Planning Board: CDBG Public Meeting

Planning Board: CDBG Public Meeting - 1.15.2026

File Attachments:

Chapters

Meeting Open (00:00:00)
Meeting Open
Overview (00:01:18)
Overview
Pickleball Courts at Parkhill Park - Request of $35,000 (00:09:44)
Pickleball Courts at Parkhill Park - Request of $35,000

86549 - Pickleball Courts at Parkhill Park - Parks & Recreation - Request of $35,000 Repair and refurbishing of the former tennis court and fencing at Parkhill Park.
City Park Signs Replacement Phase 4 - Request of $15,000 (00:14:39)
City Park Signs Replacement Phase 4 - Request of $15,000

86543 - City Park Signs Replacement Phase 4 - Parks & Recreation - Request of $15,000 This request is to continue with the signage project. We are identifying the parks from high to low priority, which allows installation of signage at parks that do not have any, replace damaged signage, and work through all the parks under this project. Depending on the size of the sign, installation cost can vary.
Solar Charging Station - Request of $7,500 (00:19:36)
Solar Charging Station - Request of $7,500

86547 - Solar Charging Station - Parks & Recreation - Request of $7,500 Purchase and installation of solar port charging stations for small electronics like smartphones, tablets, and laptops provide a localized, sustainable way to stay connected without a traditional grid connection. These ports are designed for rapid charging, often recognizing the specific power requirements of a device to deliver the fastest possible boost safely. In public and commercial spaces, these stations solve the common 'dead battery anxiety' by providing a free and accessible power source in high-traffic outdoor areas like a park.
Repairs at Historic Monument Park - Request of $12,000 (00:23:46)
Repairs at Historic Monument Park - Request of $12,000

86638 - Repairs at Historic Monument Park - Parks & Recreation - Request of $12,000 Repair and restoration of the granite stairs at Monument Park.
Riverfront Park Stage Construction - Request of $150,000 (00:27:26)
Riverfront Park Stage Construction - Request of $150,000

86562 - Riverfront Park Stage Construction - Community Development - Request of $150,000 Construction of a permanent performance stage at Riverfront Park. Funds will match grant funds applied for for this project. Design of this project has gone through many iterations and final design is now underway.
Fitchburg Public Library Crosswalk Safety Improvements - Request of $122,200 (00:33:02)
Fitchburg Public Library Crosswalk Safety Improvements - Request of $122,200

86652 - Fitchburg Public Library Crosswalk Safety Improvements - Fitchburg Department of Public Works - Request of $122,200 The proposed project will include the purchase and installation of hard-wired Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) for the crosswalk in front of the Fitchburg Public Library on Main Street and the crosswalk in front of the library on Newton Place. The new RRFBs on Main Street will replace the solar-powered units that are currently installed, but do not recieve enough sunlight to recharge the batteries that power the units. The new units on Newton Place will also be hardwired to avoid potential issues with solar panels.
Westminster Street Crosswalk Safety Improvements - Request of $40,000 (00:39:05)
Westminster Street Crosswalk Safety Improvements - Request of $40,000

86649 - Westminster Street Crosswalk Safety Improvements - Fitchburg Department of Public Works - Request of $40,000 The proposed project will include the purchase and installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) to augment the newly installed ADA-compliant pedestrian crossing on Westminster Street in between Luk Inc. and Crocker Playground.
Crocker Field Grandstand Concrete Restoration - Request of $85,000 (00:42:33)
Crocker Field Grandstand Concrete Restoration - Request of $85,000

86648 - Crocker Field Grandstand Concrete Restoration - City of Fitchburg School Department - Request of $85,000 This project will include restoration work in the open grandstand, including repair of seriously deteriorated concrete at the two rear piers. The project also includes plans and specifications for restoration of the ornamental concrete gate structures at the Circle Street and Broad Street gates.
Street Outreach - Request of $20,000 (00:48:08)
Street Outreach - Request of $20,000

86640 - Street Outreach - Fitchburg Health Department - Request of $20,000 Outreach activities will be conducted to include street outreach engagement with the unsheltered population providing direct referrals and connections to shelter, medical/mental health/substance use treatment, permanent housing, etc. This project will supply necessary health, hygiene and safety items as deemed appropriate by the Outreach Worker. The proposed project also includes the support of Winter Warming Center implementation.
Fitchburg Farmers' Market - Request of $7,000 (00:51:14)
Fitchburg Farmers' Market - Request of $7,000

