Community Farms Outreach Inc. (Waltham Fields Community Farm) sent the following questions on August 28, 2019, to all Mayoral and City Council candidates who provided an email address to the Waltham City Clerk’s office. The following are responses received by the deadline of 10/14 and represent the candidates which have advanced to Waltham's municipal primary election on 11/5/19

1. Over the past decades, Waltham Field Station (WFS) tenants and their community members have been the primary stewards of the site and the primary stakeholders in working to protect and preserve its unique and remarkable history. Assuming the City of Waltham purchases the WFS, will you pledge to protect the site for long- term agricultural use and as a center for sustainable non-profit organizations to operate?

2. Will you advocate for a multi-year lease for Community Farms Outreach, Inc. (d/b/a/ Waltham Fields Community Farm), so that the organization and its current agricultural, educational and food justice programs are provided with a secure future?

3. Assuming the City of Waltham ownership, do you support a financial investment to improve the facility? Recognizing the long-overdue need to address repairs, renovations, and remediation issues at the WFS, how would you support a planning process and management model that involves current stakeholders to inform the efforts to improve the site over time?

 

Councillor Tom Stanley, Candidate for Waltham City Councillor-At-Large

1. I have long supported the continuance of farming at the UMASS Field Station.  I was proud to play a major role in securing millions of dollars in state funding for the creation of a Center for Urban Sustainability at the site.  Unfortunately, the Baker Administration chose not to release this important funding, leading UMass to abandon these plans and sell the property.

The sale of state property to a municipality requires both state and local approvals.  In my dual role as a state representative and city councillor, I will ensure that the property is protected for long-term agricultural use.  I will also ensure that nonprofit organizations are able to continue to use the center for operations/business purposes. 

Regarding the future of the parcels, I envision and pledge my support to the continuance of farming as well as the expansion of the north part of the property.  I would also like to see the envisioned Sustainability Center come to fruition.

2. Absolutely!  Threats of building closure and the overall unclear future use of the 58-acre site have understandably caused much stress for the property’s tenants.  These organizations need assurance from the community that they will remain the primary stewards of this historical site in order to continue providing the Waltham community with valuable agricultural, educational and food justice programs.

3. As a local official, I am committed to offering long-term leases to these organizations.  The request for proposal (RFP) used to secure the long-term agricultural use of the Arrigo Farm on Warren Street can be used as a guide.  It is my hope that these two historic properties are designated for agricultural use indefinitely for Waltham and other communities to experience and enjoy.

I support the mission of Waltham Fields Community Farm (WFCF) in promoting local agriculture and food access through farming operations and educational programs, using practices that are socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable. Encouraging healthy relationships between people, their food supply, and the land from which it grows is critical to our well-being.

Once ownership of the property is obtained, a continuous five-year capital budget should be developed with guidance from the various nonprofit organizations utilizing the property as well as other local stakeholders.  Regular meetings should be scheduled with appropriate municipal department heads including the Building Inspector and City Auditor. 

The City Council’s Long-Term Debt Committee should be used as yet another avenue to keep the public and Council members updated on the needs of operations of the facility and farm.

Bill Hanley, Candidate for Waltham City Council, Ward 2

1. Yes. When acquired, I think the property should be used for sustainable agriculture and educational use only. This was the vision Cornelia Warren had when she left her large estate to several organizations and to the City of Waltham. I visited the field station recently and asked questions about its maintenance and use. It needs an upgrade. The current tenants, and hopefully more like-minded groups in the future, need modern office space to support their missions. Should I be elected Ward 2 City Councillor, I’d promote and vote to acquire and protect this unique piece of Waltham history and valuable community asset.

2. When I was a new Waltham parent, I had a garden plot for a short time at the farm. We learned a lot and it had an impact on my young sons. Each time we drive by, they mention how we used to go there. We met great people, tried our luck at farming on a small-scale, and value the mission. Community Farms Outreach is one group on a long list that makes Waltham a unique and attractive suburb. We have people who not only advocate for sustainable use but have created a community within a community. A multi-year lease is the only option to put a non-profit group at ease. I have a similar relationship with the Waltham Recreation Department for use of five baseball diamonds. While I don’t fear that I won’t be able to run a little league in these fields, getting a permit for use each year comes with some work and a low level of stress. I can only imagine how it must feel to be completely reliant on a piece of land that has been in flux for so long.

