Nearly $2 million in community development block grants will go toward housing projects and child care subsidies in five Island towns, the state announced Thursday.

More than $2 million in community development block grants have been awarded to the Island and Gosnold this year.

The state Department of Housing and Community Development has presented an alternative to plans that would have stemmed a key source of funding for low and moderate income households.

West Tisbury, a town which has only qualified for housing rehabilitation and child care funds every three years, is now eligible every year. But in neighboring Chilmark, it's a different story.

The health of the historic resort community is not in doubt. But a streetscape master plan project begun in January wants to identify parts of the downtown that can be improved. And planners want more public opinion.

Ralph Gross stood in his brand new living room one afternoon this week, the freshly painted yellow walls and new furniture a far cry from the room that once held two bunk beds for his five sisters and mother.

“We washed the clothes over there,” Mr. Gross, 74, said pointing to the new red bathroom, once a washroom and now a full bath and handicap accessible.

“It’s pretty much the same, but so much better,” he said with a warm smile.