JOSEPH A. CURTATONE

MAYOR

Please check ( ) each item included in your submission, which should include the applicable items in the order listed below.

GENERAL: � Application Cover Page (form provided) � Submission Requirements Checklist (this form) � Narratives (prompts provided) � Project timeline: a project schedule showing all major milestones (i.e., study, design, environmental,

permitting, construction, etc.), including receipt of other funding sources � Grant and Trust Funds Disclosure Form (form provided)

FINANCIAL:

� Budget Summary (form provided) � Itemized budget of all project costs, including the proposed source for each cost � At least two written quotes for project costs. If quotes cannot be secured, detailed cost estimates may be

used if a thorough explanation of the estimates is included. � Proof of secured funding (e.g., commitment letters or bank statements), if applicable

VISUAL:

� Map of the property location showing all features pertinent to the project, including current or future rapid transit stations

� Photos of the project site (not more than 4 views per site); include digital copies OWNERSHIP/OPERATION (NON-CITY):

� Documentation of site control or written consent of the property owner to undertake the project, if the owner is not the applicant

� If the City has signed on as a co-applicant for community projects proposed on City land. � Certificates of Good Standing from the City and the State, if applicable � 501(c)(3) certification, if operating as a non-profit � Purchase and sale agreement or copy of current recorded deed, if applicable

COMMUNITY SUPPORT (RECOMMENDED):

� Letters of support from residents, community groups, other City boards, commissions, or departments, or from City, state, or federal officials

HISTORIC RESOURCES PROJECTS:

� Documentation that the project is listed on the State Register of Historic Places or a written determination from the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission that the resource is significant in the history, archeology, architecture, or culture of Somerville.

� Photos documenting the condition of the property � Report or condition assessment by a qualified professional describing the current condition of the

property, if available. PLANS AND REPORTS (IF AVAILABLE; SUBMIT DIGITAL COPIES ONLY)

CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

FY17 FUNDING CYCLE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST

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� Renderings, site plans, engineering plans, design and bidding plans, specifications, and any MAAB variance requests

� Applicable reports (e.g., 21E, historic structure report, appraisals, survey plans, feasibility studies).

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CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

FY17 FUNDING CYCLE NARRATIVE PROMPTS

Mystic River Watershed Association Project Description 11. Describe the project, including the project location and the property involved.

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DCR), a co-applicant, and Groundwork Somerville will create a comprehensive, community-driven plan and design for Blessing of the Bay Park on the Mystic River. With the input of local residents and stakeholders, the comprehensive revitalization plan will identify the physical features, natural areas, programming and amenities needed to transform this park into one that supports recreation, active transportation, social cohesion and ecological health. This plan will include the 5-acre park only, not the boat house and parking lot (see boundaries of the project, Blessing of the Bay Park Diagram).

As part of this project, MyRWA, DCR and Groundwork Somerville will work with a landscape architecture and engineering firm to produce two main deliverables:

25% Design Landscape Plan- a community-driven park plan that takes into account recommendations from the two master planning processes and feedback garnered from outreach – this will include new design features/amenities and planting schemes based on best practices in sustainable design; the plan will also include programming components [deliverables: survey, rendered park plan and 1-2 perspective drawings]

Phasing and Cost Estimates for Implementation- a phasing schedule for short-term, lower-cost improvements (that could potentially be done with volunteers) and long-term, higher-cost improvements (includes recommendations beyond the study area such as contiguous waterfront paths and other relevant circulation/access issues); estimated full design/construction costs for all elements; long-term landscape management plan [deliverables: cost and phasing matrix, landscape management plan outline].

The plans will rely heavily on public engagement to incorporate the needs and desires of the diverse local community, ensuring that the park will be well-used and maintained in the long-term. Groundwork Somerville will provide continuity in community outreach, which already started during the Mystic Healey Master Plan, involving immigrant/non-native English speaking and low-income residents, people of color and youth. This project will result in a comprehensive needs assessment of surrounding residents, completed through online/in-person surveys, one-on-one conversations, workshops and events with local community members.

MyRWA has included the following letters of support for this project: Friends of the Community Path; Friends of the Healey School; Gentle Giant; Groundwork Somerville; Mark Niedergang, Ward 5 Alderman; and Somerville Climate Action Committee. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, owner of the land, has also provided a letter of support and is a co-applicant.

