Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) makes recommendations to the Town Council on the use of Community Preservation Act funds for eligible open space, historic preservation, recreation, and community housing initiatives, as provided in MGL c. 44B.

Purpose

The Community Preservation Committee shall make recommendations to the Town Council for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space; for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources; for the acquisition, creation and preservation of land for recreational use; for the creation, preservation and support of community housing; and for the rehabilitation or restoration of open space, land for recreational use and community housing that is reacquired or created as provided in MGL c.44B. With respect to community housing, the Community Preservation Committee shall recommend, whenever possible, the reuse of existing buildings or construction of new buildings on previously developed sites. Annually, the Committee, with the assistance of the Finance Director, shall make budget recommendations to the Town Manager for inclusion in the annual Town budget.

The Community Preservation Committee may include in its recommendation to the Town Council a recommendation to set aside, for later spending, funds for specific purposes consistent with community preservation for which sufficient revenues are not then available in the Community Preservation Fund. The Committee may recommend to the Town Council that funds be borrowed and repaid with Community Preservation funds to accomplish Community Preservation objectives.

In considering its recommendations, the Community Preservation Committee shall use as a guideline local and regional open space and housing plans, as well as the Master Plan. The Committee may develop its own guidelines concerning Community Preservation expenditures, with the active participation of other Town multiple-member bodies and public participation. The Community Preservation Committee is a ministerial committee of the Town.

Needs study

Annually, the Community Preservation Committee shall study the Town's needs, opportunities, and resources for community preservation. The Committee shall consult with existing Town multiple-member bodies, including the Conservation Commission, the Historical Commission, the Open Space Committee, the Planning Board, Parks and Recreation, and the Housing Authority, in conducting such studies. As part of its study, the Committee shall hold one or more public informational hearings on the Town's needs, possibilities, and resources regarding community preservation, with notice posted publicly and on the Town’s website two weeks before the scheduled public informational hearing. In
In addition, MGL c.44B requires the CPC to update its Community Preservation Plan every five years.