3. I believe this is an area that is perfect for CPA funds. While I recognize that the WFS has been neglected for years, we can modernize the building and surrounding physical plant. I would like to see a formal WFS/use commission with representation from each tenant and from members of city departments. Especially planning, building, recreation, and a member of the city auditor’s department. If the city were to invest money, the city would need a seat at the table with voting representation from each tenant. A formal long-range plan will be needed and this new commission could administer the property with input and influence from tenants for operations, competing priorities, maintenance, and capital improvement.

Diane LeBlanc, Candidate for Mayor

1. I support Waltham’s acquisition of the U Mass Field Station and for the continuation of the site as a regional Sustainability Center. This would include the continuation of farming on the site. There is currently a proposal to acquire the entire U Mass property with CPA funds. I will work to see that the proposal is approved by the City Council, assuming the Community Preservation Committee approves the funding application.  If the property is acquired with CPA funds, the City will be required to put permanent protections on the property. These permanent restrictions will contain a description of the allowable uses of the land, and I strongly support listing farming as one of the highest uses to be protected.

2. I will advocate for a multi-year lease for Waltham Fields Community Farm to continue, subject to legal bidding requirements, as part of a regional sustainability center that already includes Waltham Fields Community Farm. If the acquisition of the site is not complete prior to my assuming office, I will see if it is possible to have a long-term lease for the farm included as one of the terms of the acquisition.

3. The quality of the land and soil and the farming history of this property are valuable to City residents and I will do all in my power so that the farm, community gardens, and sustainability center are continued and enhanced. As Mayor, I will charge the Planning Department with the creation of a master plan for the site, including its buildings. That plan will include a long-term plan to use environmentally sound principles to improve the buildings, with an emphasis on making the most cost-efficient improvements first. I will work with our legislative delegation to secure state grants and will also work with the CPC and other grant-making entities to fund these improvements.

Councillor McMenimen, Candidate for Waltham City Councillor-At-large

Let me begin by asking you to appreciate the dilemma I find myself in!  I have searched all through decades of communications and correspondence regarding the land you have asked me to personally opine about, and more specifically to address the questions you’ve posed above.  You have a special interest in the land with a long-term preservation goal, and you’ve asked me to “pledge” to your visionary statement.  Unfortunately, I am unable to do so.

As recently as the last few weeks, I have communications marked “confidential” or “attorney-client” from the City of Waltham that requires me, as an elected member of the City Council, to abide by the confidentiality clause, and by restrictions in “Executive Session” and not speak about matters related to your questions. Thank you for your understanding.

However, I believe I can state, as fact, that my past support/rejection of similar issues, and, my historic track record of similar votes can give you an indication of my position.

Patrick O’Brien, Candidate for Waltham City Councillor-At-Large

My family has been members of the Waltham Fields Community Farms from 2012-2018 (we hope to join back up again next year). We really enjoyed the benefits of the farm right in the middle of Waltham. When we started going, my daughters were only 7 and 5 years old. They learned a lot about the importance of farming and eating healthy.  My answer to all four of your questions is YES.

Last April, I had the opportunity to testify in support of the WFS at the Arthur Clark Government Center on School Street. I would support whatever the working group is formed to save the land from development.

I would also support using CPA funds to address the “long-overdue repairs, renovations, and remediation issues at WFS.” This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we should protect it.

Sean Durkee, Candidate for Waltham City Council, Ward 6

1. The Waltham Field Station should be protected for long-term agricultural use and as a center for sustainable, non-profit organizations. The continuation of the Western Greenway along the edge of the site (overseen by the Waltham Land Trust) has my support. In addition, any open space/recreation or sustainable energy project (e.g. windmill) you see fit on the site also has my support.  

2. Waltham Fields Community Farm (WFCF) should have a multi-year lease and be provided with a secure future. Your combined efforts to donate over 20 tons of food each year is exactly the type of organization we need in Waltham.

3. I support a financial investment improving the facility and would first look at Community Preservation Act funds as a start. Repairs and remediation issues are beyond my area of expertise, so I’ll leave the process and management thereof to the experts. My recommendation would have all stakeholders located at the Field Station elect a spokesperson and an alternate for the entire group. That individual would be directly involved in any decisions made regarding the Field Stations future. My role as a Councilor would be supporting the unified group consensus and voting accordingly.   

Lizzie Gelles, Candidate for Waltham City Council, Ward  1

1. Yes

2. Yes. I would support granting a 99-year lease.

3. Yes. It is my position that the City should provide a safe working environment for the tenants and should, therefore, bring the buildings and other safety factors up to acceptable standards. Should the tenants want to develop the site further they should be permitted to approach the City, for investment, but in addition, they should apply for funding from other available grants and commercial partners. I fully support the concept that the farm should remain on its current site, providing all the current services that it does, and more, but the City's finances have to be metered out in a way that is fair and equitable to all those entities that are seeking City funding.

