Waltham City Council greenlights farm enhancements, confirms new Conservation Commission member

The Waltham City Council moved forward on several community-focused initiatives during its meeting Monday night, confirming a new appointment to the Conservation Commission and approving upgrades to Waltham Fields Community Farm.

The council confirmed the mayor’s recommendation of Lisa Limonciello to the Waltham Conservation Commission. A lifelong Waltham resident, Limonciello previously served on the Waltham School Committee (2010–2014), served on the city’s Parks-Recreation Board and was a founding member of the Waltham Education and Beyond Foundation. She currently works as the administrator at the Waltham Boys & Girls Club, handling human resources, payroll and board support.

“I’ve lived in Waltham my whole life. Now’s the time I need to start giving back to my community,” she said.

Councilors praised her and her family’s longstanding commitment to the community, civic experience and willingness to step into a regulatory role that often requires difficult decisions.

“I want to thank Lisa and her family for many, many years of public service and commitment to public service and certainly appreciate you serving in all of these capacities,” said Ward 9 Councilor Robert G. Logan.

Council approves addition for community farm

Councilors unanimously approved a proposal from Waltham Fields Community Farm to construct a 24-by-22-feet open-air addition adjacent to its existing farmstand. The structure will support its community-supported agriculture program, providing weather protection for food distribution and outdoor programming.

The farm’s executive director explained that the new space will help staff pack produce boxes for the farm’s VegRx program, which supports residents with dietary-related illnesses, and for the Mobile Outreach Market, which delivers locally grown produce to locations around the city.

While the final architectural plans have not yet been submitted, the City Council’s approval allows the farm to move forward with its application to the Building Department. 

The addition will be attached to the existing farm stand, include a new barn-style side door and sit on a cement foundation. The structure will remain on the property even if the license to operate changes in the future.

Accessible ramp to be added at Learning Garden

In a related matter, the council also approved the construction of an accessible ramp at the farm’s Learning Garden near the cottage. The ramp, modeled after ADA-compliant infrastructure already in use nearby, will make educational programs in the garden more inclusive for residents of all abilities.