Community Preservation Committee

Meetings

First and third Wednesdays in spring and fall (generally)

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

Most Recent Agenda (PDF) | All Agendas and Minutes

Fall 2023 Funding Round

The first round of CPA funding in Fiscal Year 2024 will begin in Fall 2023. One page eligibility forms to ensure prospective projects are able to be funded through CPA are due by August 24, with full applications due September 13. Please contact staff to discuss your potential project in detail, review the Community Preservation Plan, and consider the CPC's Decision Guidelines. Paper copies of applications are no longer required.

Recent review schedule and projects reviewed

CPA Tax Surcharge Exemptions

The first $100,000 value of residential property is automatically exempt. Senior and low-income residents may be eligible for a tax surcharge exemption by filing with the assessor.

CPA Tax Surcharge Exemptions and 2023 Income Limits

Committee Members

Brian Adams, Chair
Mayoral Appointee
Term expires June 2025
Julia Chevan
Recreation Commission Representative
Term expires June 2025
Chris Tait,
Planning Board Representative
Term expires November 2024
Martha Lyon
Historical Commission Representative
Term expires June 2024
Kevin Lake
Conservation Commission Representative
Term expires June 2024

Christopher Hellman
Elected Representative
Term expires January 2024
Jeff Jones
Housing Authority Representative
Term expires February 2025
Beverly Bates, Mayoral Appointee, Term expires June 2025
Jonah Zuckerman
City Council appointee to fill vacant Elected Representative position
Term expires January 2024
Sarah LaValley - Staff
Email Sarah LaValley
413-587-1263

About the Committee

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) allows communities to create a local Community Preservation Fund to raise money through a surcharge of up to three percent of the real estate tax levy on real property for open space protection, historic preservation and the provision of affordable housing. The act also created a state matching fund to supplement local revenues collected.

Mailing List Sign-up

Please visit the Mailing List Signup page to join the CPC email list to receive agenda notifications, and HERE for the email newsletter. .

Responsibilities

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is responsible for making recommendations for how Community Preservation Act funds must be spent in the four CPA program areas: Community Housing, Historic Preservation, Open Space and Recreation.