Robert G. Logan, Candidate for Waltham City Councillor-At-Large

1. Yes!

2. Such a lease would likely be subject to the requirements of M.G.L. Chapter 30B (the state Uniform Procurement Act) which would require this to be put out as a Request for Proposals (RFP). As such, it could be deemed improper for an elected official to declare in advance a preference for any one potential respondent to the RFP. However, I would certainly advocate that the RFP be written specifically for “a locally based non-profit organization providing agricultural, educational and food justice programs.” (Is there another in Waltham?)

3. If the City of Waltham takes ownership of this property and its buildings, then it would have primary responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance. However, any private organizations occupying and/or using the property for any purpose should be expected to make some financial contribution to the extent that they are able, and recognizing the value of other contributions they make to the community. As for the planning process and the management model, I think the management model needs to come out of the initial planning process, and that process must include all stakeholders.

George Darcy, Candidate for Waltham City Council – Ward 3

1. If the City were to acquire the UMASS Field Station, any lease or re-use of the site would have to be approved by the City Council. Hence it would be a conflict of interest for me to pledge anything at this time. That being said, I was a co-sponsor of the resolution submitted to the City Council on December 26, 2018, whose resolves read as follows:

“NOW, BE IT RESOLVED… That the Waltham City Council investigate the acquisition of the publicly-owned UMASS Field Station, for farming and open space purposes, for low or no cost, thus preserving the last working farm in Waltham,

and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED… That the Waltham City Council investigate nominating the UMASS Field Station landscape and historic structures for inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places;”

Ultimately, I hope that the 58-acre UMASS parcel on Beaver Street continues as a working farm in perpetuity for our children and grandchildren. The other ideas of a center for urban sustainability and a year-round fruit & vegetable market both have great merit and should be explored.

Besides the UMASS parcel, the City is moving forward to reestablish the 4-acre Arrigo farm at 342/344 Warren Street as well as the 6-acre Wellington Farm at 775 Trapelo Road.

2. As the UMASS Field Station matter is in executive session in the City Council, I am limited to what I can state at this time. Generally speaking, I hope that the 58 - acre UMASS parcel on Beaver Street continues as a working farm in perpetuity for our children and grandchildren.

3. I believe that improvements to the UMASS facility should be led by an ad-hoc task force that includes the owner, all stakeholders (groups that rent or use the facility on a regular basis), elected representatives, and concerned Waltham citizens.

Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy, Candidate for Mayor

1. Yes.

2. Yes.

3. Yes over time including CPA money and grants. The process would include city planners, elected officials, stakeholders, agricultural expert and Bentley students for the business model.

Caren Dunn, Candidate for Waltham City Council – Ward 2

1. Enthusiastically, yes!

2. Yes! 

3. Yes, I do support a financial investment to improve the Field Station. To that end, I feel that the re-establishment of a city council sub-committee for open space protection and planning should be considered.  The Field Station could also benefit from a strong advocate to mobilize support before the city council and should appoint a liaison whose purpose will be to navigate the needs of the leaseholders/stakeholders with city planners as well as to help integrate the Field Station mission and holdings within the entire long term Waltham city plan.  

In addition, this liaison could helm PR efforts, community outreach, presentation of budgets, and attend and document important city meetings.  It’s a big job but I think it’s important to have one voice to represent all the interests here.  

Jonathan Paz, Candidate for Waltham City Council – Ward 9

1. Absolutely. I am running precisely because I believe we need to have a more responsive local government. The future sustainability of our city depends on the proper use of our arable land. Luxury real-estate developments represent the opposite of what we want and merely serve the interests of the landlords on the city council (recall that half of our current councilors hold such a title).

Not only will I protect the site, but I will work to strengthen and expand the great work carried out by the WFCF. This includes developing a yearlong partnership between our public schools and WFS. While acquiring and maintaining the Waltham Field Station will be a great first step, it is not enough. I will support local production programs that will give us the opportunity to alleviate food insecurity for low-income households. Without a doubt, local food production is the way of the future.

