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Proposal to expand St. Paul’s community garden seeks $50,150 from unexpended CDBG funds
Summary
The mayor and staff proposed expanding St. Paul's Episcopal Church community garden to supply food to the Gardner CAC; estimated cost is $50,150 and EOHLC is reviewing whether the project is an eligible CDBG use.
City staff presented a potential project Sept. 23 to expand St. Paul’s Episcopal Church community garden, which produces vegetables donated to the Gardner Community Action Center (CAC). The project is a candidate for remaining unexpended CDBG funds if the School Street School funds are not needed.
Staff provided a project cost estimate of $50,150, broken down as follows: $40,000 to repair a retaining wall; $5,400 for compost, fertilizer and plants for 27 garden beds at $200 each; $1,500 for three new garden‑bed frames at $500 each; $3,000 for 24 fruit trees at $150 each; and $254 for orchard signage. Staff also suggested the project consider a local beekeeper and hive in a future application.
EOHLC is reviewing whether the garden expansion is an eligible CDBG use; staff said they will request a formal determination. The mayor’s office noted the garden expansion was previously part of an unsuccessful federal application and that the project is intended to provide multi‑year benefit rather than a one‑time service.
Committee members agreed to keep the proposal on the agenda while the state agency makes a determination.
