Steering Committee continues CDBG hearing, notes funding shortfall
Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee · Meeting of January 20, 2026
Gardner's Community Development Steering Committee continued its FFY2026 Community Development Block Grant hearing, facing a $203,000 shortfall between $1.2 million in applications and $974,000 in available federal funds. Committee Chair Jason Stevens and members reviewed eight applications including $15,000 for the school district's athletic scholarship program, $25,000 for an emergency family shelter operated by North Star Family Services, $4,500 for a laundry assistance program by St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and $31,900 for accessibility improvements by the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center.
One housing-development application from North Star was deemed ineligible by the state, reducing the shortfall to approximately $149,000. The Committee voted unanimously to continue the hearing to February 24 to allow additional review time and state guidance on eligibility.
In the full story:
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Source: the Community Development Block Grant Steering Committee meeting of January 20, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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