86620 - Fitchburg Farmers' Market - Growing Places Garden Project, Inc. - Request of $7,000 The Fitchburg Farmers Market (FFM) provides public services that increase health and wellbeing via local farmers and small locally owned businesses to LMI and Environmental Justice populations in the downtown core of Fitchburg. Funding will support the Market and Outreach Coordinator, Youth Leaders, Marketing Manager, and North Central Mass Farmer's Market (Subcontractor).
Fitchburg Community Policing Project - Request of $48,000 (00:55:17)
Fitchburg Community Policing Project - Request of $48,000

86565 - Fitchburg Community Policing Project - Fitchburg Police Department - Request of $48,000 Officers will maintain a regular presence along key corridors, including the downtown area and rail trail pathways, allowing for consistent interaction with residents, businesses, and visitors. These patrols are intended to enhance public safety, deter criminal activity, and foster trust through positive, day-to-day engagement. By increasing officer presence in these highly traveled areas, the project supports stronger community connections while addressing quality-of-life concerns. Funding will go toward Police Officer overtime activities.
Bonnie's Place Family Homeless Shelter - Request of $10,000 (00:58:39)
Bonnie's Place Family Homeless Shelter - Request of $10,000

86569 - Bonnie's Place Family Homeless Shelter - North Star Family Services - Request of $10,000 Bonnie's Place provides safe shelter, nutritious meals, and comprehensive case management services to guide families with children experiencing homelessness to stability and self-sufficiency in permanent homes. In addition to providing basic needs, our program has proven success in helping families maintain independence and not repeat homelessness. Funds will be used toward staff salary.
Fitchburg Homelessness Prevention Project - Request of $20,000 (01:01:50)
Fitchburg Homelessness Prevention Project - Request of $20,000

86567 - Fitchburg Homelessness Prevention Project - Community Legal Aid - Request of $20,000 CLA's Fitchburg Homelessness Prevention Project will provide thorough and comprehensive legal outreach and advocacy to Fitchburg's low-income and elderly renters, with the goal of helping them obtain and maintain safe, affordable housing.
Resident Service Coordinator (First Parish Housing/The Sundial) - Request of $7,000 (01:02:43)
Resident Service Coordinator (First Parish Housing/The Sundial) - Request of $7,000

86622 - Resident Service Coordinator - First Parish Housing/The Sundial - Request of $7,000 This project will continue to provide personal assistance to seniors living at the Sundial through case management, information and referral services and structured activities. These services will be provided by a Social Worker serving as the Resident Service Coordinator (RSC). The Resident Service Coordinator will educate residents on available services, public benefits, and assist with any tenancy issues. Funds will be put toward the RSC's Salary.
One-to-One Mentoring for Fitchburg Youth - Request of $10,000 (01:08:49)
One-to-One Mentoring for Fitchburg Youth - Request of $10,000

86650 - One-to-One Mentoring for Fitchburg Youth - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass and MetroWest - Request of $10,000 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass and MetroWest creates professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships for children at McKay Elementary School. Funding will cover the Match Support Specialist's salary.
Elder Nutrition in Fitchburg: Timely and Healthy Meals - Request of $20,000 (01:11:41)
Elder Nutrition in Fitchburg: Timely and Healthy Meals - Request of $20,000

86647 - Elder Nutrition in Fitchburg: Timely and Healthy Meals - Making Opportunities Count, Inc. (MOC) - Request of $20,000 The Elder Nutrition Program provides homebound seniors in Fitchburg with consistent access to nutritious meals delivered safely and dependably, while fostering simple social engagement that enhances mental wellbeing and alleviates loneliness. Grant funds will support the Elder Nutrition Program by covering essential transportation costs to ensure reliable meal delivery to seniors in Fitchburg.
Operations NextGen - Request of $85,000 (01:12:57)
Operations NextGen - Request of $85,000

86545 - Operations NextGen - Boys and Girls Club - Request of $85,000 The proposed project would transport registered members from Fitchburg schools from the ages of 8-18yo to the Boys and Girls club in Leominster. The schools served are Reingold, Crocker, McKay, Memorial, FHS, and Longsjo. Transportation is provided by a local bus company, First Student, Inc., during the crucial after school hours from 2-6pm. This will provide them with an opportunity to participate in the Club's after school program, Operation NextGen. Operation NextGen is the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster's integrated youth development initiative designed to prepare young people for success in school, careers, and life.
Mayor's Energy Fund - Request of $5,000 (01:19:32)
Mayor's Energy Fund - Request of $5,000

