FY23 PARC_HH Park_Council Letter Resolution 6.2 — File 22-1322

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 HENRY HANSEN PARK Whereas: Henry Hansen Park, located at 487 Medford 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: Henry Hansen Park is not yet dedicated to active recreational use in perpetuity under M.G.L. Chapter 45, Section 3; and Whereas: Henry Hansen Park’s restoration, guided in principle by SomerVision 2040, will greatly enhance this facility with vastly enhanced educational and interpretive displays and signage, replacement of dying vegetation with new local plantings, increased ADA accessibility, a bubbler/water bottle filler, and expanded, more comfortable seating; and Whereas: The main focus of the restoration, in accordance with the Plan, is to renovate Henry Hansen Park in order to provide a fully-accessible, fully-integrated greenspace where residents can learn about the strength and heroism of a former Somerville resident while finding respite from busy Magoun Square. The overall cost of the Henry Hansen 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 Henry Hansen Park will cost approximately $670,043 (Six Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Forty-three Dollars) and the City hereby commits to allocating $670,043 to support the project. Whereas: As a condition of receiving a PARC grant, Henry Hansen Park must be dedicated to active recreational use in perpetuity according to M.G.L. c. 45, §3 and the City hereby commits to dedicating the park (0.06 acres/ 4,647 square feet) upon completion of the renovation. 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.