Ward Park Neighborhood Association (WPNA)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2013
info@savewardpark.com
Michael Nickolas 508-303-3831
Ward Park Neighborhood Association Receives Grant, Seeks Additional Funds
Marlborough Ma – The New England Grassroots Environment Fund (NEGEF) of Montpelier VT has awarded a monetary grant to the Ward Park Neighborhood Association (WPNA). The grant was given to assist WPNA in their effort to challenge the city of Marlborough’s taking of Ward Park land for the construction of a municipal building. A land use attorney has previously informed the city they are in violation of M.G.L. c. 40, § 15A, the doctrine of prior public use, and Article 97 to the state constitution. The NEGEF’s mission is “to energize and nurture long-term civic engagement in local initiatives that create and maintain healthy, just, safe and environmentally sustainable communities”.
“We find this grant award validates our position of no building in Ward Park” said Ned Fenstermacher of the WPNA. “We have succeeded in obtaining a grant where the city has failed because our cause is just”.
In an October meeting with councilors the mayor was asked by Councilor Oram if the city would be receiving grant money to make improvements to Ward Park. Mayor Vigeant publically stated that it would be unlikely that the City of Marlborough would qualify for a grant to improve Ward Park “because of the controversy involved down here”.
The WPNA will be adding their grant to monies collected in a previous fundraising effort. Further grant opportunities, state-wide and regional, along with a second round of fundraising will be initiated by the WPNA. It is expected that enough will be raised to fund a legal challenge. Residents opposed to the decision by the mayor and city council to take open space recreation land away from an inner city park that serves low income residents, minority residents and the youth of Marlborough are encouraged to donate. Checks made out to “Ward Park Neighborhood Association” can be sent to 9 Water Terrace, Marlborough or anonymous donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/savewardpark. “If you feel strongly about this, please donate” says Fenstermacher. “Now is the time to act. Without your help, another portion of historic Ward Park land will be lost forever to development by the city.”