Worcester Group Calls For More Meetings On Federal Stimulus Plan

WORCESTER, MA — A coalition of Worcester community groups is supporting a call to hold more meetings about a plan to spend more than $110 million in federal stimulus dollars.

The group Worcester Community United (WCU), which is part of the group Massachusetts Jobs with Justice, says many people in the city are being left out of the conversation over American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending. Worcester already has plans to spend almost all of the money on a variety of projects, but is setting aside $10 million for "community-driven projects that improve neighborhood vitality and quality of life."

The city has planned three forums on that $10 million tranche, plus an online survey. The first was held Monday at Burncoat High School, two more are coming up on Sept. 9 and Sept. 16 at the Main South Boys & Girls Club and the senior center. WCU said those locations aren't accessible enough and want forums at Great Brook Valley, Columbus Park Prep, Plumley Village — and also at the Boys & Girls Club and the senior center.

"Those of us who work on the ground with our community members know that to relieve the people, revive the economy and beat the virus, we must ensure that all our residents have access to these listening sessions and the democratic processes of the city," WCU said in a news release Thursday.

Many other cities in Massachusetts have opened up ARPA spending to the public. Framingham surveyed residents and held a public forum with the mayor on suggestions for the city's $28 million allotment. Springfield is planning community forums for its allotment. Boston has opened a survey and is planning nine community forums with more coming in October.

WCU also wants Worcester to hold a virtual session for residents who can't attend live, and wants translators available. The forums should also be recorded and made available for the public to watch, the group said.

WCU being backed by about 20 organizations, including the Worcester NAACP, the Seven Hills Foundation, Worcester Interfaith, the Main South Community Development Corporation and the Tenant Housing Alliance of Worcester.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated how the group WCU is organized.