The City of Chelsea will benefit from the recent distribution of $33.6 million in federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to fund infrastructure improvement projects, boost social services and increase housing and business development opportunities.
Chelsea will receive a grant of $1,000,000 for neighborhood code violation enforcement, Grove Street traffic calming, construction of the Highland Terrace Park and social services programs like Centro Latino’s citizenship, ESOL instruction and after-school/summer programs.
"These grants will help communities get to work on a variety of projects that will make a real difference in people’s lives and our Commonwealth stronger in the long run," said Governor Deval Patrick. "Whether they are used to spruce up homes or storefronts, better public services, or replace streets and sidewalks, these funds will generate jobs and make neighborhoods better places to live, work and conduct business."
The CDBG program is the Commonwealth’s largest available resource providing municipalities with funding to support neighborhood revitalization projects, meet the housing and public service needs of low- and moderate-income populations and build and repair infrastructure vital to the health and safety of all residents.
The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and funds are distributed by the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to cities and towns in Massachusetts with populations of less than 50,000.
"These investments mean jobs, housing, and stronger neighborhoods when so many people have been struggling to stay afloat. It will help put people back to work and help hundreds of low and moderate income families to keep a roof over their heads," said Senator John Kerry.
Eligible communities with populations greater than 50,000 receive program funding directly from HUD Communities may apply for CDBG funding for activities including: housing rehabilitation projects, infrastructure repair or replacement, construction or rehabilitation of public facilities, neighborhood improvement projects, economic development loans and other business assistance programs, social service upgrades, downtown improvement projects, architectural barrier removal and planning. The maximum grant for a single community is $800,000 or $1 million for a single community undertaking multiple, geographically targeted activities. Regional applications are accepted.
"These grants are very popular in the best of times and they are valued even more so today as cities and towns across the Commonwealth look to maximize every available resource to provide quality services and create opportunities for all residents," said DHCD Undersecretary Tina Brooks.