Brandon Twp.- The township faces the loss of thousands of dollars in grant money and a major blow to public services, the senior center and preservation efforts if a 2006 budget proposal by President George W. Bush is passed.
Under the proposal, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) would be eliminated along with 17 other economic development programs and replaced with a new program?’Strengthening America’s Communities Initiative.? The new program would focus on urban communities below the national poverty level.
‘We wouldn’t be eligible for the new initiative,? said Jeannie McCreery, township clerk. ‘Our community is not depressed, but people forget there are people who were here before the new builds. There are people in need. I get people on a daily basis who can’t pay their heating bill, mortgage or need home repairs. What will I tell these people if we don’t have the programs anymore??
McCreery and the township board passed a resolution opposing the elimination of CDBG at last Monday’s board meeting. It will be sent to federal and state representatives.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the CDBG, which has given communities around the country federal funds for projects and public services. Oakland County has 50 communities that take part in the program and Brandon Township began receiving funds in 1978.
Over the years the township has used the grant money for a variety of projects, including $148,000 for Brandon Senior Center renovations and a computer lab (which Groveland Township has also given grant funds for) and restoration of the Old Mill, a historic landmark in the community. Funds have also added playground equipment, basketball courts, a at Sherman Memorial Park, as well as equipment for the village skate park.
Every year 50 percent of the funds which are given on a formula basis benefit public services such as the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund (OCEF), Brandon Groveland Youth Assistance and HAVEN.
Since 1993, McCreery says the township has received $500,000. For 2005, Brandon has been allotted $40,877. Besides the public services, the township board will use the money for historical preservation, planning, the senior newsletter and a new van for the senior center.
Without the grant money the township would not be able to continue the senior newsletter, improvements to the senior center, or Old Mill repairs and the agencies that provide public services would be hurting tremendously, McCreery says.
‘People are losing their jobs,? she said. ‘Seniors are living in areas that have become upscale. For them to decide buildings and streets are more important than people is wrong. The only people who will move in will be people who can afford it. The rest will be left behind. This township can not come up with $50,000 on a yearly basis to replace grant funds.?
McCreery recommends that concerned citizens who want to help keep the Community Development Block Grant contact their state and federal representatives. A list of names and addresses for these individuals can be found on page 7 of The Citizen.