Committee backs $2 million authorization to advance Kennedy Schoolyard renovation; multiple CPA awards approved

The Somerville Finance Committee on Feb. 24 recommended approval of a $2 million authorization to borrow for the Kennedy School Yard Renovation, part of a suite of Community Preservation Act (CPA) awards the Community Preservation Committee advanced.

Alan Inacio, director of finance and community planning for OSPCD, said design work for Kennedy is nearing completion and that the borrowing authorization will allow the city to bid at least one phase of the project with the goal of completing work during the school recess period. Inacio said the larger project budget supports not only a playground renovation but also expansion of play footprint, permeable surfacing, a subsurface stormwater holding tank beneath parking/driveway areas and improved accessibility for students with disabilities.

“This will let us move the long‑awaited project out and moving,” Inacio said, noting a phased approach and annual borrowing that only captures debt service as incurred.

The committee also reviewed and recommended approval for multiple smaller CPA‑funded projects — ranging from historic building masonry at 59 Cross Street to park improvements and a preservation‑conditioned grant for a historic dining cart — with staff explaining certain awards include preservation covenants and clawback provisions if a beneficiary fails to meet conditions.

Councilors asked for project managers to follow up with more neighborhood‑level details for specific sites; staff said they would provide contacts and timelines and work with the relevant project managers.