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Council Refers $500,000 Polonia Park Renovation Order to Ways & Means; Grant Pending Execution
Summary
The council endorsed a Polonia Park renovation plan and presented an order to appropriate $500,000 from the general stabilization fund; councilors discussed grant match expectations and referred the item to Ways & Means for further review and clarification of funding and scope.
The Chelsea City Council reviewed an order endorsing the Polonia Park renovation project and authorizing appropriation of $500,000 from the general stabilization fund to support the work. The city reported that the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs had notified Chelsea that the Department of Housing and Community Development has secured a park grant for the renovation, pending execution of the state grant contract and fulfillment of pre‑award requirements.
The proposed scope described in the communication includes installation of playground equipment, a fenced dog park, a shaded picnic area, a splash pad, lighting, rubber surfacing and green space. The order would also designate Polonia Park as parkland in perpetuity under Article 97 and MGL Ch. 45 §3.
Councilor Brown urged caution and asked subcommittee members to examine match assumptions and program rules. He stated the $500,000 figure in the order represents the full project cost and said the city expects to receive grant reimbursement of approximately 68% up to $500,000, clarifying that the city would not necessarily pay the entire amount out of pocket. The council referred the appropriation to the Ways & Means Committee for detailed review of budget implications and grant conditions.
Next steps: Ways & Means will review the project budget, anticipated grant reimbursement rate and any local match or pre‑award requirements before the council considers a final appropriation vote.
