Wakefield Eyes Parks Work, Civic Center Repairs, More With Spending Bill Money

WAKEFIELD, MA — More than $400,000 will soon flow into Wakefield for a series of projects and programs with ties to the town thanks to an economic development spending bill state lawmakers sent to Gov. Charlie Baker earlier this month.

Baker signed the majority of the legislation into law on Thursday, approving money for Wakefield as part of a roughly $3.76 billion package combining unspent federal pandemic stimulus money and state surplus funds.

The agreement hashed out by legislators included larger funding for projects ranging from MBTA safety and service upgrades to energy assistance and affordable housing.

It also noted a long list of more specific earmarks for individual municipalities and organizations.

Wakefield’s earmarks are as follows:

• $150,000 to improve pedestrian and bicycle access to downtown Wakefield
• $100,000 for improvements to parks and downtown revitalization
• $100,000 for repairs to Americal Civic Center roof
• $60,000 for the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce

This economic development bill emerged on Nov. 3 after months spent stuck in talks between legislators.

The bill has drawn mixed reactions from Baker and other state leaders, who have expressed frustration that envisioned tax cuts and stimulus checks for some taxpayers didn’t make it into the final legislation.

"While I am disappointed that the bill does not include permanent tax relief that is affordable and was supported by our administration and the Legislature, I am pleased that the Commonwealth’s strong financial position allows us to make these critical investments on behalf of our communities," Baker said in a statement after his signing last week.

Speaking before the signing, Wakefield state legislators noted money set to come into Wakefield through the then pending economic development bill.

“It’s good news that the House and Senate reached final agreement on this major economic development legislation that will help struggling families and bolster economic growth in the Commonwealth,” State Sen. Jason Lewis said last week.

“The Legislature’s successful efforts on the economic development bill will result in significant investments in state programs and resources that support individuals and families,” State Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian separately said.