CPA Projects – Detailed Report

Funding for this project will develop plans to transform a weedy patch of land, owned by the Town of Arlington, into a vibrant hub of activity and botanic garden park. This proposal was brought forward to the Department of Planning and Community Development by longtime Arlington resident Ben Barkan, owner of HomeHarvest. This vacant parcel is owned by the Arlington Select Board (Parcel ID 10-3-8) and is a rare example of underutilized open space in the town. The feasibility study will analyze existing conditions and design a proposal for use of the site as a park with amenities similar to the Arlington Orchard. One important benefit of the proposed park would be its proximity to the Minuteman Bikeway and Spy Pond Park. Another is that 21 Pond Lane is at the end of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-eligible neighborhood, so improving the site would add an open space amenity within an environmental justice tract.