In full transparency, the following is a press release from the Town of Ashland submitted to SOURCE media.
***
[broadstreet zone=”59945″]
“The Town of Ashland is at an important phase in its 175- year history as we have committed to several large-scale improvement projects. This grant complements the community’s focus to reinvigorate our bustling small town. More than $14.6 Million in state and local funds have been dedicated to the Downtown Revitalization Project focusing on roadway improvements to Main Street and Front Street. These additional state grant funds further that commitment,” said Town Manager Michael Herbert.
[broadstreet zone=”59946″]
The Town of Ashland will use this grant funding for improvements from Main Street to 134 Front Street, Ashland Lumber. This project priorities public safety and increases accessibility for all pedestrians and road users in a bustling area in the community.
Residents frequently walk up and down Front Street, visiting the public library, local small businesses, and restaurants. Montenegro Square also hosts the popular Farmers Market and seasonal events. Enhancements to pedestrian access points-including sidewalk upgrades,
installing pedestrian ramps, and decorative lighting, are vital in this downtown area.
The state launched the Shared Winter Streets and Spaces Program in 2020 to assist municipalities and communities withstand COVID-19 restrictions.
[broadstreet zone=”58610″]
MassDOT CEO Jamey Tesler said “This program is intended to support projects that promote public health, safe mobility, and renewed commerce by quickly providing new or repurposed space for socially-distanced walking, bicycling, dining, retail, and bus travel.”
The design for downtown is complete, and construction will begin in the coming months.
MassBay Community College 
J And Company