Natick Gets $25K Grant For Downtown Street Improvements

NATICK, MA — Natick recently received a $25,000 grant from the state Shared Streets and Spaces Program, a new MassDOT effort that supports businesses reopening this summer during a lull in the coronavirus pandemic.

Natick was one of 12 cities and towns to share in the first round of grants. According to MassDOT, the money will be used to, "create temporary outdoor dining areas on sidewalks, parking lanes, and driving lanes, as well as various pedestrian safety measures to encourage walking and bicycling to and around downtown and slow traffic speeds using metal pedestrian fences, planters, and similar materials."

The grants will help cities and towns as people take advantage of outdoor dining options.

Natick is also set to received about $300,000 from the federal government that will allow the town to give grants to certain small businesses. Eventually, the town will offer $10,00 grants to "microenterprises," which are local businesses that have five or fewer employees.