Dwight Street Garden asks CPA for electrical, beds and coordinator to expand community food access

Jess Gersney, a Dwight Street Garden committee member who identified herself as a professor at Smith College and Ward 7 resident, presented the garden’s FY26 application to the Community Preservation Committee on Jan. 14. The proposal requests CPA funds to complete a garden redesign that focuses on accessibility, food access and community programming.

“We're asking for some CPA funding for our garden revitalization project,” Gersney said, outlining plans for new raised beds, fruit trees, improved alley surfacing, a bulletin‑board kiosk, a small shed, and the installation of GFCI electrical service to provide outlets for community programming and tools.

Gersney said the garden is open to the public and heavily volunteer‑driven; the committee noted that garden coordinator staff time (the applicant identified Gabby Perry as the coordinator) would allow expanded volunteer management and programming. Presenters listed outside funders that would be leveraged by any CPA award, including the Putnam Foundation, the Patagonia Foundation and the Solidarity Economy Initiative.

Committee members asked about line‑item costs and ongoing utility responsibility. Lena (department staff) said an initial estimate from Atlas Corporation for installing one outlet was $9,000 and that the committee is seeking additional bids. When asked who would pay for ongoing electricity and water, presenters said Neighbor to Neighbor and partner foundations will absorb operational costs rather than the city’s CPA fund. Michael urged practical safeguards for shared utilities — a water meter and a lockable disconnect switch on outlets — to prevent unintended public use and to control costs.

Members and public attendees praised the garden’s role in food access and community building. Presenters said activities include educational workshops, volunteer construction days and open produce distribution (some produce is left out for neighbors to take). The committee invited follow‑up: staff requested applicants provide further electrical estimates, documentation on utility arrangements and the community survey data that informed the plan prior to allocation decisions.

No funding decisions were made at the meeting; the committee will continue deliberations and requested additional cost and operational details before any allocation.