By: Andy Kozlowski | Madison-Park News | Published November 24, 2024
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights City Council has approved a federal grant application that seeks funding for one of its two full-time code enforcement officers, as well as a home repair program and seasonal yard cleanup operations for qualifying residents.
The request was made through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program. Cities submit applications to Oakland County, and the county then combines them into a single submission to HUD. Approval typically takes more than a calendar year. Madison Heights has consistently sought and received CDBG funds in recent years, usually averaging around $140,000 each year.
At the council meeting Nov. 11, the mayor and council unanimously approved an application for the 2025 program year requesting a total of nearly $137,400, which includes just over $20,600 for senior seasonal yard cleanup services, nearly $30,800 for a minor home repair program and exactly $86,000 for code enforcement.
As a point of comparison, for the current 2024 program year, the city had requested aid in code enforcement totaling $50,000, sidewalk improvements totaling nearly $67,800 and a lawn-cutting service for about $20,600.
“These allocations are within the restrictions and requirements of the program, which protect the health and safety of residents, and help stabilize our neighborhoods,” said Madison Heights City Manager Melissa Marsh, before recommending that the council approve the application.
According to Giles Tucker, the city’s director of the community and economic development, CDBG-funded lawn-cutting services have traditionally been provided at no cost to seniors and those with a disability, with the program advertised at the Madison Heights Active Adult Center, located at 260 W. 13 Mile Road, and serving around 50-60 seniors each year.
For 2025, the lawn-cutting service has been rebranded “senior seasonal yard cleanup,” so that the requested funds can also be used for fall and spring cleanups, tree removals and snow removal, as funds allow.
The program falls under the “public service” category of the CDBG application. However, starting this year, Oakland County has capped that category at only 15% of the total allocation, compared to years prior to 2024 when the public services funding could be 30%. Tucker noted in a letter to the council that this could result in fewer seniors having their lawns serviced starting in 2026.
“City staff will continue to recommend Oakland County to increase the limit to fully restore funding to this longstanding project for our community,” Tucker wrote.
With the amount reduced that can be requested for yard cleanup, the difference has shifted to the other two categories: code enforcement and minor home repair. CDBG funding in recent years has allowed Madison Heights to pay for a second code enforcement officer, focusing on moderate to lower-income areas of the city.
Not only does the officer identify property maintenance issues that contribute to blight, but they also identify issues that can be addressed by the minor home repair program. Through it, items such as roofs, furnaces and water heaters can be replaced, up to $10,000 for income-qualifying residents.
To sign up for the yard services, call the Active Adult Center at (248) 545-3464. The work usually begins in April. To see if you qualify for minor home repairs, call the Community and Economic Development Department at (248) 583-0831.
During the council meeting, Tucker said that the programs have been a success.
“This year alone, we are on track to complete a total of eight minor home repair projects. They tend to average around $8,000 apiece,” Tucker said.
He also noted how the change in the yard service amount has shifted more funds to the minor home repair program.
“It’s a good thing, because we’re adding more services for our residents,” he said. “So far it’s been quite meaningful with furnaces, roof repairs — things that really help stabilize neighborhoods.”