86634 - Mayor's Energy Fund - Mayor's Office - Request of $5,000 The Mayor's Energy Fund will utilize CDBG funding per HUD income guidelines to allow low-income residents to apply for relief to go toward utility costs during the winter months. The Fitchburg Mayor's Office serves the residents of the city, this program is merely a beneficial extension of the work and services already provided through the Mayor's Office in collaboration with the Community Development office.
Pathways to Stability Case Management Program - Request of $20,347 (01:23:23)
Pathways to Stability Case Management Program - Request of $20,347

86626 - Pathways to Stability Case Management Program - Restoration Recovery Center - Request of $20,347 The Pathways to Stability Case Management Program will provide individualized case management services to low- and moderate-income Fitchburg residents who are experiencing housing instability or other barriers to self-sufficiency. Through one-on-one support, participants will receive assistance with housing stabilization, benefits enrollment, service coordination, and referrals to community resources related to healthcare, employment, and recovery supports. Services will be delivered by a dedicated Case Manager at Restoration Recovery Center and are designed to improve stability, access to essential services, and overall quality of life for eligible residents. Funds will support the salary for the case manager, the executive director, rent/utilities, office supplies, and general liability.
Spartacus - Request of $25,000 (01:26:26)
Spartacus - Request of $25,000

86564 - Spartacus - YMCA of Cental MA - Montachusett Community Branch - Request of $25,000 Spartacus is a signature youth development initiative of the Montachusett Community Branch, designed to support at-risk teens who face challenges such as substance use risk, academic struggles, and limited impulse control. The program helps participants build character, confidence, and healthy decision-making skills through a structured, research-informed curriculum that blends physical activity, academic tutoring, community service, and targeted workshops on self esteem, leadership, and substance abuse prevention. Funds will be used to pay for one full-time and one part-time staff member.
Info & Referral (I&R) Services for Fitchburg Residents - Request of $6,714 (01:28:03)
Info & Referral (I&R) Services for Fitchburg Residents - Request of $6,714

86572 - Info & Referral (I&R) Services for Fitchburg Residents - Spanish American Center - Request of $6,714 Although the Spanish American Center (SAC) is physically located in Leominster, in 2025 nearly 50% of the individuals and families served in the Information & Referral (I&R) program in 2025 were residents of Fitchburg (higher than the percentage from Leominster). CDBG funding from the City of Fitchburg would directly support Information & Referral (I&R) services including salary, payroll, and administration fees that benefit low- and moderate-income Fitchburg residents. CDBG funds from Fitchburg would be tracked and reported to make sure that Fitchburg's CDBG dollars are spent only to support Fitchburg households.
Fitchburg Public Market - Launching Food Entrepreneurs Program - Request of $37,490 (01:35:42)
Fitchburg Public Market - Launching Food Entrepreneurs Program - Request of $37,490

86646 - Fitchburg Public Market - Launching Food Entrepreneurs Program - Worcester Regional Food Hub, Inc. - Request of $37,490 This technical assistance program would assist ten (10) Fitchburg residents to participate in the Fitchburg Public Market's Launching Food Entrepreneurs Program. Funds will be used to cover the partial salary of the project manager, food permits, insurance, Kitchen fees, ServSafe and allergen awareness certifications.
Small Business Technical Assistance - Request of $30,000 (01:39:31)
Small Business Technical Assistance - Request of $30,000

86645 - Small Business Technical Assistance - New Vue Communities - Request of $30,000 NewVue Communities seeks funding for personnel to continue to provide technical assistance to small business owners and those positioned to start a small business. Providing business owner counseling, targeted outreach, and packaging loan (and grant) applications will be the activities that drive their effort to impact the economy in Fitchburg. In addition, the small business team will partner with the North Central Chamber of Commerce to offer in-person training and webinars addressing the beginning stages of developing a small business.
Sign Program - Request of $60,000 (01:41:21)
Sign Program - Request of $60,000

86633 - Sign Program - Community Development and Planning - Request of $60,000 The Sign Program for Small Businesses, aims to provide financial incentives to support the installation or replacement of business signage in Fitchburg. The program is designed to help revitalize storefront and business areas by improving the visual appeal and signage of local businesses, enhancing their visibility, and contributing to the overall economic development of the city. Through these improvements, the project seeks to attract more customers, strengthen local businesses, and promote community growth in key commercial districts. Owners provide a 30% match of cost. Owners may also match by investing 30% of cost into physical improvements of the space.
Part-Time Downtown Coordinator - Request of $35,000 (01:43:41)
Part-Time Downtown Coordinator - Request of $35,000