22. Why is this project needed? How does it preserve and enhance the character of Somerville? How does the project benefit the public? What population(s) will it serve?

The Blessing of the Bay Park is important open space in Somerville and part of the Mystic River Reservation – a 10 mile, 370-acre linear park system. Community feedback has revealed that this park is underutilized due to an unwelcoming layout, limited views and access to the river's edge, and lack of awareness of existing programming. If designed to serve the needs and interests of local communities, this park could be elevated to the use-levels and status of nearby parks.

Blessing of the Bay Park is located within a 5-minute walk for nearly 3,000 residents with approximately 1,200 living in the Ten Hills neighborhood. A sub-population is 667 households in the Somerville Housing Authority developments (Mystic Housing is across the street from this park). This community represents environmental justice populations that include low-income youth, youth of color, immigrants and their families. 96% of these 1-5 person households earn $45,000 or less a year, and 64% earn less than $20,000 a year, which places a family of 3 (the majority of households) below the poverty line.

Equitable access is more nuanced than ensuring proximal geography to resources like open space – the space must be personally important or relevant to users’ needs. Moreover, by including neighbors in the development and planning process, we expect to create a sense of ownership of this space to foster stewardship and advocacy on the Park’s behalf.

Lastly, this project will build off of two existing master plans that have started to identify how this linear park could be improved. However, both of these master plans covered a much larger area – this specific park and surrounding communities would benefit from a deep-dive, assessing needs and potential for improvement. A summary of findings and recommendations include:

2009 Mystic River Master Plan (Dept. of Conservation and Recreation and Mystic River Watershed Association)

“The boathouse and surrounding landscape are in poor condition and the existing docks are not ideal for crew activities…A number of new overlooks, as well as selected clearing to open views on both banks of the River, would allow for expansive River views along this entire stretch of the River.”

Recommended improvements:

New boathouse and dock more suitable for crew activities and storage New picnic areas and gathering places New overlooks New trail alignment Selective clearing/pruning to open views to the River

2016 Healy Mystic Master Plan (Friends of the Healy School and Groundwork Somerville)

“Visitors are unsure what the boathouse is and what to do in the park…a few key changes in the layout and additional natural and recreational features would improve the park and connect people to the Mystic River.”

Recommended improvements:

Removal of invasive species, especially along selected areas of the river’s edge Native plantings along the shore and additional trees along the border of Shore Drive Viewing decks at the edge of the river New path along the river Programming activities (focused on games, art, food)

Additional recreational amenities Long-term volunteer stewardship plan (like a Friends group)

33. How does the project meet the general and category-specific priorities outlined in the Community Preservation Plan, including how the project incorporates sustainable practices and design?

The proposed project will improve accessibility to recreation space for nearly 3,000 residents within a 5-minute walk of Blessing of the Bay Park. Blessing of the Bay sits on the Mystic River, and this project would help expand access to and use of this River as listed under the FY17 Community Preservation Plan Priorities. Additionally, the resulting plan would help improve the ecological health of the shores—also a listed priority.

This project proposal coincides with DCR’s renewed focus on the Mystic Reservation. This provides a time-sensitive opportunity to build relationships with DCR and create a quality park that will support a revitalized and reimagined boathouse at Blessing of the Bay. It will also build on the work begun by Groundwork Somerville in partnership with the Friends of the Healey School to bring more attention and connection to this park from the Healey School and Mystic Housing Development.

The scope of work given to design consultants as this proposal was developed indicates that the project team must have expertise in sustainable design practices. If this grant were awarded, these requirements would be embedded in the RFQ criteria for firm selection. Additionally, MyRWA and Groundwork Somerville already have expertise in invasive plant removal and native plantings, critical components of this park redesign.

Measuring Success 1. What are the goals of this project?

The long-term goal of this project is to expand both passive and active recreational opportunities at the Blessing of the Bay Park, making it a social and environmental hub for the local community. This park will also promote active transportation within the existing path greenway network, improving mobility and public health. The goals with the term of this grant include:

Complete a community-driven vision and design for the park (includes all deliverables outlined in Project Description, Question 1);

Engage diverse community members (100-200 from the Mystic House and Ten Hills neighborhood) and stakeholder organizations (eight outlined in Project Management Question 3) in creating the plan;

Build relationships between DCR, City of Somerville and local nonprofits (MyRWA, Groundwork) to ensure long-term success of this open space and the surrounding Mystic River Greenway network.

