Shared Winter Streets and Spaces program announced

Funding available to support cities and towns to create safe spaces during the winter months 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation, through the Baker-Polito administration, is entering a new phase in its Shared Streets and Spaces Program. Applications are now being accepted for Shared Winter Streets and Spaces. 

Across the region, downtowns re-imagined streetscapes and infrastructure in an effort to support social distancing, adhere to new health and safety regulations, and allow for continued economic recovery during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Shared Streets and Spaces has already provided a total of $10.2 million dollars to 123 projects in 103 Massachusetts cities and towns.  The Town of Barnstable was awarded $58,300 to enhance pedestrian spaces along a new walkway in downtown Hyannis.  

“The Town of Barnstable modified Hyannis Main Street from June to November this year to create additional space for pedestrians and outdoor business use and to promote public health and safety in response to the COVID-19 health crisis,” said Elizabeth Jenkins, Town of Barnstable Director of Planning and Development. “One lane of traffic was closed to vehicles, turning over space to people for walking, dining, and shopping, and creating an engaging atmosphere. The Shared Streets and Spaces grant provided enhancements to the streetscape, including furniture and a ‘kids fun zone’ to further activate the mile-long street and encourage outdoor experiences into the shoulder season.” 

Shared Winter Streets and Spaces will be focused on supporting communities during the next several months, when the need for physical distancing poses challenges.  The program will invest in cities and towns in order to facilitate outdoor activities and winter programming by creating safe spaces for people of all ages and abilities to walk, bicycle, eat, shop, play, and enjoy community events. 

An additional $10 million total is now available to Massachusetts cities and towns to conceive, design, and execute improvements to sidewalks, curbs, streets, plazas, and parking areas in support of public health, safe mobility, and renewed commerce. 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made in four rounds.  Cape Cod Commission staff are available to provide technical assistance to Cape Cod towns wishing to apply for grant funding.  

Information about the Shared Winter Streets and Spaces funding round can be found at www.mass.gov/shared-winter-streets-and-spaces-grant-program.