This week Executive Director Liz Vizza testified at a City Council hearing in support of the Mayor’s request for the Council to approve appropriation of the $105,400,000 in funding that was received from sale of the Winthrop Square garage site. She emphasized the importance of the $28 million designated to come to the Common ($23 million for capital investments, $5 million to establish a trust fund to support maintenance). This money is a critical investment in our most heavily used park because it needs extra care given the impact of shadows from a developing downtown.
The Parks Department has issued a Request for Proposals for a Master Plan for the Common, in order for the $23 million to be spent thoughtfully and with significant public input. This was one of the commitments the Friends received from the Mayor during Winthrop Square negotiations. We look forward to being deeply involved in this process.