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PARC Grant Application for Acquisition of 15-25 Cross Street East]
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Official Text
To the Honorable Board of Aldermen:
I respectfully request your approval to authorize the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development to seek funding and enter into any understandings or assurances with the Commonwealth to receive funds to acquire three parcels of vacant land on Cross Street East, with the intention to turn them into a neighborhood park.
15-25 Cross Street East is located behind the Cross Street Senior Center on Broadway. East Somerville is a tight-knit community with a significant lack of public open space. A park in this location would be well used by residents of all ages who need a healthy place to exercise, relax and socialize. Excellent recreational facilities and increased green space is a City priority and acquiring these parcels will significantly further our goals to increase quality of life, maximize return on taxpayer dollars, and promote a healthy environment for all.
The three parcels that constitute 15-25 Cross Street East are appraised at $650,000. This application for $416,000 represents 64% of the funds required for the proposed park acquisition. The remaining 36% of the match, $234,000 represents funds that will be required by the City to be provided during fiscal years 2011-2012. I will work with Members of the Board and the appropriate Committees to secure these matching funds.
This application is for a PARC Grant (formerly Urban Self Help Grant, Chapter 933 of the Acts of 1987, as amended) to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs through its Division of Conservation Services. The PARC grant application is due on July 15, 2010 to qualify for the FY 2011 grant round. Since this is reimbursement funding, the City hereby assures the State that we have the funds to finance the acquisition of 15-25 Cross Street East and will provide the State with the required documentation for reimbursement.
A separate, future vote of the Board of Aldermen will be needed acquire the property.
Thank you for your consideration.