AG Cox puts park money into United Way

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox has changed his mind about how the money allotted to Grand Rapids from the Countrywide Financial settlement should be spent.

 A half-million of the $750,000 was originally allotted to improve Millennium and Crescent Parks. But after much criticism by people like Kym Springs with Foreclosure Response, Cox changed his mind and has now appropriated it for the United Way.

"I don't know what kind of conversations occurred," Spring told 24 Hour News 8 after the announcement Wednesday. "I do have concern about that amount of dollars going toward one particular area."

Cox's office informed Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell of the change Saturday.

"I got a call from the Attorney General's office (Saturday) telling me that he had changed his mind and was going to provide the $500,000 - not for parks- but for people," Heartwell said. "I was very surprised when I learned just before the press conference (Wednesday) that there was $500,000 going to parks. It didn't seem appropriate to me then. It doesn't today."

However, Heartwell seemed supportive of the move on the day of the announcement.

"I'm delighted to see this type of investment taking place in our community. It's the kind of thing that creates a vital urban environment ...where employers are attracted, where jobs are more readily available," Heartwell said during a press conference Wednesday. "I think it's all part of the fabric of having a city that works. So, I welcome the investment,"

The money awarded was part of a multi-million dollar settlement that Countrywide offered to seven states, including Michigan, after being sued by the U.S. Attorney General.

That awarded money was then allotted to various parts of the state by Michigan's Attorney General's office with $750,000 coming to Grand Rapids.

United Way's President Robert Haight says he was delighted to get the surprise windfall.

"That's a little bit rare, but we're very appreciative and I think the community will be very proud of how those dollars are used in the community - in a very effective way," Haight said.

Haight says the money will go toward the Kent County Emergency needs task force.

ON THE WEB: Kent County ENTF Additional Information