For Immediate Release | Official Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

36601 Ford Road | Westland, Michigan | 48185

Office 734.467.3200 | Fax 724.721.2310

WWW.CITYOFWESTLAND.COM

Westland to Create Community Outreach Center in Former Norwayne School

Westland, MI - The Westland City Council approved an agreement with the Wayne-Westland Community School District at last night's City Council meeting, on Monday, June 16, for the City to use Jefferson-Barns Elementary School for $1.00 per year for the City's community outreach programs.

The current programs run out of the Dorsey Center and the Housing and Community Development Department will move into the former-elementary school in early 2015. Jefferson-Barnes Elementary was built in 1943, at the same time as the Norwayne Community in which it is located.

However, the school has been vacant for the past three years. The City will utilize the building for the foreseeable future, as the contract is not set to expire for 50 years until 2064.

"This agreement benefits the School District and the City alike," said Mayor Wild of the deal. "I'm excited to see our community outreach program expand once it moves into this historic building in Westland's oldest All-American neighborhood of Norwayne."

The City has also submitted a request for a loan from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help fund required renovations, according to Westland's Housing and Community Development Director Joanne Campbell. In addition, the City is working with non-profits to create more community-based activities.

"Norwayne is going through an exciting period of revitalization, and by partnering with local community groups, we are on our way to accomplishing our goal to return the neighborhood to a 'community of choice'," said Mayor Wild.

Constructed in 1942, the Norwayne neighborhood is Westland's oldest subdivision. It was added to the National Registry of Historic places in July of 2013. It was erected during World War II for the workers at the Willow Run Bomber Plant and during its peak was home to over 20,000 residents. By the 1980s Norwayne's housing stock started to decline and it was apparent that the area was in need of restoration.

Since Mayor Wild's term began in 2007, the City has taken an active role in the stabilization of the neighborhood, using federal dollars through qualifying programs, and has encouraged investment in the neighborhood through renovation grants. Funds have also been used for road improvements and infrastructure repairs.

For more information, please contact Aubrey Berman, Administrative Secretary (734)467-3200

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The City of Westland is the 10th largest city in Michigan with a population of over 84,000. The city's residential development is an excellent blend of single family homes, apartments and condominiums. The broad selection of housing opportunities is complimented by over 1500 acres of well-maintained parks and nature trails as well as a highly rated municipal golf course. Also available is a skate park, ice arena, a state-of-the-art Library and novel city park themes that are fun and family-friendly.

Westland has the location, land, infrastructure, and leadership, under Mayor William R. Wild to attract new industry and help existing businesses redevelop properties and to maintain competitiveness in today's global economy. Six modern platted industrial parks on 320 acres are served by class "A" internal roads, with up to date utilities and rail access available within two of the parks. Westland is conveniently located within the center of southeastern Michigan's expressway system, minutes north of Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and ideally located between downtown Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Westland is the area's premier "Shopping and Dining Destination". Westland Shopping center, one of the country's original four regional malls, boasts 80 retail stores and has anchored Westland's commercial district for more than 30 years. Westland's diversity and progressive planning offers residents a wide variety of life experiences, and make Westland truly the "All American City".