2. Yes. We need both a multi-year lease and a long-term vision for what food justice in Waltham can look like. I speak with voters every day about providing locally produced food to our public schools. Further, our youth should have the opportunity to have a hands-on agricultural education. We should expand, not limit, programs that provide hands-on farming, cooking and science-based programs. Given how uncertainty over the future of WFS has harmed community members who are deeply invested in it, we need to work to support WFCF. Locally grown food is necessary for a future that is sustainable, equitable, and inclusive.

3. Yes, and absolutely. The improvements made to the WFS will be a collective effort. However, we must take the initial steps. Besides purchasing the land, we need to host community town halls to garner support from the community. A community participation model will ensure that we have the best planning process. For example, the Waltham Partnership for Youth (WPY) has a coalition of leaders and local stakeholders that support and complement their efforts in education and youth employment. This is a model we can follow. By creating a WFS Advisory Board to the City Council, we can create a channel that will include those most invested in leadership spaces and hold our elected officials accountable.

In the long-term, we need to hire a Sustainability Director for the city. In order to have green and renewable development and improvements, we need a local expert that can coordinate, advise, propose innovative ideas, and evaluate the environmental impact of the city. The work of the WFS can then expand and be integrated with other sectors in Waltham. Skills such as gardening, cooking and homesteading should become part of the everyday life of Waltham residents - one harvest at a time.

Colleen Bradley-MacArthur, Candidate for Waltham City Councillor-At-Large

1. Enthusiastically YES!  As a city, we need to protect the Waltham Field Station tenants and their community members. These fields and buildings are invaluable to the community from a historical, social, and environmental standpoint. The buildings should be upgraded to include space for programming for the community. Surrounding cities and towns have centers for adult and community education. We have all of the resources to provide this type of education to our community and a rich agricultural and historical legacy to communicate and preserve. 

I completely support the mission of the Waltham Fields Community Farm to “promote local agriculture and food access through their farming operations and educational programs.” My son has participated in their “Learning Garden” program and he regularly benefits from the food they provide to the Waltham school lunch program. There’s plenty of evidence that urban farms provide families with an additional source of healthy, low-cost produce. 

Their Food Access Programs also provide an opportunity for all Waltham residents to receive healthy food. This means that it is a farm that is accessible to all regardless of income. This is critical to continuing to build a healthy city. 

Urban farms that “use practices that are socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable”, such as the farm at the Waltham Field Station, benefit the entire health of the city's ecosystem. They add to our green space. Access to healthy food also contributes to the overall health of our population. This ties into the last portion of Waltham Community Fields' mission to “encourage healthy relationships between people, their food supply, and the land from which it grows.” There ample evidence that open space and urban agriculture strengthen a sense of community. 

2. Yes, 100%. We’re at a time in society where food justice is critically important. As a city, we will all benefit from the Community Farms Outreach work. There is ample evidence that this is a public health benefit as cities start to see increases in harmful diseases such as heart disease and obesity, providing access to nutritious foods contributes to a healthier population. These efforts will also improve food security for our most vulnerable populations. A few other significant benefits to the community include job creation, economic growth, and a reduction in carbon emissions. 

We are a well-resourced city and there are significant mutual benefits to supporting improvements to the facility. They include job creation and economic growth within the city. We also need spaces that are inclusive and contribute to the vitality of this city. Urban farms and community-supported agriculture are worth the financial investment based on the return to the community and impact on our planet. 

3. It’s time for a working group of stakeholders from WFS and the city to come together and itemize the repairs, renovations and remediation issues. There should also be investment and support from the larger commercial property owners in the city.  We need a multi-pronged approach to help this organization thrive. We are a well-resourced city and it’s time to put these resources toward community-supported agriculture and encourage larger commercial property owners to commit to the city where their employees live and work so that we make strides to improve the health of our community and our environment.

Anthony LaFauci, Candidate for Waltham City Councillor - Ward 1

1. Yes, I would definitely work to protect the site for long term agricultural use. It has been a great asset to the community and should remain as such in perpetuity.  Every year my family enjoys the benefits of the farm and what it has to offer with the selling of fresh produce plantings. 


2. Yes.  I feel that a long term lease is needed so the community farm has a guarantee of not being displaced from the land in the future and that it remains a part of the Waltham community for generations to come. 


3. I do support a financial investment from the city to improve and renovate the facility as needed.   This process should be a group process that would include elected officials, stakeholders of the land and a city planner.    Part of the improvements should include looking at the current facility and improving it to the current needs of the tenant.  Ideas such as creating a working farm stand for the public like we once had at Devincent Farm or Ricci Farm.  CPA funds could be used along with grant money to achieve some of these goals.