ATHOL — The town’s planning and development director says he got the green light to apply for a free workshop delivered by a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving communities through development and increased access to safe transportation.
Eric R. Smith went before the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday to ask for a letter of commitment to be sent to Smart Growth America in Washington, D.C., for the opportunity to receive “smart growth technical assistance” in the form of a “(Re)Building Downtown” workshop.
Smith told The Recorder the letter was signed by Board Chairman Lee E. Chauvette on Wednesday and Smith will apply for the workshop before this week’s deadline. He told the selectmen the workshop would be held in 2017.
According to SGA’s website, the “(Re)Building Downtown” workshop aims to help communities prepare for walkable development. The workshop helps local public officials identify necessary strategies, including improving regulations for land use, establishing clear public investment practices, and reforming administrative processes.
The letter states the timing is perfect for this workshop. It states Smith was hired in April to revamp the Board of Planning and Community Development and the Downtown Vitality Committee.
“The town of Athol is looking to invest in infrastructure upgrades in downtown over the upcoming few years and with this we are welcoming new private investment,” the letter states.
According to SGA, recipients receive one workshop that brings together elected officials and others to facilitate a discussion on how to create a thriving downtown.
Smith said there are similar programs throughout the country if SGA denies Athol’s application.
You can reach Domenic Poli at:
dpoli@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 258