Parks, playgrounds upgrades identified in Framingham. What places are on the city's list
FRAMINGHAM — Three and a half years after city voters approved a property tax surcharge to help fund projects to enhance recreation, historic preservation and acquire and preserve undeveloped land, a group tasked with coming up with spending recommendations has unveiled its proposals.
The Community Preservation Act question was added to the November 2020 municipal ballot by city councilors. It passed with 62.5% of the vote, 19,078-11,414. The following July, Framingham residential and commercial property owners began paying a 1% surcharge on their property tax bills.
Last month, the Framingham Community Preservation Committee recommended 13 projects, totaling $3,023,250 in CPA funding this year. Projects still need to be approved by the Framingham City Council, and all projects must enter into a grant agreement with the city and submit regular progress and budget reports.
'Thrilled by the outcome': Framingham votes to adopt Community Preservation Act
Here are the 13 recommended projects:
Rental subsidy support program
Total funding: $120,000
CPA category: Community housing
Funding will go toward the city's rental subsidy program, a municipal-operated system that provides assistance to those renting in the city, with a preference for veterans and municipal employees. Funding for eligible renters can total as much as $12,000 per year, per household.
Rental subsidies for low-income families
Total funding: $90,000
CPA category: Community housing
This program is similar to the rental subsidy program, with the difference being that funding is being requested by local nonprofit Jewish Family Service of Metrowest. JFS is seeking the funding to provide emergency rental assistance to low-income families, primarily immigrant families with children who are at immediate risk of eviction and homelessness.
Consolidation of services: Homeless families moved from Marlborough to Framingham
Softball complex design study
Total funding: $35,000
CPA category: Open space and recreation
Funding would be aimed at providing a conceptual design for softball fields at both the Walsh Middle School and Dunning Elementary School. Funds are being requested by Framingham Youth Softball, with approval by Framingham Public Schools and Framingham Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs.
Carol Getchell Trail boardwalk
Total funding: $650,000
CPA category: Open space and recreation
This funding, which is being requested by the Framingham Conservation Commission, is for removing a deteriorated portion of the boardwalk on the Carol Getchell Trail, and replacing it with a 1,000-foot section of new boardwalk that is ADA compliant.
Pratt Street Community Garden fence
Total funding: $45,500
CPA category: Open space and recreation
At the request of Transition Framingham and the Framingham Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department, this funding will be used to install a perimeter fence, as well as permanent on-site storage, at the Pratt Street Community Garden.
Reardon Park construction
Total funding: $500,000
CPA category: Open space and recreation
This funding request is aimed at substantial construction efforts at Reardon Park, on Maymont Drive. The funding, which is requested by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs, would pay for new playground equipment, as well as the installation of a splash pad at the playground.
Ecological restoration on Cochituate Trail
Total funding: $39,500
CPA category: Open space and recreation
At the request of the Department of Public Works, this funding will be used to mitigate the impact of erosion along the west side of the Cochituate Trail near its School Street entrance. Funding will also be used to install native plants on the trail.
Waushakum Lake rehabilitation study
Total funding: $51,250
CPA category: Open space and recreation
The proposed plan would be to gather data for analysis and a planning study to help mitigate issues at Waushakum Lake regarding phosphorus in the water. The study could potentially be used for a long-term plan that would allow for the lake and beach area to be used more frequently by the public.
Athenaeum Hall preservation and reuse
Total funding: $500,000
CPA category: Historic preservation
At the request of the Framingham History Center, along with the Friends of Saxonville and the Framingham Planning & Community Development Department, funding would go toward preserving the exterior of the historic Athenaeum Hall, 15 Watson Place. Repairs would include fixing the building's roof and windows, as well as improving insulation.
Framingham History Center restoration
Total funding: $260,000
CPA category: Historic preservation
This project would help make the Framingham History Center's academy building, at 16 Vernon St., more accessible by restoring the portico to make it ADA compliant. Funding would also be used to construct a handicap accessible bathroom at the academy.
Village Hall wall restoration
Total funding: $132,000
CPA category: Historic preservation
Funding would be used to restore the South Hall at the historic Village Hall on the Common, 2 Oak St. The request is being made by the Framingham History Center, and would involve the replacement or restoration of historic shutters and the installation of a moisture barrier.
Memorial Building preservation
Total funding: $200,000
CPA category: Historic preservation
Funding for the Memorial Building would be aimed at planning and developing bathrooms that meet ADA compliance. The request is being made by Grants Manager Meghan Todd and the Capital Projects & Facilities Managment Department.
Edgell Grove Cemetery tomb renovation
Total funding: $400,000
CPA category: Historic preservation
This funding would be used for structural work and exterior restoration of masonry, doors, windows and theroof of the historic Edgell Grove Cemetery Tomb House to provide ADA access. The historic tomb house has been undergoing a multi-phased restoration project to bring it up to modern standards.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Framingham IDs 13 projects for Community Preservation act money
