GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Greenfield City Council meeting was visited by State Representative Natalie Blais, Representative Susannah Whipps, and Senator Jo Comerford last night. They shared some of the work they’ve been doing for rural western Mass and Greenfield specifically.
The Affordable Homes Act, a historic housing bond bill that was passed will give Greenfield $500,000 for affordable/mixed-use housing. It also includes $500,000 for rural development, and over a million dollars for the Valley Community Land Trust.
Other budget wins noted were $560,000 for Community Action Pioneer Valley, $50,000 for the Stone Soup Cafe, and $360,000 for the Children’s Advocacy Center, among other notable funds.
Transportation and the Northern Tier Passenger Rail project were also discussed and Senator Comerford said they will continue to fight for the project to come to fruition. The Northern Tier Passenger Rail study showed strong ridership west to at least Greenfield, serving communities where the Southern Tier Passenger Rail isn’t accessible.
Senator Comerford will be at the Greenfield Public Library on Saturday, October 19th, starting at 10 a.m. for presentation, discussion, and questions from the community.