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BOSTON
- Wednesday, September 30, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the
release of eligibility
forms and timeline for applications for the upcoming round of Community
Preservation Act (CPA) funds. For Fiscal Year 2021, the City of Boston has
made $25 million available for CPA projects under three categories
consistent with statewide guidelines: affordable housing, historic
preservation, and open space or recreation. Interested applicants must
complete eligibility forms by October 16, 2020 that will be reviewed by the
Community Preservation Act team. Candidates deemed eligible by the CPA
team will be invited to submit an application for historic preservation,
and open space and recreation projects. Applications will open on October
5, 2020 and close on November 13, 2020.
"Now
more than ever, we must remain committed to making investments that
directly benefit our residents and our communities," said Mayor Walsh.
"Projects funded by the Community Preservation Act are proposed and
implemented by community members and build affordable housing, preserve
historic sites and create open space or recreation. I encourage everyone
with projects to get familiarized with the application process and take
advantage of this opportunity that will directly benefit our
neighborhoods."
In
August, Mayor Walsh announced $30 million available from the Department of
Neighborhood Development and Community Preservation Act funds for Requests
for Proposals for affordable housing.
"I,
along with my fellow committee members, feel honored to be tasked with the
worthwhile challenge of reviewing the applications and working on CPA
funding recommendations to present to Mayor Walsh and the City
Council," said Felicia Jacques, chair of the Community Preservation
Committee. "This is a great opportunity for organizations to embark on
transformative projects that will have a tangible impact in our
community."
Organizations,
nonprofits and community groups are all encouraged to apply. Staff from the
City's Community Preservation Program will be hosting virtual application
information sessions on October 7, 2020 and October 14, 2020 for historic
preservation and open space and recreation projects to provide a detailed
overview of the application process and requirements. Those interested are
asked to submit their RSVP to here.
After
the end of the application period, the Community
Preservation Committee will review applications by January 2021 and
vote on a list of proposals in February to recommend to Mayor Walsh. Mayor
Walsh will make a recommendation of CPA awards to be voted on by the City
Council.
The
Community Preservation Fund is capitalized primarily by a one percent
property tax-based surcharge on residential and business property tax bills
that began in July 2017 after Boston voters adopted the measure in November
2016. The last round of CPA awards in February 2020 funded over $24 million
to 40 projects across the city, including affordable housing developments
and programs, parks and open space, and historic preservation projects
consistent with statewide guidelines.
The
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is committed to broad community
participation, supporting accessible and visible projects that have a
positive impact on neighborhoods and residents. CPA staff has been hosting
community conversations in various neighborhoods to explain the eligibility
requirements and the application process to residents and organizations
interested in applying for funding.
As
part of his legislative agenda, Mayor Walsh advocated for adjusting the
surcharge on fees for recording deeds to increase the State CPA match,
protecting the Act that more than 170 cities and towns depend on for the
creation of affordable housing, open space, and historic preservation. The
FY20 State budget increased the match, raising an estimated additional $36
million in revenue, putting the state match at around 30 percent and
allowing us to invest more in our communities.
For
more information about the Community Preservation Act, visit here. For
individuals interested in completing the eligibility form, visit here. | 
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