Could An Historic Waltham Farm Be Revived?

A Waltham-based land preservation organization is aiming to breathe new life into a local farm.

The Waltham Land Trust (WLT) is leading an effort to revive Arrigo Farm, a now-defunct farm, according to WLT board member Dee Kricker.

The farm, which has been defunct since its prior owner, John Arrigo, died in 2011, was one of the oldest working farms in the country, according to Kricker. Since its founding in 1635, just three different families have owned it, Kricker said.

Currently, the Waltham City Council is considering a request to sponsor a Community Preservation Committee application to purchase the farm, Kricker said. The Committee of the Whole, a subcommittee of the City Council, has recommended approval of the request. The Council plans to vote on the request on Monday, June 10.

No cost figures have been floated yet because an appraisal has yet to be done, Kricker said. Currently, a home built in 1837 sits on the site at 342 Warren St., Kricker said.

The move comes amid concerns the land could be developed. Descendants of the Arrigo family, who, through John Arrigo’s estate, own the land, have not made a final decision on the fate of the farm, Kricker said. She said her understanding was the family was exploring development options for the land. 

“The heirs have some plans, but they have not said what those plans are,” Kricker told Waltham Patch.

The farm could be become a valuable agricultural resource for the community. The 4-acre site, which has high-quality soil, could be used as a working farm or eventually host a farming museum, Kricker said. She said there is a large demand for locally grown farm products Arrigo farm could help fill.