Catalyze a larger vision and investment in the Mystic River parklands and paths in Somerville

2. How will the success of this project be measured?

A. To measure community engagement goals, the project team will:

Count community members that participate in surveys, design workshops, one-on-one conversations and on-site events; Track demographic data inclusive of immigrant/non-native English speaking and low-income residents, people of color and youth that reside in the project area.

Create a baseline measure of the use of the Park – determine metrics and method for tracking use in the future as well as how to engage community members who have participated in design process.

A tertiary success will be in Groundwork’s Somerville ability to incorporate service learning into the green jobs training and leadership development curriculum of the Green Team. Green Team youth will gain on-the-ground training in community and civic engagement as well as landscape design.

B. Success within the plan is defined as a phased project that includes sustainable practices and designs and has consensus approval. The project team will:

Ensure that the design has 100% sustainable practices based on “SITES” rating system that identifies sustainable landscape and measures their performance.

Demonstrate approval by all key stakeholders and a majority of community members- these organizations/ individuals sign-on to identified next steps (could include park stewardship, programming, funding).

Create a baseline conditions map of invasive species – determine metrics and methodology for tracking over time.

Develop a Public Private Partnership with 3-5 stakeholders to identify sources for future funding needs such as 100% design, capital and long-term maintenance and programming

Financial 11. Describe all successful and unsuccessful attempts to secure funding and/or in-kind contributions, donations, or volunteer labor for the project. Describe any cost-saving measures to be implemented.

A majority of the funding will be paid directly to a landscape architecture and engineering firm that will develop the 25% design for the park revitalization. While there has been some data gathered on ways to improve this park, there has never been a dedicated community needs assessment completed nor has there been a design plan that provides a roadmap for future capital improvements. Furthermore, an illustrative vision that gets residents excited will garner more community support and help with future fundraising. Bringing private dollars will make DCR more likely to invest in the park with a public-private partnership match.

To save costs on this contractual piece, MyRWA will take the lead on community outreach and provide designers with ideas and recommendations that have already been collected. The Mystic River Watershed Association is matching $5,750 from our general support for staff involvement that is funded by the Devonshire Foundation. Additionally, MyRWA has secured matching funds of $15,000 from the Solomon Foundation for this effort specific to the design consultant and Patrick Herron’s time. Groundwork Somerville has committed the time of the Green Team, their Landscape Projects Manager and Green Team Coordinator to engage in community organizing and design workshops, along with funds pending from additional sources including the Mystic River Watershed Environment Fund (a total match of $16,800). The DCR is also committed to being engaged in this project and will provide in-kind support with the hours that will be worked on this project.

2. How was the total CPA funding request determined?

The Mystic River Watershed Association and our partners created a scope of work for the 25% design. We put the scope out to bid and received three responses that range from $32,000 to $47,000, which is

within this budgeted request. For non-consultant time, MyRWA worked with our partners to identify the amount of work that will be required to both manage the project and complete the community engagement. This is based on similar work that MyRWA and Groundwork have completed in the past.

33. Will the project require funding over multiple years? If so, please provide annual funding requirements.

This is a one-year project for a community-driven design plan to revitalize Blessing of the Bay Park. The full design and capital needed to complete this project would require 3 to 5 years.

4. How will the project be affected if it does not receive CPA funds or does not receive the full amount requested?

At this stage, DCR, the Mystic River Watershed Association and Groundwork Somerville do not have funding to complete the design and community engagement for this park. Therefore, without CPA funds, this project would not move forward. However, currently funded efforts include volunteer removal of invasive species, small garden plantings, and several community events and volunteer stewardship activities. Both MyRWA and Groundwork are continuing to explore future funding opportunities as this park is an important waterfront open space.

Project Management 1. Describe the applicant. Are they public, private non-profit, private for-profit, an individual, a partnership, or another type of entity? What is their history and background? Provide any additional relevant information.

The co-applicants include the Department of Conservation and Recreation (owners of the land) and the Mystic River Watershed Association. Groundwork Somerville is a named partner. MyRWA has partnered with DCR and Groundwork Somerville successfully in the past. Highlights of these partnerships include:

DCR & MyRWA: Completing improvements to Torbert Macdonald Park that includes invasive removals (both volunteer and staff led), paved pathways and a proposed River Overlook (to be completed in spring 2017). Planning for the creation of the Clippership Connector, a half-mile shared-use path which will link five contiguous miles of greenways north and south of Medford Square, creating a robust recreation and active transportation amenity.

