CPC Final Funding Rec FY26 BoB Path — File 26-0153

City of Somerville Community Preservation Committee COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FOR Blessing of the Bay Linear Park Improvement Project Description City of Somerville OSPCD Division of Public Space and Urban Forestry (PSUF) is requesting additional funds for construction of the linear park improvements designed under a previous CPA grant in FY23, adding to an initial tranche for construction that was awarded in FY24. The project will expand recreational opportunities and open space at Blessing of the Bay Park by creating a grade-separated, shared use community path and shade tree buffer. The project will provide an additional 0.61 acres of open space reclaimed from a road right-of-way, add a community path, and address heat island issues through the addition of trees and green infrastructure. The total construction budget is currently estimated at $3,573,737, with a previous CPA commitment of $426,925 for construction which has leveraged additional outside funding sources covering the balance of the project. Eligibility Open Space/Recreation: This project would create new open space and recreational amenities. Recommendation On January 28, 2026 by a vote of 8-0, the Community Preservation Committee recommended that the City of Somerville OSPCD Division of Public Space and Urban Forestry be awarded a total of $124,331 of Community Preservation Act funds, including $100,331 from the Open Space Reserve and $24,000 from the Budgeted Reserve for construction of the Blessing of the Bay Linear Park Improvement, as described in their FY26 Funding Application. Funding Conditions The project will follow the General Conditions outlined in a Memorandum of Agreement between the CPC and PSUF. In addition, the following special condition applies to this project: 1. If the Blessing of the Bay Linear Park is subject to a change in use which reduces or eliminates the open/outdoor recreation space within 50 years of the approval of this grant the funds will be required to be returned to the CPA fund Open Space Reserve, unless the Community Preservation Committee consents to allow the City to retain the funds. Documentation • FY 26 Funding Application Blessing of the Bay Construction