FY22 PARC_Junction Park Council Resolution 6.23.21 — File 212158

A RESOLUTION TO FILE AND ACCEPT GRANTS WITH AND FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS FOR THE PARKLAND ACQUISITIONS AND RENOVATIONS FOR COMMUNITIES PROGRAM FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO SOMERVILLE JUNCTION PARK Whereas: Somerville Junction Park, located at 112A Central Street, is a community-wide asset and preservation and improvements to City open space are a City priority as evidenced in the most recent Open Space and Recreation Plan (“Plan”); and Whereas: Somerville Junction Park is dedicated to park and recreation purposes under M.G.L. Chapter 45, Section 3; and Whereas: Somerville Junction Park’s restoration and expansion, guided in principle by SomerVision 2040, will greatly enhance this facility with a new splash pad, outdoor fitness facility, ADA accessible raised beds, educational and interpretive signage, and landscaping; and Whereas: The main focus of the restoration and expansion, in accordance with the Plan, is to expand Somerville Junction Park in order to provide additional passive and low-impact recreation that complements the nearby Hoyt-Sullivan Park, which was recently renovated to provide more high-impact recreation. The overall cost of the Junction Park project and fiscal budget constraints prevented the City from proceeding forward with implementation; and Whereas: The project was a priority to be implemented as fiscal resources were available, with the intention of securing grant funding, when and if available, to assist in this effort; and Whereas: The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is offering reimbursable grants to cities and towns to support the preservation and restoration of urban parks through the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant program (301 CMR 5.00); and Whereas: Restoration and expansion of Somerville Junction Park will cost a total of $1,162,000 (One Million, One Hundred and Sixty-two Dollars) and the City hereby commits to allocating $1,162,000 to support the project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT 1. That the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to file grant applications with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and to accept any grants subsequently awarded with City Council approval; and 2. That the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to take such other actions as are necessary to carry out the terms, purposes, and conditions of this grant to be administered by the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development; and 3. That this resolution shall take effect upon passage.