Groundwork Somerville & MyRWA: The Green Team from Groundwork Somerville has participated every year since 2010 in MyRWA’s Water Chestnut Removal program. Additionally, the Green Team has partnered with MyRWA on a number of stormwater education projects including a new one for 2017 that will involve community drain-stenciling events. They are also a partner on a current National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Five Star Grant and have participated in Earth Day River Cleanups.

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) is a 501(c3) non-profit organization that works “to protect and restore the Mystic River, its tributaries and watershed lands for the benefit of present and future generations and to celebrate the value, importance and great beauty of these natural resources.” Established in 1972, MyRWA has met success in ensuring local implementation of the Clean Water Act, the clean-up of local hazardous waste, and the protection of nearby wetlands. In 2000, MyRWA instituted a certified water quality monitoring program that incorporates the help of trained, local volunteers. Local governments now depend on our water quality data to make watershed decisions, to take enforcement actions and the US EPA has relied on results from our monitoring program to give the Mystic River Watershed a formal grade every year since April 2007. We have worked with seven municipalities to make green infrastructure improvements based on this water quality data. 2010 saw the launch of our

water chestnut removal program by which 1,000 of volunteers/year remove this invasive species from our water. Last year, we launched the Greenways Initiative, whereby we are working to revitalize and restore the parklands and pathways along our River. For the coming year, MyRWA is launching a herring education project with six local school districts that will reach 1,500 students in year one alone.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is steward of one of the largest state parks systems in the country. Its 450,000 acres consists of forests, parks, greenways, historic sites and landscapes, seashores, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and watersheds. The MassParks Division of DCR, which has a budget of $40 million, protects land and resources on private and municipal land by providing technical assistance, grant and planning programs, policy development, and other services. DCR owns and maintains the Mystic River Reservation, a 329-acre linear park system. The reservation extends seven miles along the Mystic River and includes all the Mystic waterfront in Somerville including Blessing of the Bay.

Groundwork Somerville has engaged in the creation and preservation of green space in Somerville, as well as community engagement and organizing since its inception in 2000. Groundwork was a partner on the Healey Mystic Master Plan, and developed a community-led design for the neighboring Draw 7 Park, as well as several other open and green spaces around the city. They are the designers and stewards of Somerville’s first urban farm, the South Street Farm. They designed and maintain 14 garden classrooms in elementary schools throughout the city, and have the relevant experience to carry out a project of this scope.

2. Demonstrate that the applicant has successfully completed projects of similar type and scale or has the ability to complete the project as proposed.

MyRWA has demonstrated significant organizational experience during the past five years in properly managing and executing grant agreements and project deliverables of similar size. During the past five years, MyRWA has successfully completed fifteen grants totaling more than one million. These projects included the Sustainable Initiative Chelsea BMP Project ($70,000), the 2011 Woburn 604B Green Infrastructure Project ($49,580), the National Fish and Wildlife Mystic Water Chestnut Project ($50,000) and the 2013 Urban Waters Malden River Partnership ($60,000). MyRWA currently is managing three additional large scale grant undertakings including Urban Waters Small Grant ($60,000) for stormwater education collaborative, National Fish and Wildlife ($49,974.79) for volunteer led invasive species removal at area parks, and US Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Education ($80,116) for the river herring education project in local schools. To date all reports have been completed, and all deliverables are on target for completion.

MyRWA has the capacity to successfully implement the project. This includes the built infrastructure of long-term office space in Arlington with standard office equipment (phones, photocopiers, printers). The infrastructure includes computer hardware and software updated in 2013. All electronic information is backed up to the cloud. Additionally, our office manager has a decade of experience at MyRWA and keeps the financial records in order. Our 2015 audit is completed and no issues were found.

MyRWA staff has experience working cooperatively with municipal and community leaders and conducting outreach and education in the watershed communities. In her role as Greenways Director, Amber Christoffersen, who will lead this project, has already made progress on two projects whereby we have brought together stakeholders, begun to assess local park usage/needs and secured matching design and construction funding at Torbert Macdonald Park and the Clippership Connector both in Medford (funds raised to date total $197,500). Additionally, we have the commitment from the Commissioner at the Department of Conservation and Recreation to support our overall Greenways Initiative, which is looking to improve parklands and connect pathways along the Mystic and Malden

River. MyRWA has also hosted six stewardship days at local parks in 2016—bringing out close to 400 volunteers to clean up parks along the Mystic River.

