Last night at WFCF's Annual Meeting, we shared an update on the status of our attempts for lease agreement negotiations with the City of Waltham.

We also shared the recent update on the denial of a building permit to reconstruct our two greenhouses which were deconstructed in May 2023 per order of Mayor McCarthy and the City of Waltham. Re-building this infrastructure now and without further delay is critical to our 2024 growing season. We do not have approval fromthe City to accomplish this project.

The images and timeline we share below represent factual dates and information related to the challenges since the City purchased the property on 3.1.2022. We are working on a website that will provide clickable link to documents provided to the City Council. It also highlights the tremendous program achievement this year despite tremendous obstacles placed in our path, including a lack of access to approx. 35% of the fields acreage which we have sustainably cultivated for over two decades. 

Please take the time to read through the events thoroughly and become more informed so that you can support WFCF during this enduring process. This is a critical time and we need YOUR voices heard.

We have not signed the lease agreement as approved by the City of Waltham as it presents burdens that would prevent us from fully serving our community.

Similar to the City of Waltham not agreeing to take on liability for contaminated UMass’ parcel of land on the North side of Beaver Street, WFCF should not financially assume liability for grossly overdue environmental remediation and neglected infrastructure which the City of Waltham assumed through the purchase and sale. The P&S provided a $2.8 million in an offset from the market value “that reflects the cost of necessary environmental cleanup and current conditions of buildings on the parcels…”

A highlight of impactful lease terms which we are dedicated to creating a sustainable and productive negotiation and outcome with and for the City and WFCF:

  • Environmental remediation of the former UMass Glass greenhouses
  • Environmental remediation of the former UMass Grey Administration building built in 1920’s
  • Environmental remediation of the former UMass Brick Administration building built in 1950’s
  • All maintenance for inside buildings and property, including heating, environmental remediation known to the City prior to the sale, snow removal, landscaping, custodial services
  • Occupancy permit for brick administration building as a condition of lease
  • ADA requirements for building now that property is no longer owned by the state and exempt
  • Utilities (water, sewer, electricity, heating and repairs) and rental payments
  • Replacement of deteriorating underground irrigation system below the farm fields 

We are present to answer questions you may have. Email us here. We thank you for your support and please share and speak up this weekend!