Lakeville committee urges reapplication for ADA sidewalk grant at Ashwompsut Elementary

The Master Plan Implementation Committee for the Town of Lakeville discussed reapplying for an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) grant to repair sidewalks at Ashwompsut Elementary School and identified next steps for preparing an application.

Committee members said the grant program will open May 1 and close June 13 this year, and that the state is holding several informational workshops in April about what projects qualify. "It opens up on May I think it's May 1 this year, and the deadline is June 13," a staff member said during the meeting.

The committee said the town did not receive the $250,000 award previously and that the $250,000 figure has appeared in past discussions. A committee member said the sidewalks around the school are in poor condition and pose a hazard for residents using mobility aids.

Members discussed whether the town has a grant writer. "There's really no grant writer in town," one committee member said. The town previously used an assistant to prepare grants but that person has left. Committee members suggested asking the select board to include a request for a volunteer or qualified grant writer in its announcements.

Committee discussion included whether a project would be "shovel-ready" and the need for current cost estimates. A staff member offered to obtain updated cost figures, saying a number a month old may be "almost useless." Committee members said estimates can be turned around quickly and that the town planner would ideally assist with the application.

No formal vote on the grant application was recorded. The committee noted next steps: obtain current cost estimates, seek planner involvement, and consider outreach for grant-writing assistance.

The committee scheduled its next meetings and agreed to continue work on items related to the master plan and grant pursuits at future sessions.