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Committee warns: projects missing MOAs or professional design breakdowns risk removal; Eastly Farm owner urges support
Summary
Committee members told applicants that missing MOAs, agency sign‑offs and professional cost breakdowns will put projects at risk of removal from the 2026 cycle; local farmer Doug Stefan spoke during public participation to request help preserving Eastly Farm.
Committee members spent substantial time reviewing outstanding application materials and warning applicants that missing memoranda of agreement (MOAs), agency sign‑offs (MassDEP, MWRA) and professional cost estimates would jeopardize eligibility for the 2026 funding cycle.
At the start of the meeting, Doug Stefan, who identified himself as owner of Eastly Farm, made a public comment asking the committee to consider funding to help pay down an almost $8,000,000 mortgage and to protect development rights. Stefan said the minutes contained an incorrect statement that "10 acres" were protected and clarified his home parcel carries a conservation restriction but the farm itself is not protected.
Committee members and staff walked through a list of projects missing items, including Waukeshacum Beach and Farm Pond, and discussed whether Parks & Recreation or other agencies had provided the required letters. Members emphasized that MOAs and site‑control documentation are eligibility items; without them, applicants run the risk of being removed from the agenda. Several members recommended sending a formal letter to the state or to applicants documenting missed deadlines and encouraging them to resolve outstanding issues if they wish to remain in next year’s round.
Staff noted individual project financials in the record: one applicant listed total project cost of $450,000 and reported cash on hand of about $154,000 in a submitted financial statement; members discussed practical reimbursement mechanics for nonprofits that must pay invoices upfront and be reimbursed later. The committee agreed to ask applicants to supply professional cost estimates on letterhead (design and soft‑cost breakdowns) and, where appropriate, to identify phased deliverables (preliminary/final design and construction documents) so the CPC can consider partial awards.
The committee said incomplete projects that do not submit required materials by the published deadlines will risk being removed from consideration and encouraged applicants to use the committee’s written feedback and a formal letter as leverage with state agencies when necessary.
