Thursday, August 2, 2018

State awards millions to development of, improvements to Central Mass. communities

State awards millions to development of, improvements to Central Mass. communities



BOSTON - The Baker-Polito administration announced this week $32 million in 2018 Community Development Block Grant awards, providing more than $32 million across 41 projects, which will benefit 59 communities.

These awards will enable communities to address local needs by pursuing a variety of housing, community, and economic development projects.

“Today’s Community Development Block Grants will help thousands of committed local leaders across the commonwealth’s 351 build better roads, ensure access to services for everyone and keep local housing stock in great condition,” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said.

This year’s CDBG awards will enable the rehabilitation of 280 housing units, support food pantries in eight communities, allow 16 communities to pursue small infrastructure projects, and provide social services in 17 communities.

In Central Mass., projects range from $825,000 for Central Street parking improvements, commercial rehabilitation assistance for 2 businesses and code enforcement in Southbridge, to $800,000 for ADA improvements to Hardwick Town Hall.

In addition, Athol will receive $643,252 for infrastructure improvements to Marble Street.

Brookfield will receive $800,000 for housing rehabilitation assistance to five units and infrastructure improvements to Hayden and Hyde streets.

Clinton will receive $486,715 for housing rehabilitation assistance to five units and for infrastructure improvements to Walnut Street.

Gardner will receive $825,000 for public facilities improvements including targeted demolition, downtown accessibility improvements, small business technical assistance and social service assistance to include youth services, veterans services and domestic violence prevention.

Marlboro will receive $800,000 for housing rehabilitation assistance to nine units and for infrastructure improvements to McEnelly and Devens streets.

Spencer will receive $555,000 for rehabilitation assistance to 14 units and design for infrastructure improvements.

Wales, Brimfield and Holland will receive $806,250 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 24 units, planning for a senior housing study and to support a food pantry.

Webster will receive $825,000 for downtown streets infrastructure improvements.

CDBG funds are allocated annually to the commonwealth through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the state Department of Housing and Community Development.

Since 2015, the Baker-Polito administration has awarded nearly $110 million to projects benefiting more than 180 communities.

 

 

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