While acknowledging the unprecedented success in several areas of the city last year, Wild told the large crowd that Westland had received $26 million as part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan and had earlier this year received the first payment of $13 million and will see a second payment of $13 million early in 2022.
“This historical, once in a lifetime, federal funding provides the city an opportunity to advance a bold vision to build Westland's future and strategically invest in our residents, businesses, infrastructure and community assets,” Wild told the enthusiastic crowd.
Wild explained that the city had not expended any funds as yet. He said he and the members of the city council will begin working “swifty and efficiently” in 2022 to establish a comprehensive strategy for the utilization of the funding following guidelines and recommendations from state and federal government.
Wild shared his vision for a “Build A Better Westland” Plan, which he stated, “would be the city's boldest initiative yet,” and includes proposed uses of the funding to: partner with the YMCA and create a modern recreation center within the vacant 140,000 square foot Marshall School. The building could potentially house a branch of the Westland Library, offer additional services for seniors and “perhaps offer the opportunity to partner with other organizations to create a true community center located in the center of the city.
Wild also said the funding could be used to replace the two oldest city fire stations - Station #2 on Merriman and Ann Arbor Trail and Station #4 on Palmer and Newburgh and make final improvements to the Westland Police Station. In addition, he said funding could be used to replace the two oldest fire engines and update the police patrol car fleet with new Hybrid Ford Explorers. He is also suggested an update to the city recreational structures in all city parks, building additional pavilions and adding amenities to help meet current ADA standards.
Wild also suggested the city create and fund a program to help alleviate basement flooding in areas of reoccurrence; create and fund a program that would help pave the remaining 7 miles of dirt roads in the community and fund investments to help strengthen the two historic neighborhoods Norwayne and Annapolis Park. Wild also hopes to move ahead with plans to expand the Historical Village Park and a fund a facelift for the Community Arts Center, which is the home of Inspire Theatre.
Wild suggested that while 2021 had been “a year of progress in the All American City, looking ahead 2022 may ultimately be our best year yet.”
Wild's complete address can be viewed on the city cable channel, WLND on and on the city YouTube channel throughout the month of December.
He discussed the continued vigilance in battling the COVID-19 pandemic; public safety; infrastructure improvements; fiscal responsibility in the city and future planning and developments.
In addition the State of the City also included a special presentation from Wayne-Westland Community Schools Superintendent, Dr. John Dignan, who highlighted ongoing efforts and plans for the school district in the future.
