August 5, 2024

Greenfield awarded $925,000 in community development grants

BY John BundenasWWLP

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The City of Greenfield has been awarded $925,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to support various community initiatives.

The funds will be allocated to projects aimed at improving housing, infrastructure, small business support, and social services, with a focus on aiding low and moderate-income residents.

CDBG, a federal program designed to foster economic and community development, provides financial assistance to states and localities. Greenfield, designated as a Mini-Entitlement Community under the Massachusetts CDBG Program, must receive approval from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) for each funded project.

The city submitted its FY24 proposal to the state on March 25, following two public hearings and a request for proposal process for social service projects.

The allocated funds will support several key projects, including:

• $250,000 for Housing Rehabilitation: In partnership with Community Action Pioneer Valley, this funding will rehabilitate four housing units and provide for emergency repairs, addressing critical housing needs in the community.
• $201,751 for Water Mains Replacement Design and Engineering: These funds will go towards creating bid-ready designs and plans for replacing water mains in the downtown Central Commercial zoning district, with the bid/design stage representing 15% of the total construction costs. The actual replacements are scheduled over the next five years.
• $112,500 for Microenterprise Assistance: Partnering with the Franklin County Community Development Corporation, this project includes workshops for current and prospective small business owners, as well as investment capital for qualified microenterprises.

• $185,000 for Social Services: Multiple social service programs will receive funding, including:
  • $50,000 for Community Legal Aid’s Homelessness Prevention Project
  • $44,200 for Wildflower Alliance’s Homelessness Prevention Greenfield Expansion
  • $40,800 for the Stone Soup Café Community Free Store
  • $35,000 for the Center for Human Development Greenfield Elder Wellness Program
  • $15,000 for the Center for New Americans Fostering Immigrant Self-Sufficiency Program

Mayor Virginia “Ginny” Desorgher expressed her gratitude for the grant, stating, “This CDBG funding round will leave a lasting impact on Greenfield. I am proud that the funds effectively address a variety of important issues in our community.” Community Development Administrator Anna Oltman added, “Greenfield’s social services agencies really stepped up with some amazing projects this round, and we’re so grateful to them for the work they’re doing, especially in the areas of homelessness prevention and elder services.”

The city’s initiative, supported by the Massachusetts EOHLC, underscores the importance of targeted community development efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents, particularly those in vulnerable situations.