed improvements under the city’s inspectors but urged the city to keep dollars in Mount Clemens for local needs, and pressed the commission to consider revenue options including a local income tax to boost city revenues. “A half a percent of that would help us,” she said, arguing local revenue could allow the city to address service priorities without relying on intergovernmental sharing.

Mike Zubis told commissioners he had helped clean the park and described its dilapidated condition; he suggested small, targeted fixes — such as repainting the basketball court — and asked the commission to consider reusing a removed downtown skate park structure to save costs.

Ruthie Stevenson highlighted safety issues in the park area, including fallen and overgrown trees and a recent incident that required police response, and asked the commission to consider $2,000–$3,000 to remove hazardous trees and improve sight lines along Riverside and Canal Road.

The public hearing was closed by motion and roll-call vote; following the hearing, the commission continued with its regular agenda. The record shows the city’s staff noted Shadyside-related projects are already under the Shadyside Park CDBG bid process, and commissioners referenced volunteer cleanup efforts and upcoming riverfront cleanups in partnership with the Clinton River Watershed Council and advancing Macomb.

The commission did not make a final allocation decision during this meeting; the hearing solicited resident input for allocation of the stated CDBG amount.