Community Preservation Act (CPA)
The Community Protection Act gives the community the opportunity to determine its priorities, plan for its future, and have funds to make those plans happen. A Community Preservation Committee composed of residents makes recommendations on the use of the funds.
The Act establishes a Community Preservation Fund financed by property tax surcharges and matching revenues from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Act provides new funding sources which can be used to address core community concerns:
- Restoration and preservation of historic properties
- Helps meet local families’ housing needs
- Acquires and preserves open space for recreation and conservation
- Protects scenic areas
- Protects farm land and forests from future development
Age 60 as of January 1st. Must meet income limits set by HUD. Must own and occupy the property by July 1st.
Application
The application must be filed with assessors on or before April 1st, or 3rd months after actual (not preliminary) tax bills are mailed for fiscal year if later.