Community Compact Grant Applications Open

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BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced the opening of the next round of grant funding opportunities for cities and towns through the Community Compact program, making resources available for municipalities to support best practices, information technology regionalization and municipal fiber.
 
Cities and towns beginning this week will have the opportunity to apply for these various grants throughout the course of the fiscal year. Funding has been made available through both the Fiscal Year 2024 budget and the administration's capital investment plan to support each of the following Community Compact programs:
  • Best Practices - $2 million
  • Information Technology Grants - $4.9 million
  • Efficiency & Regionalization - $600,000
  • Municipal Fiber - $5 million
"Our administration is committed to partnering with our cities and towns and providing them with the support they need to keep their communities strong," said Governor Maura T. Healey. "The Community Compact program has proven to be a successful tool in helping municipalities of all sizes improve their efficiency, work with one another and build out the infrastructure needed to serve the people in their communities. We are proud to support the continuation of this program and to bring new ideas and resources to the table to make our communities stronger." 
 
Best Practices Program
 
Beginning Aug. 21, applications for the Best Practices program can be submitted by those municipalities that did not apply in FY23 for a Compact. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed within one month of submission. Eligible applicants can choose up to two best practices. 
 
This year's program includes an updated list of best practices to simplify available options, add new subject areas – including veteran services and mental health - and add new best practices in the areas of housing and transportation. Click here for the complete set of best practices.
 
IT Grant Program
 
The Community Compact IT Grant Program is a competitive grant program focused on driving innovation and transformation at the local level via investments in technology.  Using the power of IT, we can drive innovation, make government more efficient, save taxpayer money, and make it easier for residents to interact and transact with their local government.
 
The application period will run from Sept. 11, 2023 to noon on Oct. 13, 2023.  Cities and towns that were awarded an IT Grant Program grant in FY23 are not eligible in FY24.
 
Efficiency and Regionalization Grant Program
 
The Efficiency and Regionalization (E&R) competitive grant program is designed to provide financial support for governmental entities interested in implementing regionalization and other efficiency initiatives that allow for long-term sustainability.  These grants will provide funds for one-time or transition costs for municipalities, regional school districts, school districts considering forming a regional school district or regionalizing services, regional planning agencies and councils of governments interested in such projects.
 
The application period will run from Jan. 8, 2024 to noon on Feb. 9, 2024.
 
Municipal Fiber Grant Program
 
The Municipal Fiber Grant program is a competitive, matching grant program to assist municipalities with the construction of municipal fiber broadband infrastructure and related projects and expenditures.
 
The application period will run from March 11, 2024 to noon on April 12, 2024. 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Friday Front Porch Feature: A Luxurious Home for Hosting

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

DALTON, Mass. — Are you looking for a luxurious home with tons of amenities? Then this might be the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 65 Johnson Road.

This 1998 single-family is newly remodeled and has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. It is 4,298 square feet on more than an acre.

It is on the market for $1,075,000.

The home includes a two-car basement garage, a home gym with equipment, and a custom mudroom. There is also a salt water pool and outdoor fire pit. The kitchen has custom built-in freezer and refrigerator, perfect for hosting, and comes with countless built-in space and custom drawers, including a built-in Miele coffee machine.

We spoke with Mia and Melissa Mazzeo with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Barnbrook Realty, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Mazzeos: What truly sets this property apart in today's market is the exceptional quality and thoughtful attention to detail throughout. The sellers didn't just update this home — they reimagined it with care, intention, and craftsmanship. Every improvement was carefully considered, creating a move-in-ready space that feels both elevated and effortlessly livable

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

It was an instant 'wow' moment. We were immediately impressed — and we absolutely loved the open floor plan. The space feels bright, connected, and perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Yes — this home truly has it all. Since 2018, the property has been fully renovated with both luxury and long-term quality in mind. Major improvements include a new roof, new windows, updated electrical and plumbing systems, new mini-split systems for efficient heating and cooling, new vinyl siding, and Trex decking for low-maintenance outdoor living. The pool has been converted to salt water, and the professionally updated landscaping enhances the home's curb appeal and outdoor enjoyment.

Inside, the level of customization is exceptional. Every detail was thoughtfully designed with built-in space for everything — including a dedicated coffee station, double dishwashers, a pullout shelf for your stand mixer, and custom drawers for cooking utensils. The large Sub-Zero refrigerator blends seamlessly into the cabinetry for a clean, sophisticated look. The dining room features a stunning built-in buffet complete with pullout refrigerator and freezer drawers, perfectly balancing elegance and functionality.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?

This home is incredibly versatile. It's perfect for the buyer who loves to host and entertain, but just as ideal for a family seeking space and thoughtful design. And for someone who simply wants a private, peaceful setting to come home to — this property delivers that balance beautifully.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

Close your eyes and imagine your dream home — every update completed, every amenity thoughtfully added, nothing left to do. Picture yourself soaking in the beauty of Berkshire County's ever-changing seasons through the windows of your all-season sunroom. Imagine the laughs and smiles that fill the air as you host loved ones in your chef's kitchen, designed perfectly for gathering and entertaining.

Now open your eyes… and you'll see 65 Johnson Road — the true definition of move-in ready.

You can find out more about this home on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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