James M. Mazik, seated right, deputy director for operations of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, explains a grant program to Southwick officials during last night’s Board of Selectmen meeting in Town Hall. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen gave the go-ahead last night to begin the process of applying for the next round of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).
James M. Mazik, AICP, deputy director of operations for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC), approached the board seeking approval to work with Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart on the grant process.
Mazik said there are two categories of CDBG funding, CDF 1 and CDF 2. The first category is for poor communities. Mazik said Southwick’s demographics place the town in the second category, which has significantly fewer funds available.
In order to be in a better position for funding, Mazik suggested Southwick team up with another local town with similar project needs.
“If you can put together an application with a community with similar projects you get more points,” said Mazik.
A regional application would likely receive an additional 10 points versus a single-community application. Mazik did say there were other options for bonus points, such as multiple projects, if the town could not pair up with another town.
Board Chairman Russell Fox noted that Mazik has worked with Southwick since the 1980s and knows the town and its needs well.
“If you were sitting here, what kind of projects do you think we should do?” asked Fox.
Mazik said the town had numerous drainage projects, as well as housing needs, to consider.
Mazik reminded the board that any projects considered would need to be in a target area. In the past, the lakes area has been the target area. He added there are other criteria a project must meet.
“You have to be a low-moderate income household. The project has to eliminate or prevent the end of slum and blight,” he said.
Mazik said the project could also meet an emergency need, such as damage from a weather event.
Fox said there was “no doubt” the board wanted to apply.
The board unanimously agreed to begin the process and form an ad-hoc committee to work on the project.
