Warren City Council has expressed its intent to allocate this year’s federal block grant fund to a complete reconstruction of Glenwood St.

Both the City of Warren’s 2022 and 2023 federal Community Development Block Grant have been committed to the program.

That includes $290,893 of the city’s $310,893 2023 allocation.

Council’s action Monday was to authorize applying for those funds.

Councilwoman Wendy McCain raised a concern about how the project was selected and how public hearings regarding the allocation were advertised.

She said she sees roofs, porches and sidewalks that are in need of repair in the city.

“I’ve seen some really, really horrible looking sidewalks,” she added. “They’re a safety hazard.”

CDBG dollars must benefit low- to moderate-income individuals.

She called for the funds to go more directly to those individuals “to improve their actual living conditions.”

City Manager Mike Holtz pointed out that the entire city does not qualify as low- to moderate-income, which results in the city being limited in what the funds can be utilized to accomplish.

Glenwood Street, Holtz said, qualifies for the use of CDBG funding.

“This is a nice project,” he said. “This is really a great pick.”

Finance Officer Jessicca Byler said the estimated cost for the project is $770,000.

“Hopefully we can do better than that,” Holtz said.

The application was approved with McCain voting in opposition.