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PVPC updates Chester selectboard on CDBG projects; adult education grant not awarded
Summary
Joe Hagopian of PVPC told the board that CDBG‑funded work includes Prospect Street improvements and four housing rehabs; remaining infrastructure funds may roll into the next phase. Michelle Kenney said the Adult Education Center did not receive FY25 grant funding; domestic violence service demand is rising.
At the Jan. 12 meeting the Chester selectboard heard updates from Joe Hagopian of PVPC on the status of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects and related local programs.
Hagopian reported that CDBG projects include Prospect Street improvements and housing rehabilitation, noting that four units have been completed with funds still available and that remaining infrastructure funds may roll into a next project phase. He said FY25 CDBG funding was highly competitive; Chester and Huntington were approved while other Hilltowns faced more difficulty.
Michelle Kenney presented updated materials for the Adult Education Center and said the program did not receive FY25 grant funding. Kim Savory of the Hilltown Domestic Violence Task Force reported increased demand for services in the region. Selectboard member Craig Gauthier also reported discussions with the Department of Environmental Protection about the wood‑waste landfill; DEP indicated it may allow some testing to move from annual to biennial to reduce costs, and vegetation cleanup requirements were discussed.
Why it matters: CDBG funds and grant outcomes directly affect infrastructure work, housing rehabilitation and social‑service programs in Chester. The Adult Education Center will need alternative funding or program adjustments after the FY25 grant denial.
Next steps: PVPC and town staff will track infrastructure fund allocation for the next project phase; the Adult Education Center and the Hilltown Domestic Violence Task Force will continue to seek funding and report back to the selectboard.
