Region receives delayed community development grants Athol Center as seen from Bears Den Road. Staff File Photo/Paul Franz Modified: 3/5/2021 1:31:01 PM Towns across Franklin County and the North Quabbin region have received their Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards, and plan to use them for everything from small infrastructure projects and housing rehabilitation efforts, to helping social service agencies and food pantries. Gov. Charlie Baker announced the most recent round of awards, informing 41 cities and towns — seven in Franklin County and Athol — that there was $34 million in federal funding to share. The eight communities in this area received nearly $5.3 million.