New Bedford ‘Love the Ave’ Project Receives $100K Grant

BOSTON — Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) is pleased to announce that the New Bedford Community Economic Development Center (CEDC) has been awarded $100,000 from the Massachusetts Urban Agenda Grants program to support the “Love the Ave” economic development project along Acushnet Avenue.

The Urban Agenda program is funded by the legislature to promote economic vitality and cultivate stronger urban neighborhoods across Massachusetts. The Love the Ave project is one of 23 total awards to be distributed tomorrow by Governor Baker. The $100,000 grant will support the hiring of a coordinator to stimulate economic development along Acushnet Avenue by working with Latino small businesses, community members, and other stakeholders to fill vacant storefronts with arts and culture displays, make physical improvements on facades, and create family-friendly events to attract new customers.

“Congratulations to Corinn Williams and her team at CEDC for their continued efforts to breathe new life into Acushnet Avenue through the creative use of arts, culture, and small business development,” said Senator Montigny. “This award will go a long way to help strengthen this neighborhood and diversify our local economy.”

— Sen. Montigny’s Office