In response to COVID-19, FRCOG offices are closed. Staff are working remotely. Email is likely the most efficient way to reach us. You can find our contact information on the Staff page under the About link below.

Building, plumbing and wiring inspectors are available for meetings by appointment only.

All meetings, workshops and forums are cancelled or have been changed to a call-in or video format.  Please look for emails from FRCOG staff about specific meetings or on our calendar at the Meetings and Events link below.

Archive | November, 2020

New rounds of the MassDOT Shared Streets & Spaces Grant have been Announced

MassDOT has announced new funding for the Shared Streets and Spaces Program to help municipalities address the challenges of winter and the ongoing public health crisis. This new phase of the Shared Streets and Spaces Program is called Shared Winter Streets and Spaces. The program provides grants from $5,000 to $300,000 for quick-build improvements to sidewalks, curbs, streets, on-street parking spaces, and off-street parking lots in support of public health, safe mobility, and renewed commerce.

MassDOT has allocated $10 million for this program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made in four rounds. The deadlines for the 4 rounds are December 4th, January 5th, January 29th, and February 26th. Please note that this review schedule is different from the first, summer version of the Shared Streets and Spaces Program.

For further details about the program go to https://www.mass.gov/shared-winter-streets-and-spaces-grant-program.

COVID Testing Options: November

Testing for asymptomatic people (people who are not currently sick):

  • Community Health Center of Franklin County:  www.chcfc.org/testing — Tuesdays in Greenfield, Fridays in Orange at the new location at 119 New Athol Rd in Orange on Fridays as of November 6.  Note: Per state mandate, testing solely for travel reasons is available, but Mass Health is the only insurance covering that cost. Others will not be covered by insurance and the cost will be billed to the patient. Note: week of November 23rd the testing is Greenfield, Monday only. Not in Orange on Friday.
  • Stop The Spread sites: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread — Free drive-through for anyone — closest to us are weekdays in Holyoke and Springfield. Check the website for specific times.
  • Valley Medical Group offers testing for their patients for any reason (Mondays and Fridays 8-4 in Greenfield with an appointment).
  • Baystate Franklin Medical Center: https://www.baystatehealth.org/covid19/testing  Daily testing in Greenfield at a new location across the street: 157 High St.  You must schedule an appointment to be tested by calling 413-795-TEST and you will need a physician referral.

Testing for people with symptoms:

  • All of the above sites will also test those with symptoms.
  • Medical Providers with onsite testing for their patients include CHFCFC, Baystate Medical Practices (at drive-through across the street from BFMC), Valley Medical Group (Mondays and Fridays 8-4 in Greenfield with an appointment).