Western Mass cities see cuts in gang prevention grants

Western Mass cities see cuts in gang prevention grants

SPRINGFIELD – A gang violence prevention grant the city has had for two decades has been reduced by one-third, leaving some concerned it will cut into youth programs that keep young people off the street. This year’s Shannon Community Safety Initiative grant was cut back to $860,688 from the previous year’s $1.24 million. It is the first time in recent memory the grant funding has dropped below $1 million in the city, Police Lt. Brian Elliott sa…