Amber is a designer and planner who has worked on active transportation, open space and affordable housing projects in the Boston area and around the country. She most recently launched and led the Emerald Network, a vision for 200 miles of seamless greenways in Metro Boston. She holds a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the College of William and Mary.

33. Identify and describe the roles of all known participants, including the project manager.

Amber Christoffersen, Greenways Director at MMyRWA, will be the project manager. As the project manager, she will manage the consultant contract ensuring all final deliverables are complete and providing all reports (financial and narrative) to CPA, liaise with DCR and serve as the participatory design lead to coordinate community engagement with Groundwork Somerville.

Chris Mancini and Clay Larsen with Groundwork Somerville will lead community engagement, involving local residents, stakeholders, and their Green Team. Additional work will include promoting existing programming and creating original programming for the park.

Nicolas Connors, Director of External Relations & Partnerships with DCR will represent the agency throughout the process providing oversight and guidance by giving feedback on the design, attending project team and public meetings and approving the final deliverables. DCR is a co-applicant.

Design Consultant: In addition to the scope of work outlined above, the consultant will participate in a site tour at project kick-off and present at two public meetings.

We plan to engage The City of Somerville, Mystic Housing, Gentle Giant and community leaders as key stakeholders throughout the project. If an award is granted, we will identify leads. The above-mentioned organizations will form a Steering Committee. At the time of the contract award, additional stakeholders may be identified.

4. Describe the feasibility of the project and how it can be implemented within the timeline and budget included in this application.

MyRWA vetted the estimated consultant cost and timeline with three firms and with Groundwork Somerville and DCR. Prior to selecting the final consultant, the project team will further vet the firms to ensure that the fee and timeline are reasonable.

5. Describe any known or potential barriers to the successful on-time commencement and completion of the project, including any permits or inspections required.

There are no permits or inspections required for this project.

6. Describe any ongoing maintenance and programming required and who will be responsible for it.

Currently the park is maintained by DCR. The proposed project would not change this. The project would bring needed attention to this park, and establish a working relationship between Groundwork Somerville, MyRWA, the City and DCR—which can help ensure improved maintenance for the future.

7. Describe any permits, approvals, MAAB variance requests, or restrictions that are required for the project to go forward and the status for each.

None required.

88. Note if the applicant has previously received CPA funds and if so, a concise summary of the impact of the previous CPA project.

N/A

Historic Resources Rehabilitation Projects 1. Describe how the proposed project complies with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, as required by the CPA legislation under the definition of rehabilitation.

N/A

2. Describe how the applicant will ensure compliance with these standards as the project is ongoing, including an identification of who will make historic preservation determinations.

N/A

Accessibility Requirements 1. Describe how the proposed project complies with all ADA/MAAB Regulations.

All proposed design elements will be ADA compliant and the final plan will provide recommendations on how to retrofit any existing park elements that are not accessible.

Timeline Funding Notification: Mystic Environmental Fund- December 2016

CPA Funding Notification: April 2017

Project Kick-Off and Site Tour: May 2017*

Develop Schedule, Stakeholder Steering Committee and Conduct Initial Research: May-July 2017

Community Outreach: May-October 2017 (led by Groundwork and MyRWA- will include surveys, events)

Community Design Workshop: August 2017

Design Development: August-November 2017

Community Design Meeting: October 2017

Deliverables Completed: February 2017

Final Report: March 2017

* All estimates assume an award date of April 2017, the timeline will shift if this date changes and will be further refined upon project kick-off

JOSEPH A. CURTATONE

MAYOR

PROJECT NAME: _________________________________________________________________________________

APPLICANT: ____________________________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY OF PROJECT COSTS Please include a complete itemized budget of all project expenses, including the proposed funding source for each expense, in

your submission.

