READING, Pa. – At its Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday night, Reading City Council heard a request from the Reading Housing Authority to reallocate almost a million dollars in grant funding to improve the Oakbrook playground and athletic field.

The reallocation is on next Monday’s voting meeting agenda and was recommended by the city administration. Specifically, it calls for allotting $990,250 in Community Development Block Grant funds to the project.

Finance Director Jamar Kelly said the city receives its CDBG grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which has specific timelines on when funds must be spent.

Kelly said the original intent was to use the funds for a new sidewalk improvement project for city residents, but because the project could not meet an implementation date of Nov. 1, the city recommended reallocating the funds to the housing authority.

Kelly said the city was aware of the construction project for the Oakbrook Homes, which had a funding gap.

But Kelly stressed that the sidewalk improvement project is not defunct and will instead be financed through city funds.

The last sidewalk project was done in 2023 where residents could apply for grant funding to have their sidewalks repaired.

City Council members said they are very interested in hearing the details of how a 2026 sidewalk project will work and requested the city administration make a presentation at a future Committee of the Whole meeting.

Reading Housing Authority Executive Director Stacey Keppen explained the $3 million construction project will upgrade the recreation area and replace the existing ball field for the benefit of residents in the 530-unit Oakbrook Homes complex.

David C. Talarico, RHA vice president and director of facilities, said the park area is located between McClellan Street to the east and Brookline Plaza to the west.

Talarico said the improvements to the baseball field will include the creation of dugouts, an announcer’s booth and a storage area for athletic equipment.

“And then beyond the outfield fence, it includes a picnic grove with a meandering path, picnic stations, grills, tables, benches and lighting,” Talarico said. “It’s a pretty well-thought-out plan, and part of that plan is getting youth activities and family recreation outdoors.”

Councilmembers said they are very supportive of the project that gives public housing new amenities.