CPA Projects
What is the Community Preservation Act?
According to the Massachusetts State site, the Community Preservation Act (CPA) "helps communities preserve open space and historic sites, create affordable housing, and develop outdoor recreational facilities. The CPA is funded through a local option surcharge on property tax bills and a state match or those surcharges."
In other words, a community has to vote to put the Community Preservation Act into action. Once it is in place, every time a house sells in the community, the seller is required to put 1% of the total sale into the CPA account. This money can then be used for occurances in 4 categories: preserving open spaces, preserving historical sites, creating affordable housing, and developing outdoor recreational facilities. Different governmental community organizations are allowed to tap into the account at certain times and use it for purposes listed above.
What has the West Springfield Park and Recreation Department done as CPA Projects?
For more information regarding the CPA, visit the Community Preservation Coalition site.