Maria Curts, a livability planner at the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, presented the results of the neighborhood inventory project, which assessed buildings and properties in the targeted areas. The assessment revealed that 33% of the buildings exhibited some form of physical deterioration, while 41% of properties were considered abnormally low in value. Additionally, 100% of the public infrastructure categories evaluated, including water and sewer lines, were classified as deteriorated. This comprehensive evaluation is part of a federal program aimed at designating areas as “slum and blight” to enable the city to apply for critical funding.

The council discussed the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which funds the slum and blight designation and supports city projects such as housing rehabilitation and sidewalk improvements. The CDBG program allows Greenfield to address infrastructure issues, with recent discussions focusing on prioritizing specific sidewalks for improvement, particularly in light of a sidewalk conditions inventory completed as part of an ADA transition plan update.

Further discussions centered on the potential reallocation of leftover funds from the fiscal year 2022-2023 grant, which ended with a surplus of $48,000. The council proposed extending the grant deadline to June 30, 2026, to utilize these funds effectively. A facade improvement program within the existing slum and blight area was suggested. Concerns about the definitions of facade improvements were raised, with a need for clearer guidelines on what constitutes a facade.

The meeting also addressed the possibility of using CDBG funds for recreational enhancements on Deerfield Street, such as extending Green River Park to create a boat launch and improve access along a road plagued by invasive species. The council acknowledged that it might be easier to secure funding for parks in designated slum and blight areas, expressing interest in exploring street improvements and bike lanes as part of broader infrastructure enhancements.

In a related discussion, the council explored the Climate Leader Communities program, which aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. However, frustrations were expressed over the exclusion of certain individuals from discussions on climate initiatives, highlighting the need for better communication and collaboration among stakeholders.

The meeting also touched on the city’s building code and fleet replacement plan, focusing on zero-emission vehicles and stretch energy code adoption. Concerns were raised about the implementation challenges and the necessity of effective training and communication to ensure successful outcomes. The importance of citizen engagement was reiterated, with proposals for a Citizens Academy to enhance public understanding of city governance.