Policy Order O-11

WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that St. Francis Church will soon be discontinuing services; and

WHEREAS: The Foundry Building located at 117 Rogers Street will soon be deeded to the City of Cambridge; and

WHEREAS: The closing of a neighborhood church is a solemn and sensitive event for parishioners and neighbors; and

WHEREAS: The future use of a church building should be in line with neighborhood needs and desires; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to undertake the acquisition of the St. Francis property and begin a neighborhood planning process, with residents and stakeholders, and in conjunction with the newly-acquired Foundry Building to determine how the needs for the community uses and municipal uses can be satisfied through the renovations of both buildings, and to report back to the City Council; and be it further

ORDERED: That an executive session is scheduled for discussion of purchasing the St. Francis property.