Tax increment financing fuels Westland’s $12M park, expected for 2025

The city of Westland hopes to finish a $12 million park and amphitheater project in 2025 — using funds drawn largely from tax increment financing.

The 3.9-acre park, to be known as Nankin Square, will sit between city hall and Westland Mall. It will feature open green space for performances and events, gardens and boardwalks, walking trails, an events plaza, and a multiuse play space that will include a sledding hill for the winter.

The added space is meant to revitalize Westland’s downtown area.

The funding breakdown is as follows: $8.5 million from the Westland Tax Increment Finance Authority, $2.5 million from a grant from Wayne County under the American Rescue Plan Act grant — a bill signed into law by President Joe Biden — $1 million from a state of Michigan grant, and $250k from another federal grant, according to city of Westland Communications Director Terry Packer.

The money could have been spent in other ways, James Hohman, fiscal policy director at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, told CapCon in an email.

“Running property taxes through tax increment financing authorities doesn't stop them from being taxpayer dollars,” Hohman wrote. “They should be treated with the same level of scrutiny as others, and residents should know that the money being spent on this project could be spent on other city services or left with taxpayers.”

The project is making headway and will benefit Westland residents who can gather to create lasting memories, Council President Pro-Tem Melissa Sampey told CapCon in an email.

“By revitalizing the area next to a declining mall, this park will not only bring attention and foot traffic to our community but also contribute to local economic development,” Sampey wrote. “It will encourage residents to shop and dine locally, supporting small businesses, and enhancing community engagement. Considering we do not have a downtown area, I see this as somewhat of our anchor for future development.”

The city plans for residents to attend live events, eat from food trucks, and exercise on nature trails in the new park.