86571 - Part-Time Downtown Coordinator - Community Development and Planning - Request of $35,000 The Downtown Coordinator position, developed and supported collaboratively by the InTown Fitchburg partnership (previously known as ReImagine North of Main), is a critical component in the revitalization efforts underway in downtown Fitchburg. The position works directly with microenterprises by offering marketing and promotion services to grow sales and revenue for the overall economic development of downtown. The Downtown Coordinator is also responsible for developing and implementing events and activities that bring residents and visitors to the downtown area for the benefit of the businesses in the district. Funding will cover this part-time position.
Small Business Development - Request of $100,000 (01:47:49)
Small Business Development - Request of $100,000

86636 - Small Business Development - Community Development and Planning - Request of $100,000 Fitchburg's CDBG microenterprise business assistance is a targeted use of federal community development funds to help small local businesses start, expand, and succeed ? especially those owned by low-to-moderate income residents ? through grant or loan support, business counseling, and workforce/job creation support. This funding helps strengthen the local economy by encouraging entrepreneurship, stabilizing neighborhoods, and activating vacant or underutilized commercial spaces. By using federal CDBG dollars, the City of Fitchburg can invest directly in small-scale businesses that generate long-term community benefits, including job creation, local services, and neighborhood revitalization.
Critical Home Repair - Request of $30,000 (01:52:51)
Critical Home Repair - Request of $30,000

86548 - Critical Home Repair - Habitat for Humanity - Request of $30,000 Habitat NCM's critical repair program helps low-income, economically distressed homeowners, including families, the elderly and veterans, who struggle to maintain the integrity of their homes either due to costs or disabilities. This program provides interior and exterior work addressing unsafe housing conditions that threaten the immediate health and safety of low-income homeowners and the structural integrity of their homes. Projects continue to concentrate on safety, code violations, accessibility, and energy-efficiency and will address home preservation projects.
Code Enforcement - Request of $121,000 (01:54:59)
Code Enforcement - Request of $121,000

86637 - Code Enforcement - Fitchburg Board of Health - Request of $121,000 The proposed project will consist of implementation of an overall inspection and enforcement strategy to eliminate housing deterioration, substandard housing, vacancy, abandonment, and conditions of blight in lower income, older housing stock CDBG strategy neighborhoods. The overarching goal also consists of efforts to provide safe and sanitary housing for owner and rental units, whereby improving neighborhoods and increasing property values. Health Department intends to fund a portion of a full time clerk salary (50%) and one full time code inspector.
Security Camera System (First Parish Housing/The Sundial) - Request of $47,000 (01:58:15)
Security Camera System (First Parish Housing/The Sundial) - Request of $47,000

86635 - Security Camera System - First Parish Housing/The Sundial - Request of $47,000 The project will remove and replace the existing cameras with new, modern, high resolution cameras. In the event that the cost of the new cameras exceeds the amount of our CDBG award, the Sundial will cover any additional costs. Limiting overall costs will avoid a significant impact on the overall operating budget, aiding efforts to maintain the current, affordable rent structure.
Improving Community and Economic Development Through Improved Code Enforcement - Request of $118,500 (02:01:15)
Improving Community and Economic Development Through Improved Code Enforcement - Request of $118,500

86632 - Improving Community and Economic Development Through Improved Code Enforcement - Fitchburg Building Department - Request of $118,500 Building, zoning, and land use code enforcement surveillance and inspections of properties in the CDBG target area. This will include non-traditional work hours for improved code enforcement, as well as training for the selected team member. Funding will be used for salary, license stipend(contractual), mileage, and clothing allowance.
Demolition - Request of $150,000 (02:04:13)
Demolition - Request of $150,000

86568 - Demolition - Community Development - Request of $150,000 Demolition of problem properties in CDBG target areas.
CDBG Administration and Planning - Request of $210,000 (02:06:03)
CDBG Administration and Planning - Request of $210,000

86573 - CDBG Administration and Planning - Community Development Department - Request of $210,000 Project funds will provide for the necessary administration of CDBG programs and sub-recipient contracts in accordance with federal guidelines, including staffing, technical services, and planning activities. This also includes the cost of various activities such as the Consolidated Plan; Consolidated Annual Performance Report; Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing; and other strategic plans and services. These funds enable the City to apply for, receive, and administer additional federal and state grants. (Funding not to exceed 20% of entitlement.)
Wrap-Up (02:09:54)
Wrap-Up