State doles out anti-gang grant money

Feb. 11--QUINCY -- The state has awarded $7.74 million to 27 cities and 13 research partners through the Shannon Community Safety Initiative, which targets gang violence in the commonwealth, including some for Quincy.

The Metro Mayors Coalition, which includes Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Quincy, Revere, Somerville and Winthrop was awarded $434,786, to be spread throughout the communities.

With Monday's announcement, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded more than $33 million through the program since taking office. The competitive Senator Charles E. Shannon Jr., Community Safety Initiative Grant Program gives money to communities and local partners to bolster their efforts to combat gang violence.

The grants provide funds to communities that demonstrate high levels of youth violence and gang problems, a comprehensive plan to work with multi-disciplinary partners and a commitment to coordinated prevention and intervention strategies. Funded strategies include social intervention and opportunity provision programs, as well as gang task force personnel costs and overtime.

In Quincy, the money helps pay for a recreational basketball tournament for local youths.

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