In 2002, the Town adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA), which established Acton’s Community Preservation Fund through a 1.5% annual surcharge on real estate property tax bills, with certain exemptions, and made the Town eligible to receive annually additional monies from the Massachusetts Community Preservation Trust Fund. Under the CPA, the Community Preservation Fund may be used to acquire or protect open space, historic resources, community housing, and recreational uses, and for Town administrative expenses. The CPA defines community housing as housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.
In September 2024, the Community Preservation Committee published its 2025 Community Preservation Plan (with guidelines for submitting projects seeking funding). The Committee reviewed the applications, interviewed proponents, and worked collaboratively to determine the Committee’s overall recommendation for appropriations.
The Committee received requests totaling $2,778,039.
CPA funds available totaled $2,014,009
The Committee recommended appropriating $1,993,385.52 to fund 21 projects covering recreation, historic resources, community housing, open space, and administration. The complete list of projects can be found in the Warrant.
The Select Board voted unanimously to recommend Article 10 in its entirety. The Finance Committee voted 9-0 to recommend all projects except M (shutters and hardscape for the Community Space at 17 Woodbury Lane), and voted 9-0 not to recommend M.
Seven of the projects were held for discussion and individual votes. After questions and spirited debate, Town Meeting participants voted in favor of all components of Article 10.
Peter J. Berry is vice-chair of the Acton Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and a former Select Board member.