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Seven downtown initiatives in Central Massachusetts from Athol to Wayland have received a boost through the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative.

The state program awarded $300,000 to 20 communities last week with funds to work with consultants to help on a range of plans including design work, housing, small business support and wayfinding, or the use of signs and other visual cues to help visitors get around.

Cities and towns received $15,000 each.

Auburn, Hudson, Shrewsbury and Wayland will use state funds to help with wayfinding and branding strategies for their downtowns. Auburn's will focus on Drury Square, where Route 12 and Auburn Street meet, and Wayland's will look at the Route 20 corridor.

Athol will pursue a parking management strategy, and Milford will undertake a housing-focused zoning study. Spencer will hire a consultant to analyze parking needs.

The Massachusetts Downtown Initiative, administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development, has given out more than $1 million to communities since 2015.

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