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

Agendas and Minutes Archive

Autumn 2022 Funding Round

The fall round of CPA funding, the first of Fiscal Year 2023, will begin in August.  One page eligibility forms to ensure prospective projects are able to be funded through CPA are due by August 31, with full applications due September 16. 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.  Elderly and low-income residents may be eligible for a tax surcharge exemption by filing with the assessor.

CPA Tax Surcharge Exemptions and 2022 Income Limits

Committee Members


  • Brian Adams, Chair
    Mayoral Appointee
    Term expires: June 2025
  • Julia Chevan
    Recreation Commission Representative
    Term Expires: June 2025
  • Janna White,
    Planning Board Representative
    Term Expires November 2021
  • Martha Lyon
    Historical Commission Representative
    Term expires: June 2024
  • Jen Smith
    Conservation Commission Representative
    Term Expires: June 2024
  • Christopher Hellman
    Elected Representative
    Term expires: January 2024
  • Jeff Jones
    Housing Authority Representative
    Term Expires June 2023
  • 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.

Resources

FY22 CPA Spending Summary