PROPOSED SOURCE EXPENSES STUDY SOFT COSTS* ACQUISITION CONSTRUCTION** TOTAL

1 Somerville CPA $ $ $ $ $

2

3

4

5

6

TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $ $ $ $ $ *Soft costs include design, professional services, permitting fees, closing costs, legal, etc. ** Construction includes new construction, preservation, rehabilitation, restoration work, and/or accessibility related expenses

EXPLANATION OF FUNDING SOURCES Please explain the status of each funding source (i.e., submitting application on X date, applied on X date, received award

notification on X date, funds on hand, etc.). For sources where funding has been awarded or funds are on hand, please include documentation from the funding source (e.g., commitment letter, bank statement) in application packet

SOURCE SECURED? (YES/NO) STATUS OF FUNDING SOURCE

1

2

3

4

5

CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

FY17 FUNDING CYCLE BUDGET SUMMARY

Blessing of the Bay Park RevitalizationMystic River Watershed Association

Merk Family Fund

Devonshire Foundation Yes funds in hand

Merck Family Fund Yes funds in handMystic Environmental Fund No applied Sept. 2016, awaiting award (estimated Dec. 2016)

Solomon Foundation Yes funds committed

Devonshire FdnMystic EnvironmentaSolomon Foundation

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$ 15,000.00

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THE BLESSING OF THE BAY PARK

Preliminary Proposal for Landscape Architectural Services

Schematic Design Phase

SUBTOTAL FEE FOR PHASE $27,230

Reimbursable Expenses

$15,400

SUMMARY FOR THE BLESSING OF THE BAY PARK

$42,630

Work Not Included:

GGroundView: Consulting Services Estimate Blessing of the Bay Park Revitalization 1. 25% Design Landscape Plan (1 rendered plan, 1-2 perspectives); Survey $15,000.00 - $22,000 2. Phasing Schedule; Cost Estimates by Phase; Long-term Landscape Management Plan $6,000 - $10,000 Estimate provided by Eden Dutcher November 29, 2016.

Sam Valentine RLA, LEED AP Landscape Architect Richard Burck Associates, Inc 7 Davis Square Somerville, MA 02144 617 623-2300 617 623-2322 It’s with great interest that Richard Burck Associates submits the following fee information for the Blessing of the Bay Park comprehensive plan. To prepare and present the analysis, deliverables, meetings, and other items mentioned in the attached document, RBA anticipates a proposal of $47,000. Following is the cost breakdown:

$16,600 for RBA’s work on Phase 1, based on assumed hours $15,400 for RBA’s work on Phase 2, based on assumed hours up to $8,000 for surveyor, assumed up to $3,000 for cost estimator, assumed up to $4,000 for a horticulture/ecology consultant, as needed for plant selection &

management, assumed

RBA specializes in public-realm site design and much of our recent work has taken place on linear, waterfront sites with circulation challenges such as those at Blessing of the Bay Park. We would love to work alongside MyRWA and Groundwork Somerville if this project moves forward.

Ruth Goldman

December 5, 2016

Amber ChristoffersenThe Mystic River Watershed Association20 Academy StreetArlington MA 02476-6401

RE: Pledge towards matching a CPA grant for the Blessing of the Bay park design

Dear Amber,

The Solomon Foundation is pleased to pledge up to $15,000 towards your proposed Blessing of the Bay park design effort. We think it wise to increase the proposed allocation for consulting services to at least $40,000 given the ambitious scope you laid out in our conversation today and to reduce your ask to the Somerville CPA to less than half of the overall budget. We leave this to your discretion of course and it is not a requirement of this pledge. This pledge will be good until May 1 by which time you should know if your Somerville CPA grant application has been accepted.

Best of luck,

Herb Nolan

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(1) View looking west towards boathouse (Mystic River is behind the vegetation on right)

(2) View across the river to Macdonald Park (cleared by neighbors and Goundwork over the years)

(3) View looking south towards Route 28, existing path is to the right of the tree allee, alongside Shore Drive, mystic River is to left behind vegetation

December 5, 2016 Dear Community Preservation Committee, The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is pleased to submit this proposal as a co-applicant for the for the Blessing of the Bay Park project. This project seeks to revitalize this park and tie it more closely into the nearby community and Somerville at large. In our capacity as the owner and as a co-applicant for this grant, we will partner with the Mystic River Watershed Association and Groundwork Somerville to engage in a planning process as part of a proposed Community Preservation Act Open Space project. The Blessing of the Bay Park is important part of the Mystic River Reservation – a 10 mile, 329-acre linear park system. But unlike the popular Baxter Park, this park is underutilized and could be reinvigorated through improved layout, an increase in views and access to the river’s edge, and expansion of existing programming. The 2009 Mystic River Master Plan references similar park improvements and community engagement carried out over the past year revealed the need to draw populations who rarely visit the Mystic River. A planning process could improve access and connection to these nearby neighborhoods A comprehensive plan and design – with the input of local residents and stakeholders – will identify the physical features, natural areas, programming and amenities needed to make this a destination park. DCR, in partnership with MyRWA and Groundwork Somerville, will manage the contract and engage the community in a comprehensive planning process. We hope you see merit in this important project – it has the potential to provide meaningful open spaces for the residents of Somerville and improve the quality and status of the Mystic River and its waterfront parklands.

