Athol gets $700K in CDBG money – The Recorder

ATHOL The town has received a six-figure grant from the state to help finance infrastructure improvements in the Grove Street neighborhood.

William Caldwell, vice chairman of the Athol Selectboard, and Linda Overing of Breezeway Consulting accepted a $706,748 Community Development Block Grant from the state last week in Boston. Athol Planning and Development Director Eric Smith said the money will be used to bring town sewer to Winter and Wilder streets.

He said the work will involve new roadway construction, a new water line and a sewer line installation. The area is served by septic systems currently. Smith said the grant cannot provide the direct public dollars for homeowners to connect to the new sewer line because CDBG funds can be used only on town property, but Athol will offer opportunities for homeowners to tap into housing rehabilitation grants or other resources to bring sewer connections to fruition.

Smith said a low-pressure pump sewer system is required. The grades of the existing houses prevent a standard sewer installation, he said.

Caldwell, a teacher at Athol High School, said he traveled to Boston because he was the only selectman who could make the trip on a summer weekday.

Its big money, he said Thursday. It allows us to do what we need to do.

Caldwell said he and Overing met with Gov. Charlie Baker, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash and Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Chrystal Kornegay.

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Athol gets $700K in CDBG money - The Recorder