Other
- ID
- #101005006012
- Status
- OPEN
- Opened
- Description
- Dear Mayor Wu, I am following up on an informal conversation that you had with Marleen Nienhaus at the Ice Cream Social on Saturday. Marleen has been a long-time advocate for the Crite Park project and many other South End community efforts. Her presence is widely felt and appreciated throughout the South End. During my conversation with Marleen, I shared the dilemma that the Friends of Crite Park (FoCP) faces due to the delay in construction. While the FoCP understands that the PWD, who is charge of the Crite Park bidding, is likewise concerned about the lack of bidders and continues to seek a contractor, $700,000 in grants can expire if the construction is not initiated between March and June of 2024. Furthermore, the FoCP is not eligible to apply for additional funding from the CPA, Henderson Foundation, Cabot Foundation, or the Browne Fund until construction has begun. I shared that the FoCP alone has raised $900,000 though these grants and private donations. However, due to inflation and Covid issues, the cost of the park has risen from the original quote of $1,000,000 to $1,400,000. Realizing that the park project is in its seventh year of existence and still $500,000 away from its goal, I requested last fall that the City provide financial assistance so that Crite Park could be completed in 2024. However, my request did not materialize. Shortly thereafter, over two million dollars in grants were awarded to two South End parks, O’Day playground and Watson Park. The City awarded $45,000 to Watson to create a park design and I recall a meeting where a Parks and Rec representative committed to paying for the Watson park redo which should run just under $400,000. O’Day Park received $2,000,000. Following our conversation, Marleen asked if she could take a step forward on behalf of the FoCP by approaching you at the Ice Cream Social. She explained our dilemma to you and other City and State officials as well as a local businessman who strongly supports the Crite Park project. Each person agreed that the FoCP faced a dilemma, and each seemed concerned. The Crite Park revitalization project needs your help. We are asking that the City assist the PWD with the bidding process as well as provide financial assistance to the Crite Park project. The Friends of Crite Park strive to create a unique and welcoming green space, events that encourage a sense of community, and honor the achievements of Allen Rohan Crite. Please let me know if you need further information or have any other questions. Thank you for your commitment to the South End and to Boston. You are playing a critical role bringing Boston forward. Thank you for your attention. | Case (SR) Type: [ONS Coordinator Issues] Referred To: [ONS: S. END/BAY VILLAGE]
Activity
-
Submitted
Opened