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| By Katelyn Gendron Reminder Assistant Editor SOUTHWICK The abbreviated public hearing on Jan. 14 which sought input on the town's application for a Community Development Block Grant was not uncommon, according to Selectman Arthur Pinell. In conjunction with Granville, the town of Southwick is applying for approximately $1 million from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development for the expansion of their senior center, Lakemont Street infrastructure improvements and regional housing rehabilitation. Pinell said the limited participation from only a few members of the Southwick community at the public hearing is normal for the Board of Selectmen and has not inhibited the completion of their grant application, which is due Feb. 15. James Mazik, deputy director of operations and community development at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission -- who is aiding the Southwick Board of Selectmen with their application -- said 16 of the 43 communities in the region are applying this year for a Community Development Block Grant. He explained that many communities like Southwick and Granville are filing joint applications because of their prior failure to obtain funding separately. According to information released by the town of Southwick, $352,800 is being requested for infrastructure improvements to Lakemont Street, $430,500 is being requested for housing rehabilitation, $80,000 is being requested for the Senior Center expansion design and $115,000 is being requested for administration costs. Specifically, the town is looking to add two fire hydrants, up to eight leaching catch basins, repave the road with three inches of asphalt and replace an asbestos cement water pipe as part of the Lakemont Street Infrastructure Improvement Project. The towns of Southwick and Granville are applying for funding for the renovation of 12 units of low or moderate-income residents as part of their Regional Housing Rehabilitation Project. Mazik said many properties in the area are historic or aging homes, which require funding to modify substandard conditions such as outdated electrical systems, removal of lead paint and repair of failing septic systems. Karl Stinehart, chief administrative officer, said this funding is vital for those in Southwick, who, without this funding, would be unable to make necessary repairs to their residences. Kathryn Martin, Granville town administrative assistant, said the town received funding from the Community Development Block Grant in 1999 but has been since unsuccessful in securing funding for regional housing rehabilitation. She explained that much of the Granville population is older and unable to personally make improvements to septic systems or winterize their homes. Martin said about 30 units received improvements in 1999 and many more were on waiting lists. She added that she anticipates a large response from the community if Granville is granted funding this year. Jeanne Margarites, director of the Southwick Council on Aging, said over the past year the senior center has seen a 30 to 40 percent spike in attendance. She explained that an expansion to the center is critical as they currently have limited space for classes and activities. "We realize there is an expanding need for the Senior Center," Pinell said, adding that the one currently located at Town Hall is very well utilized. "We can only anticipate a larger demand [in the future.]" Mazik said both towns should hear by July if they have been granted funding. He said that he is planning for each project to commence in the fall, adding that projects such as Lakemont Street will be completed by the spring of 2009. |