Committee Cuts Off Funding to West End Dev Corp

At the June 23rd, 2008 meeting of the Community & Economic Development Committee Alderman Bob Bauman brought forward resolution 080293 which cut off funding to the West End Development Corporation.  This was done because of the groups inability to complete the redevelopment of WestPointe Commons despite nearly 7 years of efforts.  Following that resolution the West End Development Corporation board voted to dissolve the corporation ending their efforts.  Due to the dissolving of their efforts resolution 080447 was brought forward to reallocate the Community Block Grant Development (“CBGD”) funds that had been allocated to West End Development Corporation to other organizations.  This resolution was approved by the committee and will go before the full Common Council.

Resolution 080408 approved the Funding Allocation Plan for 2009.  This plan allocates the Community Block Grant Development (“CBDG”) funds to various efforts which benefit low income citizens, by addressing urgent needs with the intent to prevent or eliminate blight.  Alderman Joe Davis made a series of amendments adjusting the allocation levels.  The amendment that stood out resulted in the creation of an entitlement allocation for Housing – Graffiti Abatement in the amount of $90,000.  Funding of graffiti abatement programs has in this past year run out prior to the summer months and this new allocation appears to be a response to that funding shortage.  This resolution and its amendments was approved by the committee and will go before the full Common Council.