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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Fellow Planners & Colleagues:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">As we all know, municipalities received or will receive ARPA Funding as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Curious to hear from others on how they plan on or intend to utilize ARAP funds -what projects & initiatives you deem eligible for this funding source (beyond perhaps the more obvious)?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">In Northbridge (as an example) -we hope to utilize funds to construct a boardwalk along an existing riverwalk; where the current layout (portion of) runs parallel to a roadway.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">This roadway fronts a number of schools & as a result of many parents opting to drop-off/pick-up students vs. busing -this has created some pedestrian/vehicle conflicts in the area; making the current walking
trail inaccessible & dangerous to access. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Like other communities, we have seen an increase in recreational hikers/walkers who utilize our riverwalk and other open space areas in town since covid.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Improving the riverwalk will further encourage & promote this recreational opportunity for those who choose to get out...<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Does this seem on point?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Curious to know your thoughts & what other projects you may be considering.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">As always, thanks for your input.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Take care & be well,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">-Gary <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">R. Gary Bechtholdt II<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Northbridge Town Planner<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="text-transform:uppercase">Community Planning & Development
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Aldrich School -Town Hall Annex, 14 Hill Street<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(508) 234-2447<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Northbridge Memorial Town Hall<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">7 Main Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.northbridgemass.org">www.northbridgemass.org</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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