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Selectmen authorize $950,000 CDBG application for South Common Street, Saint Clare Avenue improvements
Summary
The North Brookfield Board of Selectmen voted unanimously March 24 to authorize submission of a FY2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application, seeking up to $950,000 to design and, if funded, construct subsurface and surface improvements on South Common Street and Saint Clare Avenue.
The North Brookfield Board of Selectmen voted unanimously March 24 to authorize the Central Mass Regional Planning Commission to submit a FY2026 Community Development Block Grant application seeking up to $950,000 for improvements on South Common Street and Saint Clare Avenue.
Shannon Sullivan, community development planner at the Central Mass Regional Planning Commission, told the board the town qualifies as a non-entitlement community and has a high program need score of 9 out of 10 for FY2026. She said the proposed project would include design and construction of subsurface infrastructure (water, sewer, storm drainage) and surface work such as sidewalks and ramps. "North Brookfield's needs score is a nine out of 10 in the fiscal year 2026 program," Sullivan said.
Sullivan presented a preliminary budget capped at $950,000, with roughly $810,000 allocated to design and construction and about $130,000 for grant administration and program delivery. She noted the application is due April 21 and that awards are typically announced in summer or fall.
During public questions, a resident identified as John described prior drainage problems on Saint Clare Avenue and said sewer-line camera inspections showed damaged pipes, supporting the need for subsurface repairs. "They went and camera'd up those pipes and they're bad," he said, urging that mechanical and drainage fixes be included in design work.
Andrew Low of CMRPC said the grant would fund design work now and as much construction as can fit in the awarded budget; detailed design, phasing and follow-up resident engagement would occur if the town receives funds.
The board moved to authorize submission of the application, allow for minor budget or program adjustments within the $950,000 cap, and authorize the chair and CFO to sign required documents; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Next steps: CMRPC will finalize the application package and the town will hold a resident meeting on April 1 at the Senior Center to review project scope and design options if the grant is awarded.
