CPC Funding Recommendation - Artfarm revised 7-6-23 — File 24-1431

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE FY24 RECOMMITMENT OF FY19 FUNDING RECOMMENDATION FOR ARTFARM, CITY OF SOMERVILLE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE DIVISION PROJECT DESCRIPTION ArtFarm will convert a 2.1 acre site, which was formerly a waste transfer facility, into open space with a focus on recreation and urban agriculture. In addition to the open space component, an ArtBarn will be built that will provide rehearsal and performance space. CPA funds will support the park improvements on site to ensure the site is fully ADA accessible, provide extensive passive recreation, urban agricultural, and community gardens for the community. No CPA funds are being requested for the ArtBarn. This recommendation reiterates a recommendation originally made by the CPC in 2019 for the ArtFarm project, described in the 2019 funding application. ELIGIBILITY Recreational Land: ArtFarm will provide a new opportunity for active and passive recreation as well as urban agriculture. RECOMMENDED FUNDING On July 26, 2023 by a vote of 7-0 the Community Preservation Committee recommended appropriating $542,675 for this project: $367,899 to come from the open space/recreational land reserve budget, and $174,776 from the budgeted reserve. The CPC further supports the intention to bond an additional $457,325 of CPA funds for this project, to be submitted as a future request for funding. Funds will be given to the control of the City of Somerville for the overall purposes summarized in the FY19 funding application. ALIGNMENT WITH FY24 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PLAN ArtFarm will provide new open space on a 2.1 acre site for the City of Somerville as well as additional community gardening opportunities. FUNDING CONDITIONS 1. The CPA-funded portion of the project must be initiated within three years unless extension is granted by the CPC. 2. CPA funds will be used only for CPA eligible expenses. 3. The City of Somerville will install a permanent sign noting CPA funding at the completion of the project and a temporary sign during construction. The full proposal is available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15tnQZY81FtP41Hnp1aiW- LlKu4ud4cX_/view?usp=share_link KATJANA BALLANTYNE MAYOR CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE