SOUTHWICK – The Select Board approved the proposed Community Development Block Grant program amendment brought forth by Erica Johnson of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC).
In August of 2016, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that they would be awarding $28 million in Community Development Block Grants to 57 cities and towns throughout Massachusetts.
With Southwick and Granville receiving a combined grant of $900,000, one of the projects included was the reconstruction of Veteran Street. That project received $479,000 of funding.
Southwick Council on Aging Director Cindy Sullivan and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission’s Erica Johnson (left) are seen discussing the proposed program amendment with the Select Board. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Due to the Veterans Street project having already been completed and with approximately $69,000 saved on it, a line item could be created to transfer that money over to a project that is on the Town of Southwick’s capital replacement list.
According to Johnson, money from the Veterans Street project was left over as a result of the contractor’s bid and construction work being lower than anticipated. PVPC has been working with the town on the CDBG projects.
It’s been decided by the town and Johnson that the $69,000 will be going towards purchasing a new accessible passenger van for the Southwick Senior Center. The current van that the Southwick Senior Center possesses is 12 or 13-years-old and has its deficiencies. Lacking back up safety cameras and navigation systems, the new van will have all of those tools at its disposal.
According to Southwick Council on Aging Director Cindy Sullivan, the current van did 44 trips last fiscal year and serviced around 700 seniors.
“I think it’s great and I appreciate the support,” said Sullivan. “It will be a great addition for our seniors.”
Paula LeBlanc, a member of the Council on Aging Board, voiced her support on the proposed amendment.
“It’s something that’s very much needed and provides safety for our passengers,” said LeBlanc.
Johnson added that with the amendment now approved, it will go to the state for their approval. Johnson said there’s no timetable as to when the new van will arrive to the Southwick Senior Center.
