The primary focus of the meeting was the acquisition of the Egleston Square Peace Garden, located at the intersection of Washington Street and School Street. The garden, currently owned by Clear Channel Outdoors, has been maintained by the community for approximately 20 years despite restrictions such as a six-foot chain-link fence that limits access. The negotiated purchase price of $300,000 is notably lower than the original listing price of $1.1 million, with funding coming from the open space acquisition fund financed through the Community Preservation Act. Clear Channel has agreed to remove the billboard on the property, and the Parks Department plans to collaborate with the community to remove the fence, thereby enhancing access to the garden.

The acquisition aims to protect the garden under Article 97. This decision aligns with the Parks Department’s strategy to prioritize parcels at risk of development. The garden’s importance to the community was underlined by its history of hosting gathering, arts, and cultural programming.

During the meeting, community members and stakeholders expressed strong support for the acquisition. Denise Delgado, the director of Egleston Square Main Street and a member of the Friends of the Egleston Square Peace Garden, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “I never really thought this day was going to come.” She emphasized the garden’s significance to the community before the fence was installed and acknowledged the long-standing efforts to secure the space.

Concerns were raised about the current condition of the garden, with emphasis on the need to keep a fence in place until comprehensive renovations can occur. A community member highlighted temporary placemaking efforts made possible through a grant in 2020 and expressed openness to future collaborations on the use of tables and chairs in the park during its transition. The proximity of multiple schools was also noted, with hopes that these institutions would partner with the park to foster youth engagement and programming.

Bob Poster, a convener for the Friends of the Egleston Square Peace Garden, called the acquisition a “momentous day” and reflected on the garden’s role as a memorial for youth lost to violence. He thanked the mayor and commissioners for their support and expressed the community’s readiness to partner with the city in maintaining the garden. Maria, another community member, shared her long-standing connection to the area and positive experiences her family had in the garden, including educational programs for children that fostered an appreciation for nature.

Carolyn Royce of the Egleston Square Neighborhood Association emphasized the park’s ownership significance for stability and future planning. She noted the limited green spaces in Egleston Square and their vital role for community gatherings. Carolyn Lenberg pointed out that nearby schools would benefit from the park, especially as a shaded waiting area for children. She mentioned ongoing collaborations with schools to incorporate site amenities into nearby parks and expressed excitement about the Peace Garden’s future potential. Kevin Brill, head of the Greater Egleston School, linked the acquisition to the school’s history and its connection to the community, mentioning the commemorative bricks in the park that honor individuals lost to violence.

The meeting transitioned to public comments, where no further hands were raised. The board then moved to a formal motion to acquire the park, which was seconded, and the legal language concerning the acquisition was read aloud. The motion passed unanimously, reflecting strong community support for the initiative.