Around Amherst: Park work, housing rehab, service programs getting block grant help By SCOTT MERZBACH AMHERST — Projects to improve access to Groff Park, modernize several affordable apartments and assist local businesses are being funded through an $825,000 Community Development Block Grant. Amherst officials recently learned that the town will get the money to pay for a new multi-use path on Mill Lane, get the Watson Farms apartments up to current specifications, and have 25 microenterprise businesses receive technical assistance provided by Valley Community Development. Five service programs are also benefiting, including the food pantry at the Amherst Survival Center, youth mentoring by Big Brothers Big Sisters, housing services for those experiencing homelessness by Amherst Community Connections, family stabilization support from Family Outreach of Amherst and English for Speakers of Other Languages and career preparation assistance for immigrants offered by the Center for New Americans.