Community Preservation Committee

Overview

The Community Preservation Act

The Community Preservation Act, M.G.L. Chapter 44B, was adopted by the Legislature and signed into law in September 2000. The CPA allows any city or town in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to adopt a property tax surcharge of up to 3%; the revenues from which are matched by State funds. The combined funding from these two sources is used for the following purposes:

• Acquire, create and preserve open space; and rehabilitate and restore open space if acquired or created with CPA funds
• Acquire, preserve, rehabilitate and restore historic resources
• Acquire, create, and preserve land for recreation use; and rehabilitate and restore land for recreational use if acquired or created with CPA funds
• Acquire, create, preserve, and support community housing; and rehabilitate and restore community housing acquired or created with CPA funds

Each fiscal year, at least 10% of the revenues in the Community Preservation Plan must be spent or set aside for open space (excluding recreational uses), 10% for historic preservation, and 10% for community housing. Up to 5% may be spent on administration. The remaining 70% of funds may be allocated to any one or a combination of the three main uses, including public recreational purposes.

The CPA in Manchester

The Community Preservation Act was approved by the citizens of Manchester at an initial tax surcharge of .5%. An increase of 1% was approved at the 2010 Town Election to its current rate of 1.5%. The Community Preservation Committee’s responsibilities are to study the needs of the Town of Manchester in cooperation with various town boards, departments, organizations, and citizens and to solicit and evaluate proposals for the use of Community Preservation Act funds for the maximum benefit to the Town of Manchester. The CPC will vote and recommend at Town Meeting those projects which it deems will best achieve the purpose of the Community Preservation Act legislation in the areas of open space, historic preservation, affordable housing and recreation.

The deadline for applications to the CPC is December 1st* of each calendar year. CPC recommendations for which projects will go before Town Meeting will occur no later than the last day in February prior to Town Meeting in the spring. Please refer to the above link: CPA Funding Application Packet for more information on how to apply for CPA funds.

*When December 1 falls on a Sunday, the deadline will be Monday, December 2.