Agenda Text
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Requesting the appropriation and authorization of total project costs for the renovation of Prospect Hill Park, the rededication of the Park to park purposes in perpetuity, and the authorization to seek funding from the PARC Grant Program.
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Official Text
To the Honorable Board:
As required by the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant, I respectfully request that you appropriate and authorize funds for the purpose of construction necessary for the renovation of Prospect Hill Park, located at the corner of Munroe Street and Prospect Hill Parkway, shown on Assessors’ Map as Map 80-Block E-Lot 6, and sometimes referred to as 0 Munroe Street. The total project cost of $2,511,000 will be provided by the reimbursable State PARC Grant (FY 2018) in the amount of $400,000; $266,666 by the City’s Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations; $797,300 granted by the Community Preservation Act and $1,047,034 in City park stabilization funds (Item # 206595) (Includes the required contribution for FY 19 PARC grant). These funding sources comprise the total project cost.
Prospect Hill Park is significant both as an historic asset and as critically needed open space. The City acquired the property comprising the park by two instruments, the first in 1898, recorded in the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds in Book 2699, Page 168, and the second in 1901, recorded in Book 2904, Page 567. Prospect Hill Park was re-dedicated to park purposes and recreational use in perpetuity according to M.G.L. c. 45, §14 on December 14, 2017 (Item# 204675), and authorization to seek funding and enter into any understandings or assurances with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to receive funds to assist in restoration of Prospect Hill Park was granted on June 14, 2017 (Item # 206096).
The City of Somerville may be awarded this $400,000 reimbursable FY 2019 PARC grant, made available through the Commonwealth’s Division of Conservation Services, in winter 2019. However, as a condition of PARC grant acceptance, the City must authorize all construction funding by December 31, 2019, regardless of when the grant announcement takes place. Without a vote, the state grant contract cannot be awarded.
The plans for the Prospect Hill Park renovation have been developed with robust input from the community and the Historic Preservation Commission, and construction began in the fall of 2018. Assuring the highest quality open spaces, and ensuring residents with limited physical abilities have better access to parks and playgrounds are City priorities. Renovation of this historic park will significantly increase the quality of life for Somerville residents.
Thank you for your consideration. OSPCD staff will be available to answer any questions you may have.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph A. Curtatone, Mayor