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December 9, 2021 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN PAGE 3

WESTLAND
WESTLAND

Future goals mark annual State of the City address

While the State of the City guidelines and recommenda-
address traditionally focuses on tions from state and federal gov-
the accomplishments of the past ernment.
year in most communities, Wild shared his vision for a
Westland Mayor William R. Wild “Build A Better Westland” Plan,
stressed the progressive future which he stated, “would be the
of the city during his presenta- city's boldest initiative yet,” and
tion last week. includes proposed uses of the
While acknowledging the funding to: partner with the
unprecedented success in sever- YMCA and create a modern
al areas of the city last year, Wild recreation center within the
told the large crowd that vacant 140,000 square foot
Westland had received $26 mil- Marshall School. The building
lion as part of the 2021 American could potentially house a branch
Rescue Plan and had earlier of the Westland Library, offer
this year received the first pay- additional services for seniors
ment of $13 million and will see and “perhaps offer the opportu-
a second payment of $13 million nity to partner with other organi-
early in 2022. zations to create a true commu-
“This historical, once in a life- nity center located in the center
time, federal funding provides of the city.
the city an opportunity to Wild also said the funding parks, building additional pavil- to move ahead with plans to He discussed the continued
advance a bold vision to build could be used to replace the two ions and adding amenities to expand the Historical Village vigilance in battling the COVID-
Westland's future and strategi- oldest city fire stations - Station help meet current ADA stan- Park and a fund a facelift for the 19 pandemic; public safety;
cally invest in our residents, #2 on Merriman and Ann Arbor dards. Community Arts Center, which is infrastructure improvements;
businesses, infrastructure and Trail and Station #4 on Palmer Wild also suggested the city the home of Inspire Theatre. fiscal responsibility in the city
community assets,” Wild told the and Newburgh and make final create and fund a program to Wild suggested that while and future planning and devel-
enthusiastic crowd. improvements to the Westland help alleviate basement flooding 2021 had been “a year of opments.
Wild explained that the city Police Station. In addition, he in areas of reoccurrence; create progress in the All American In addition the State of the
had not expended any funds as said funding could be used to and fund a program that would City, looking ahead 2022 may City also included a special pres-
yet. He said he and the members replace the two oldest fire help pave the remaining 7 miles ultimately be our best year yet.” entation from Wayne-Westland
of the city council will begin engines and update the police of dirt roads in the community Wild's complete address can Community Schools
working “swifty and efficiently” patrol car fleet with new Hybrid and fund investments to help be viewed on the city cable Superintendent, Dr. John
in 2022 to establish a compre- Ford Explorers. He is also sug- strengthen the two historic channel, WLND on and on the Dignan, who highlighted ongo-
hensive strategy for the utiliza- gested an update to the city neighborhoods Norwayne and city YouTube channel through- ing efforts and plans for the
tion of the funding following recreational structures in all city Annapolis Park. Wild also hopes out the month of December. school district in the future.
Annual Holiday Home Decorating contest is now under way

This isn't going to be easy. Nominees will be asked to enter ing the winners.”
Members of the Department of a picture along with their submis- Winners will be announced
Neighborhood Services team in sion. and awarded with prizes at the
Westland will be traveling “The Department of first city council meeting of the
through neighborhoods until Neighborhood Services team will New Year on Jan. 3.
Dec. 24 seeking the best holiday be out and about in neighbor- “One of my favorite memories
home decorations as part of The hoods in search of those resi- of the holidays growing up in
All American Holiday Decorating dents who have gone the extra Westland was driving around
Contest which began last week. mile to make their homes shine with my parents to look at the
Residents can visit the city this holiday season,” commented holiday lights and decorations,”
website to nominate themselves Mayor William Wild. commented Wild. “There is noth-
or a friend in one or all of three “Our residents make it ing quite like the feeling of driv-
categories: Best Traditional tougher and tougher every year ing around your hometown and
Display, Most Creative Display on our Neighborhood Services feeling the joy of the holiday sea-
and Over the Top Display. judges who are tasked with pick- son.”