Sincerely,

Nick Connors Director of External Affairs & Partnerships Department of Conservation and Recreation

Greg

Dear Chris, Please include e-mail as our letter of support from the Friends of the Healey for MyWRA and Groundwork Somerville’s CPA application in partnership with DCR to create comprehensive plan and design for improvements to the Blessing of the Bay Park. This work is consistent with the Healey Mystic Master Plan previously funded by the Community Preservation Act and continues the good work. g. Greg NadeauSomerville781-370-1017

Kristen Stelljes Community Preservation Act Manager City of Somerville 93 Highland Avenue Somerville, MA 02143

Dear Kristen,

As the Program Director of Gentle Giant Rowing (GGRC), I am writing in support of the Mystic River Watershed Association’s application to the Community Preservation Act. GGRC has provided rowing to athletes of all ages from the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse since 2002.

In the years GGRC has been using the Boathouse, we’ve seen the activity in the area steadily increase. This ranges from those simply walking/jogging around the park to people playing with dogs to people meeting in the park on the benches and tables around the Boathouse. We’ve also seen some people using the fields to play games such as Ultimate Frisbee and Soccer.

However, although Blessing of the Bay Park has the potential to be a recreational destination for the residents of the City of Somerville, the park is underutilized and falls short as a recreational, social and ecological hub for local communities. Through this project, the Mystic River Watershed Association will take the first step to addressing this problem and improving our park to establish it as a place to be.

GGRC is excited to work with the Mystic River Watershed Association on this project. Improvements made to the park will help to fulfill our goal of bringing more people down to the river and making the parks around the river, as well as the river itself, a destination for all to enjoy. More activity in the park area would mean an increase in the number of people we would be able to introduce to the sport of Rowing – not just adults but middle school and high school aged residents!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions at 617-372-3728 or rich@gentlegiantrowing.org. Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Rich Whelan Program Director Gentle Giant Rowing Club

24 Park Street, #7 | Somerville, MA 02143 | Tel: 617.628.9988

28 November 2016 To Whom It May Concern: This letter is to support the Mystic River Watershed Association’s CPA proposal for the improvement of the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse Park. Successful funding of this project will build on years of work and investment by Groundwork Somerville and many of our partners to bring attention to this oft-disregarded park – a hidden gem among the riverside resources so close to some of our most densely populated neighborhoods. We will work closely with MyRWA, including bringing additional funding to the table, to support the ongoing improvement of the Blessing of the Bay. This is an excellent next step as well to make that will build on another successful CPA project, the Healey-Mystic Master Plan. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,

Chris Mancini Executive Director

Kristen Stelljes Community Preservation Act Manager City of Somerville 93 Highland Avenue Somerville, MA 02143

Dear Kristen,

As a core member of Somerville Climate Action, I am writing in support of the Mystic River Watershed Association’s application to the Community Preservation Act on the Blessing of the Bay park.

We advocate for a safe and stable climate while helping to build a resilient, just, and sustainable community in Somerville. Our organization is deeply concerned about the lack of accessible quality green space in the City. The SomerVision plan has goals of 125 new acres of green space to be created over the next several years. Redevelopment of the Blessing of the Bay Park has the potential to reinforce this goal and create better opportunities for recreation and enjoyment across age groups. Most importantly, it will begin to mitigate the constant pollution and noise coming from Interstate 93 in an environmental justice neighborhood.

Somerville Climate Action, a member of the Sustainable Somerville Network, is excited to work with the Mystic River Watershed Association on this project. Their work and this project complements our mission of combating ecological degradation, economic instability and social disconnection by moving to ecosystem restoration and supporting a vital close-knit community.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions at 857-891-7944 or snutter@gmail.com. Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Steven Nutter

Somerville Climate Action