Title
Approving the use of grant funds through the Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program to purchase 76 West Baker Street.
Body
WHEREAS, on May 27, 2015, the Neighborhood STAR Board reviewed a proposal for STAR grant financing through the Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program to the West Side Community Organization (WSCO) to purchase 76 West Baker Street to create a new community produce garden; and
WHEREAS, this urban farm project will positively impact the West Side community as well as provide outdoor classroom space for students attending Humboldt Secondary School, Open World Learning Community, and Youth Farm and Market summer program; as well as garden space for WSCO's community garden; and
WHEREAS, the Neighborhood STAR Board rated this project a 4.64 on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high); and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Mayor and the Saint Paul City Council to participate in the financing of these activities by providing up to $4,000 in grant financing through the Ward 2 Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program; and
WHEREAS, due to this project being of substantial community significance, a waiver of the STAR Guidelines in regards to the twenty (20) percent limit on STAR funds being used for acquisition is recommended; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Mayor, the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby authorizes and directs the appropriate City officials to execute the necessary grant documents to implement this Resolution, subject to approval by the City Attorney; and be it
FINALLY RESOLVED, staff of the Department of Planning and Economic Development are further authorized and directed to proceed with all other actions necessary to implement this Resolution.