CDBG Funded Projects
The office of Community Development manages a federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), originating from the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office, but allocated to West Springfield from the MA Office of Housing and Community Development.
CDBG monies are intended for use to "develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living and environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons," under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
Most of our programs happen in the Southeast Target Area (STA), an area census-qualified as low- to moderate-income, but many of these activities help the community at large.
FY2022/2023 Programs
Phase 4 of Boys & Girls Club Renovation Project
The fourth phase will begin construction in the Spring of 2024. Outside play structures and a covered terrace will be installed to provide preschool and elementary aged children a safe place to play and learn. Windows on the first floor of the Boys and Girls Club program and preschool spaces will also be replaced, and additional windows will be added to increase natural sunlight and add better natural air flow.
Belle Avenue Water Main Project
This is phase one of the Belle Avenue Improvement Project. In this phase, the water main will be replaced. Future grant funding will be sought to conduct a second phase, which will involve sewer replacement.
FY2021 Programs
Phase 3 of Boys & Girls Club Renovation Project
Three phases will be undertaken between 2019-2023. The third phase is designed to address the preschool program space and HVAC facilities of the club. The redesign will facilitate upgrades to the current facilities.
Chapin Street Paving Improvement Project
To repave the streets and sidewalks on Chapin Street, located in the Southeast Target Area.
FY2020 Programs
Phase 2 of Boys & Girls Club Renovation Project
Three phases will be undertaken between 2019-2022. The second phase is designed to address the kitchen area, café seating, storage and additional program space and restroom facilities of the club. The redesign will facilitate upgrades to the current facilities.
Chapin Street Sewer Improvement Project
To maintain and replace aging infrastructure within the Southeast Target Area.
Down payment Assistance Program
To facilitate and assist 6 Low to Moderate Income future homeowners with loans to make the dream of home ownership in West Springfield possible. Residents must complete the First Time Homebuyers class through Wayfinders to be eligible for this program.
FY2019 Programs
Phase 1 of Boys & Girls Club Renovation Project
Three phases will be undertaken between 2019-2020. The first phase is designed to address the main entrance and lobby area of the club. The redesign will facilitate better accessibility and safety and security features.
Down payment Assistance Program
To facilitate and assist 6 Low to Moderate Income future homeowners with loans to make the dream of home ownership in West Springfield possible. Residents must complete the First Time Homebuyers class through Wayfinders to be eligible for this program.
Ongoing Programs
Housing Rehabilitation
The Housing Rehabilitation Program provides eligible homeowners with loans, and sometimes grants, in order to address code violations and improve living conditions for low-and moderate-income households Please see the Housing Rehabilitation-specific page on the left sidebar, or by clicking through here.
Sanitary Code Enforcement
The Office of Community Development provides funding for a Sanitary Code Inspector who works under the West Springfield Health Department to investigate complaints in the Southeast Target Area regarding interior and exterior problems with housing conditions and other related local regulations. Ensuring that housing units meet basic sanitary code guidelines will help to improve the area and prevent decline.
The West Springfield Office of Community Development also works on a variety of other projects, including planning studies and the development of the West Springfield Trade Center, among others.
If you are interested in applying for any of our programs or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.