[act-ma] Open RFP for urban agriculture projects on plots in Dorchester (City of Boston)

[Sasha Kinney]

See below: a heads up for anyone working with community-based groups with
experience or interest in urban agriculture in the Dorchester area.
 Currently active RFP from the city.  Deadline August 15.

There may be room for collaborative efforts between groups interested in
applying and working together on this project.  If your group is interested
but is missing a key required element, for example, I can try to help get
you connected.  E.g. I work most directly with a group called Architecture
for Humanity Boston, which may be assisting prospective applicant groups
with some of the design elements of what this project would entail.

-- Sasha

___

Dear Friend,

The Request-for-Proposals (RFP) for the potential future urban agriculture
sites at Tucker, Standish and Glenway Streets in Dorchester has been
issued.  Please see the press release below for more information and a link
to download theRFP.  Thanks for your interest in urban agriculture in
Boston!

*City Seeks Proposals for Pilot Urban Agriculture Project*

Three Parcels Available in Dorchester to Produce Fresh, Healthy Food for
Residents

             Mayor Thomas M. Menino has announced that the City of Boston
has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Pilot Urban Agriculture
Project.  The Project proposes to put three vacant, city-owned properties in
Dorchester to productive use for farming, with the goal of producing fresh,
healthy food for sale in the community.  The RFP seeks proposals from
qualified individuals, businesses, and/or organizations to farm these
properties, either as for profit or not-for-project enterprises. Local
community members are strongly encouraged to submit proposals.
The RFP includes incentives for partnerships between the farmers and local
community organizations to encourage farming that is responsive to community
needs and interests.

             “Urban farming is a great way to encourage small scale
agricultural entrepreneurism in our city,” Mayor Menino said.  “It has the
capacity to bring fresh fruits and vegetables into neighborhoods and corner
stores while teaching Boston families and youth about where their food comes
from.”

The three properties are located at 23-29 Tucker Street, 131 Glenway Street
and 18-24 Standish Street.  Initially, each property will be leased based on
a rate of $500 per acre, which based on lot sizes, will be roughly $125 to
$200 per year for a term of five years.  The term may be extended if farming
is successful.

The deadline for proposals is August 15, 2011.  The RFP package is available
at the Department of Neighborhood Development’s Bid Counter on the 10th
floor at 26 Court Street, Boston.  The RFP can also be downloaded by
registering at http://www.cityofboston.gov/dnd/rfp.  A bidders conference is
scheduled for July 25, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Winter
Chambers on the 1st floor at 26 Court Street.  Any questions regarding
the RFP can be emailed to Jay Lee at jlee.dnd at cityofboston.gov.
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