Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate Phelon addresses Erica Johnson of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission during a hearing at the SOuthwick Select Board Jan. 7, 2020. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
SOUTHWICK – Erica Johnson of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Jan. 7 told Southwick Select Board members there is money available to the town.
Johnson said there is about $400,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds that Southwick could tap into in the upcoming funding round. Johnson discussed potential CDBG projects during a public hearing on CDBG opportunities.
CDBG funds are offered through a state application process for projects that typically impact low to moderate income families. Johnson said most projects center around housing needs, social services and infrastructure.
Johnson also gave an update on the Bungalow Street project, which received CDBG funding last year. The Bungalow Street project is for a new water main and road improvements.
“We have an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) that will be wrapped up in the next few days for work that will be done this summer,” Johnson said about the progress on Bungalow Street.
Johnson identified several potential projects for CDBG funding, including improvements on North Lake Avenue. The Planning Commission is trying to conduct a survey of residents there so an application can be submitted. Unfortunately, she said she is having little luck receiving responses.
“The returns have been pitiful,” she said. “We’ve done two mailings and this Friday I will be going door to door.”
Select Board Chair Russ Fox said he hopes North Lake Avenue residents participate in the survey so the street can be considered for improvements through a CDBG. He noted that residents of other neighborhoods have benefited from CDBG funds.
“The work done on Veteran Street was tremendous,” he noted. “This is an opportunity to have the road upgraded and new drainage – this is very important.”
Johnson said surveys will not be published.
“I want to stress the confidentiality of the surveys,” she said.
Marcus Phelps offers potential Community Development Block Grant projects Jan. 7, 2020 during the Southwick Select Board meeting. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
During public comment, Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate Phelon spoke up for local businesses, which have benefited from the CDBG facade program.
“I’m here on behalf of our 18 Southwick members to see if I can help,” Phelon said.
Marcus Phelps, former town planner and Southwick resident, offered a written statement of potential grant projects. One was geared toward Southwick’s older citizens who may need to retrofit their homes in order to continue living in them. Another suggestion was to provide trash and recycling pickup at the curb. He also suggested allowing accessory dwellings and revising the solar energy bylaw, among others.
Selectman Joseph Deedy inquired about a new building for the Southwick Food Pantry and wondered if a new facility would be considered for a grant.
“I have not done that before, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be done,” Johnson said.
Fox asked if a new roof at the Southwick Recreation Center would be a contender for CDBG funds, as well as purchasing a vehicle for use by the Council on Aging.
Johnson said she would need more information about the Center, but the vehicle would fall within the requirements.
Johnson said applications are due Jan. 16.
