GROUP BEATS ITS $20M GOAL FOR THE GREENWAY

By Thomas C. Palmer Jr.
Globe Staff / January 7, 2008
The Boston Globe

Required by its bylaws to raise $20 million by the end of 2007, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy has slightly exceeded that goal, its board of directors is scheduled to announce today.

The conservancy, which was created three years ago to assume control of most of the 30 acres of parks and public space that replaced the old Central Artery highway, has raised $20.3 million, board chairman Peter Meade said.

"We're delighted with the response we've received from all over the community," Meade said in a telephone interview. "We know we have a lot more work to do, and we're anxious to get it done."

Meade repeated earlier statements that the Greenway, which was built and has been managed by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, will require an endowment of about $50 million to properly maintain the parks and make capital improvements in the future.

"We'd like to have a mix where by the end of a decade a significant majority of the money comes from the private sector," he said.

The conservancy did not say who contributed, though some donors, including the family of US Senator Edward M. Kennedy, whose mother the Greenway is named after, have been previously announced.

Of the money raised so far, the conservancy said, $14.3 million will go toward a permanent endowment, while $5.3 million will support programs and operations on the new parks, and about $800,000 were contributions in the form of goods or services.

Horticulture, event planning, refuse removal, and maintenance of benches and fountains are among the expenses in the conservancy's budget.

Two of the Greenway's three sections - the North End and Chinatown blocks - opened late in 2007. The four central Wharf District blocks will formally open in the spring, and a Greenway inauguration is scheduled for next fall.

The conservancy is also selling 900 paving blocks at $500 each to raise money. The pavers, which will line a Mothers' Walk in the Wharf District, are available with inscriptions to honor people of the donors' choice.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts' House speaker, Salvatore F. DiMasi, has proposed legislation that would provide $5.5 million in state funding for the Greenway annually, as well as enlarge the conservancy board to 13 members, from 10.

Two of those new members would be appointed - one each by individuals holding certain House and Senate seats, currently DiMasi, a North End Democrat, and Senator Anthony Petruccelli, Democrat of East Boston.

The legislation would give the conservancy immediate control over the Greenway, removing it from the Turnpike Authority, something currently not scheduled to happen until 2012.

If signed into law, it would also require the authority to make a $10 million contribution to the conservancy by the end of this year.

Contact:

Nancy Brennan
Rose Fitzgerald Kenney Greenway Conservancy
617-292-0020
info@rosekennedygreenway.org