Submitted on October 23rd, 2015
Submitted values are:
--Section 1: Organization Information-Name of Organization: New Bedford Parks Recreation & Beaches
Mailing Address: 181 Hillman St Bld 3, New Bedford, MA 02740
Name of Project Contact Person(s): Mary S. Rapoza
Phone: 508-961-3015
E-mail: mary.rapoza@newbedford-ma.gov
Type of Organization: Public (town, city, municipality, special
district, government agency)
If Other:
Description of Organization and Mission:
The Parks Recreation & Beaches Department is dedicated to
planning, implementing, and supervising recreational, educational
and cultural activities designed to enhance and improve the
quality of life for all city residents. Our office promotes the
engagement in and constructive use of all open and recreational
spaces by the residents of the City of New Bedford and provides
safe, well-maintained, and aesthetically pleasing parks,
playgrounds, and outdoor recreation facilities. The City of New
Bedford Parks Recreation and Beaches works in collaboration with
other city departments to accomplish this mission while
preserving our natural resources, promoting conservation, and
educating city residents on our natural environment.
The department provides year–round recreational and
educational programs for New Bedford residents in an environment
that is safe and supportive for both youth and adults to explore
their talents, build self esteem and empower healthy decision
making.
The health and wellness of people in New Bedford is
dependent upon our recreational facilities, natural resources,
and opportunities. The positive experience of this engagement
enriches and strengthens the fabric of our community for today
and the future.
On average, how many individuals does your organization serve per
year? 14,500+
How did you hear about the CPC? We have been working with RWU
interns.
--Section 2: Project Description-Title of the Project: Feasibility study for private investment
Project Location (Address, City, State, and Zip):
Hazelwood Park 597-603 Brock Avenue New Bedford, MA
General Project Description (you may attach a longer narrative if
necessary):
The historic Congdon- Lucas house is available for private
businesses to propose long term investment and reuse for dining
or other compatible uses. The exterior has been rehabilitated by
the city. The interior is unfinished with no existing
mechanicals. There is a large public parking lot and amazing
westerly view across Clark's Cove. Several restaurants and café
owners have viewed the property but are concerned about
the work and financing involved in getting the building ready for
business.
Potential Scope of Work/Tasks for RWU CPC: We would like RWU to
conduct an engineering study of the building to share with
potential investors giving them an idea of what work needs to be
done to accommodate an end use for business and at what cost.
this request is in conjunction with another request for a
business feasibility study for the same property.
What will be the final product output for this project? (survey,
website, design plans, drawings, etc.): Engineering plan
with project budget
Proposed Project Schedule (when the tasks/project needs to be
completed): 1 year
Please provide the names and contact information for any staff
members or volunteers who will be playing a primary role in the
proposed CPC project.:
Mary Rapoza 508-961-3015 Director Parks Recreation & Beaches
Mark Champagne 508-979-1520 Superintendent of Facilities,
Construction and Maintenance
Alex Bettencourt 508-961-3015 Asset Management Dept. of Parks Rec
& Beaches
Anne Louro Historic Preservation Planner 508-979-1488
What resources/previous work would the CPC be building upon that
you already have completed? (Please select all items that are
applicable):
- Preliminary photos of the site/project
- Previous research
- Architectural or building plans
What active support would your organization be able to contribute
should your project be selected? Staff time
--Section 3: Project Outcomes-Please describe how this project will benefit your organization
and the advancement of your mission:
This valuable cultural resource is currently in disrepair and not
usable. We would like to bring this resource back into public
use in partnership with a private investor/business.
Please describe how this project might benefit the overall
community, including specific groups that could benefit from this
project (i.e. target populations, neighborhoods, specific
town/city/region).:
Hazelwood Park is the only park located in New Bedford’s
densely populated South End. Residents and their families
take advantage of this neighborhood resource, visiting the park
for both active and passive recreation. The Congdon-Lucas house
is a unique and beautiful gothic style building with spectacular
views to the west across Clark’s Cove. We believe that these
two features can make this a destination for a unique waterfront
experience.
Please explain why you have chosen to seek assistance from the
RWU CPC with your project request, instead of undertaking the
project using fee-for-services from a paid professional:
We have worked with RWU students and other Univ. students
as interns with great success. The students have appreciated the
hands on learning opportunities and we have benefitted from their
involvement and products. The City of New Bedford does not
currently have the resources to devote to the feasibility study
and engineering report for this building. Therefore, we are
excited to offer real life learning opportunities for RWU
students who have shown interest in providing community service.
Please describe how this project will benefit RWU students.:
RWU students will have the opportunity to create documents which
will benefit a community while learning real life skills in
historic architecture and engineering, business feasibility
studies, community engagement, and municipal operations.
--Section 4: Financial Information-What is your organization’s annual operating budget? Please
include a copy of your most recent budget with the application in
Section 6..: $415,792 from the city's general fund
What are your major sources of funding?
Approximately half of our annual budget is from the
municipal general fund. The remainder is from state, federal and
foundation grants.
How much funding from your annual operating budget is set aside
for this project (if any)?
We have devoted staff time to recruiting potential investors and
showing them the property. This is a responsibility of the Asset
and Fiscal Manager on our staff.
--Section 5: Private Sector Involvement-Have you or your organization discussed the project with
practicing professionals (e.g. architect, engineer, planner,
consultants, etc.)? : Yes
If no, please explain why:
--Section 6: Supporting Documents-Budget for the current fiscal year:
https://rwu.edu/sites/default/files/webform/fy16_prb_budget.pdf
List of current Board members:
https://rwu.edu/sites/default/files/webform/park_board_info.pdf
Copies of supporting resources identified in section 2 as needed
to support your application:
https://rwu.edu/sites/default/files/webform/congdon-lucas_house_pres_restriction.pdf
Additional File Upload:
https://rwu.edu/sites/default/files/webform/ej_map_0.png
Additional File Upload 2:
https://rwu.edu/sites/default/files/webform/congdon-lucas_structural_report.pdf
The results of this submission may be viewed at:
https://rwu.edu/node/113561/submission/685441