State's One Stop for Growth Open for Applications

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BOSTON — The Community One Stop for Growth application portal has opened for submissions for fiscal 2027. The portal is overseen by the Executive Office of Economic Development and provides a streamlined process for municipalities and organizations to apply for 14 state economic development grant programs. 

One Stop grant programs are administered by EOED, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the quasi-public agency MassDevelopment. Programs in the One Stop offer direct funding and support to housing and economic development projects related to community activation and placemaking, planning and zoning, site preparation, building construction, and infrastructure. 

"The Community One Stop for Growth is about helping communities deliver for their residents," said Gov. Maura Healey. "It reflects our belief that strong local leadership, inclusive economic growth, and a high quality of life go hand in hand. By making state support easier to navigate, we're helping cities and towns build housing, strengthen downtowns, and create opportunity for people across Massachusetts."

Municipalities and organizations wishing to apply for funding through the One Stop may begin by participating in an Expression of Interest process beginning today. During this time, applicants may receive guidance on priority projects from EOED staff before submitting a full application. Applicants may begin working on their applications now in the application portal. EOED will accept full applications from May 4 through June 3, with awards announced in the fall. For more information and to learn how to apply, visit www.mass.gov/onestop

This year, the One Stop will add the Seaport Economic Council Grant Program to the application process. 

A full list of programs offered through the One Stop is available online.  

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Adams Couple Sentenced to Staggered Prison Terms in Death of Foster Infant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — An Adams couple will serve staggered three-to-five year prison sentences for the 2020 death of their foster infant. 
 
Matthew Tucker and Cassandra Barlow-Tucker on March 16 were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and reckless child endangerment in the death of Kristoff Zenopolous on Feb. 18, 2020.  
 
Their sentencing was delayed by Judge Tracy Duncan until Thursday to determine how their four children, two of whom have high needs, would be cared for. 
 
Kristoff was just 10 months old when he died from complications with respiratory illness, strep throat, and pneumonia. A Superior Court jury determined that his death was a result of neglect. The commonwealth requested five years in prison and three years of probation for both defendants.
 
On Thursday, the rescheduled hearing for sentence imposition was held, and Tucker and Barlow-Tucker were sentenced to state prison for manslaughter involving neglect of legal duty, and three years of probation for reckless child endangerment. 
 
Court documents state that Barlow-Tucker was committed to the Massachusetts Correctional Institution in Framingham. She will serve three to five years there first; her husband, will serve his sentence once hers is completed but will be on probation.
 
"The sentences imposed will be a state prison sentence of not less than 3 years and not more than 5 years to MCI as to each Defendant as to count #1. The sentences will be staggered. Ms. Barlow-Tucker will serve her incarceration sentence first," court dockets read.  
 
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