ADAMS, Mass. — The town has all but closed the books on the fiscal 2017 Community Development Block Grant projects that included the Adams Visitors Center parking lot.

 

Community Development Director Donna Cesan gave the update during a public hearing held during Wednesday's Board of Selectmen meeting.

 

"I think this has been a good grant program and we got some important work done for the town," Cesan said. "We have been fortunate with good contractors and good designers." 

 

The town received $800,000 in the fiscal 2017 grant program -- much of which went toward the parking lot overhaul.

 

The project included a redesign of the lot, improved drainage, and parking meters.

 

Cesan said although work was largely complete before winter, the town made the decision to hold off on closing it out. She said officials were not satisfied with some of the lawn work and wanted to evaluate the landscaping.

 

"We decided I think in November ... we did a walk through and it was determined that at that point the town did not find the lawn areas acceptable," Cesan said. "We decided to carry the project through the winter months."

 

She said the project has spent down all but $43,000 of the grant, which will be retained until the project is complete.

 

Funds from the total grant also went toward design work for a park on Cook Street, where the historic Hoosac Valley Coal & Grain building stands.

 

"We have worked through various design schemes to see what kind of features and elements we want to see in the park," she said. "We would like to have that final design by the end of June.

 

Cesan said the next step would be to decide whether to apply for CDBG 2020 funds for construction.

 

In other business, the town is releasing a survey to help gather public input  to inform an update of the Open Space and Recreation Plan.

 

"We would like to create a new plan to help set priorities," Rebecca Ferguson of Community Development said. "It also will help with grant funding."

 

The current plan expired in December 2018 and the surveys will be available online and paper copies will be available in Town Hall.

 

The board also wished outgoing Cheshire Selectwoman Carol Francesconi, who chaired her last meeting Tuesday night, a happy retirement.

 

"Congratulations after serving 30 years," Selectman Richard Blanchard said. "I am sure Cheshire thanks her for that long service."

 

"It is great to see someone involved so much in their community and that only tells you that they love their community," Selectman Joseph Nowak said. "Being a selectman we know it is not as glamorous as it seems but we do it for the love of the community and Carol has clearly shown her love for Cheshire."