Peter J. Miller, Director of Community Development for the City of Westfield. Photo by Amy Porter
WESTFIELD – The City of Westfield will hold a public meeting on Thursday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. on its Community Development Annual Action Plan for July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. The action plan details projects slated for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds during that time period.
This year’s plans include $70,000 for accessible bathrooms on the lower level of the Westfield Athenaeum. According to Community Development Director Peter J. Miller, CDBG funds were originally going to be used for that purpose when the project started. “We’re excited at CDBG to be part of it on the tail end,” Miller said.
Another new project this year is the planned demolition of the former Soo’s restaurant at 340 Elm Street, which has been vacant for over ten years. Miller said the City took the property for back taxes in late 2017. They have set aside $80,000 in CDBG funds for the demolition, and will then look at the parcel to consider parking or right of way uses, he said.
New curbing and handicap ramps to sidewalks on Washington Street are also in the draft action plan, which is available for public view at cityofwestfield.org under Community Development.
Other grants include funds for a kitchen renovation at the Boys & Girls Club, along with annual grants to public services and funding for the housing improvement program.
Comments will be taken at the public meeting and included in the submitted plan. Comments may also be sent in writing no later than Friday, April 27, 2018 to Community Development Director Peter Miller, City of Westfield, 59 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085 or by email to [email protected].
