By Richard Conn/Daily News Staff
Daily News Tribune
Posted Mar 20, 2008 @ 12:09 AM
WALTHAM —

The Community Preservation Committee last night listened to requests for funding that ranged from $2.7 million for the city's portion of the Wayside Rail Trail to about $4,000 to repair antique chandeliers at the public library.

The money being sought comes from the city's Community Preservation Act fund, which has accumulated through property tax surcharges and state grants since voters approved the measure in November 2005.

Cities and towns must use the money for open space, historical preservation, recreation and affordable housing.

The Planning Department asked for $2.7 million for the design and construction of Waltham's portion of the Wayside Rail Trail, a near three-mile stretch of walking and biking paths that would extend from Linden Street to the Weston line.

City Planner Ted Fields said the trail would be located near a number of "important areas" in the city including Brandeis University and Bentley College.

"In essence, you have a large number of users close to the trail," Fields said.

Committee Chairman Joe Maguire asked if the money would be needed all at once.

"This type of funding could be accommodated in stages," Fields said.

City Councilor at-large Patrick O'Brien, who has long advocated for the rail trail proposal, was listed as a co-applicant on the request.

Also, the Planning Department applied for roughly $400,000 in funding to purchase property on Moody Street for open space. The property, which is next to the Charles River and River Walk, contains a one-story building that would likely be razed.

"It's obviously an ideal location to create open space," said Assistant City Planner Alison Steinfeld.

City Councilor at-large Sarafina "Sally" Collura spoke in favor of the request and said the property could serve as a "gateway" to the downtown area.

The committee set a March 25 date to visit the sites where the money is being requested and then will convene again to vote on the applications.

The committee, however, decided to go ahead and approve a request for a little more than $4,000 to repair three antique chandeliers at the public library without a site visit.

If and when the funding requests are approved by the committee, they will be sent to the Law Department for review. The City Council has final say on the applications.

Richard Conn can be contacted at 781-398-8004 or rconn@cnc.com.