AMHERST — A second phase of a multiuse path that would eventually extend from the University of Massachusetts campus to North Amherst center is in line to be supported with portions of a $925,000 Community Development Block Grant being awarded to the town, with the bulk of the rest of the money earmarked for five social service agencies.
In advance of a public hearing Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. to get feedback on the proposals, the CDBG Advisory Committee is recommending $540,000 go to build the next part of the multiuse path to serve pedestrians and bicycles for a quarter-mile stretch on the west side of North Pleasant Street, from Hobart Lane to Fisher Street.
“The project will serve a majority low- and moderate-income individuals who live in the vicinity and use North Pleasant Street to access amenities in North Amherst or who use UMass to the south,” Assistant Town manager David Ziomek wrote in the application.
The committee at its Feb. 12 meeting supported the project. In making its recommendation, the committee also agreed to expand the town center target district for which projects to benefit low- and moderate-income residents can be proposed, to encompass that section of North Pleasant Street. The building of the multiuse path began last year in North Amherst center.
Senior Planner Nate Malloy said the change in the target area on the town map was necessary to make the project eligible.
Amherst is receiving the block grant because the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities designated the town a mini-entitlement community.
The only other nonsocial service project to be recommended for funding is Valley Community Development, which asked for $15,000 for its microenterprise assistance program for low- and moderate-income resident business owners. That program will offer 15 individuals help with their business plan development, financial projections and strategic marketing
While 60% of the money has to go toward projects, 20%, or $185,000, can go toward social service agencies, though only five can be supported, even though six put in applications for $242,000.
The recommendations include $62,398 for the Amherst Survival Center food pantry, $41,648 for Family Outreach of Amherst’s community housing support program, $33,348 for Big Brothers Big Sisters’ partnership with the Amherst Regional Schools Family Center, $30,858 for the Amherst Mobile Market’s healthy food access program and $16,748 for the Center for New Americans’ fostering immigrant self-sufficiency.
All are receiving about 83% of what they had requested.
Only The Literacy Project’s ask for $20,000 for adult education for economic self-sufficiency was turned down, with CDBG committee members saying that it impacts fewer individuals and the program is only offered virtually in Amherst.
“This is always an incredibly difficult decision to make,” said Chairwoman Becky Michaels.
Committee member Suzanne Schilling said her decision was made based on how many people are served. “I would propose that we fund the Center for New Americans because of the greater number of people the organization helped last year,” Suzanne Schilling said.
The committee also set aside 15% of the grant, or $138,750, for grant administration.
The public hearing on Feb. 29 will take place virtually at amherstma.zoom.us/j/84541527692. To join the meeting via telephone, call 312-626-6799 or 646-876-9923 and enter Webinar ID 845 4152 7692.
People are encouraged to offer feedback on the recommendations, the expansion of the town center target area and the current target areas and the town’s community development strategy.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
