AVON — Town Administrator Gregory Enos and Department of Public Works Director William Fitzgerald are pleased to announce that the Town of Avon has been awarded a substantial grant from the State as part of the Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program.
Last week, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that $6.5 million was being given to 77 cities and towns as part of the program, which provides technical and funding assistance to help Massachusetts municipalities conceive, design and implement changes to curbs, streets, plazas and parking areas in support of public health, safe mobility, renewed commerce and community betterment.
The Town of Avon was one of two communities to receive the maximum award amount of $200,000 as part of the program. The funding will be used to make a section of Central Street a uniform width, add pedestrian safety beacons, install new wayfinding, and construct 1,000 feet of a protected shared-use pathway throughout town.
“Making our streets safe and accessible for all residents is of the utmost importance to the Town of Avon, and we are extremely grateful to the Baker-Polito administration for this funding,” Director Fitzgerald said. “This funding will benefit those who live and work in Avon, as well as those visiting and passing through.”
The shared-use pathways to be upgraded extend to neighboring Stoughton, and as such, the Town of Stoughton wrote to the state supporting Avon’s grant application. Currently there are no sidewalk or bicycle access along this section of Central Street, and funding from this grant will create a raised path with upright granite curbing, making it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.
“The Town of Stoughton was pleased to partner with the Town of Avon on this project,” said Stoughton Town Manager Robin Grimm. “The project includes connecting South Street in Stoughton to the project. A MassDOT/Old Colony Planning Council Road Safety Audit identified a significant number of South Stoughton walkers and bicyclists using this section of Central Street to access the 650 acre DW Field Park. A future connection will also provide safe access to employees of the Campanelli Industrial Park.”
Avon Board of Selectmen Chair Steve Rose credited the strong advocacy of Senator Walter Timilty and Representative William Galvin for their continued support of funding at the state level.
“Our delegation continues to deliver to the Town, making a real impact on our residents’ lives,” Chairman Rose said.
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