SWAMPSCOTT — Town Meeting members voted in favor of adopting the Community Preservation Act.
The CPA provides state matching funds to municipalities that fund certain projects relating to the preservation of open space and historic sites, creation of affordable housing, and development of outdoor recreation with a property tax surcharge of up to 3%.
Select Board member Doug Thompson had been a leading advocate for the act’s adoption, having held two public information sessions in support of the CPA leading up to Town Meeting. He was joined at the podium by members of other Swampscott committees who also supported seeing the town become a CPA community as he led a presentation that described the CPA’s benefits.
As of 2023, 195 Massachusetts communities had adopted the CPA. According to Thompson, the act has contributed to more than 10,000 housing units and 6,700 historic-preservation projects across the state.
“I think it’s time to bring our money back home,” Thompson said.
Adoption of the act will now be on the ballot in November’s election. If it passes in the fall, a Community Preservation Committee of five to nine members will be assembled.
“Every year they must allocate at least 30% of the funds raised to 10% for open space/recreation, 10% for affordable housing, and 10% for historical preservation,” Thompson explained.
He added that the committee will have final approval on any proposal submitted. Ultimately, any project proposed through the CPA would have to be approved by Town Meeting.
The Town of Nahant was used as an example of a municipality that is properly utilizing the CPA, having first adopted it in 2004.
Multiple residents spoke in favor of and opposition to of the article.
“Not adopting this is the definition of penny-wise and pound-foolish,” Jack Bierman said. “We’re going to pay for many of these things whether we like it or not… so the question is do we get the rest of the people of the Commonwealth to contribute to it or do we do it all on our own?”
Hilary Foutes stood against the the motion, citing her belief that other needs in town are more deserving of taxpayer money.
Thompson looks forward to engaging the town further on the benefits of the CPA in the time leading up to November’s vote.
“The leaders of the effort to bring the benefits of the CPA to Swampscott are thrilled that over 90% of Town Meeting voters approved the warrant article,” Thompson said.
