Norwood is set to apply for a $1 million grant from the state, with a focus on repairing five roads in South Norwood.
During a recent meeting, the Selectmen granted permission to the Department of Community Planning and the Economic Development Committee to seek a grant from the state Department of Housing and Community Development. The grant, part of the state's Community Development Block Grant program, aims to allocate federal funding to small cities and towns for revitalization and rehabilitation projects.
Should the town secure the grant, $200,000 will be allocated to housing rehabilitation, $600,000 to road repairs in South Norwood, and the remainder will cover administrative salaries, according to Stephen Costello, the town's planning and economic development director.
Pam McCarthy, program coordinator for the Community Development fund, noted that Norwood's Housing Rehabilitation Program currently has 22 people on the waiting list, and the grant would assist eight of them. The funds would be directed towards addressing code violations, such as leaking roofs, lead paint removal, and insulation installation.
On average, about $23,000 would be spent on each house, McCarthy explained.
The road repair aspect of the grant is earmarked for improvements to Heaton Avenue, Sturtevant Avenue, St. George Avenue, St. James Avenue, and Pond Avenue. A recent roadway condition study by the town highlighted several South Norwood roads in poor condition.
Costello emphasized that the town has been investing in South Norwood by relining waterlines, making it logical to follow up with road paving. Since 2006, over $1 million has been spent on relining waterlines in South Norwood.
Andrew Murphy, assistant town engineer, pointed out that the streets exhibit signs of significant degradation due to normal wear and tear. With waterlines being relined, the roads have been patched up to the extent that they now require comprehensive redoing.
Responding to concerns about construction duration, Murphy stated that the project could be done in two parts but expressed hope for completion within a single construction season.
Selectman Tom McQuaid expressed concern about the use of granite curbs instead of the more affordable bituminous berm. Murphy explained that granite curbing, a safety measure, prevents people from parking on the sidewalk by creating a separation from the road.
To qualify for the grant, the town needs to allocate some funds for the construction, Costello noted. The Selectmen unanimously approved moving forward with the grant application and allocating $125,000 to the project. The grant application is due in February, with the state expected to make a decision by June, according to McCarthy.
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)
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