My View

It’s Gloucester’s Turn

In 2001 the citizens of Peabody voted to pass the Community Preservation Act (CPA) and the City has since received more than $2.3 million in funds from the state.

In 2002 the citizens of Rockport voted to pass the CPA and the Town has since received more than $1.2 million in funds from the state.

In 2002 the citizens of Newburyport voted to pass the CPA and the Town has since received more than $1.3 million in funds from the state.

In 2001 the citizens of Gloucester voted NOT to pass the CPA and since that time the City has received NOTHING! If the citizens of Gloucester had voted to pass the CPA with a 3% surcharge in 2001 the City could have received over $6 million from the state.

It gets worse! CPA funds can be used to leverage other funds. Peabody used $162,000 of its CPA funding for is Rail-Trail project and received an additional $1.3 million federal grant. Hampden expended $250,000 of its CPA funding and received an additional $1.85 million from other state, federal and private sources for historic/open space preservation. I can only imagine the additional grants and matching funds Gloucester could have leveraged if CPA funds were available as seed money.

On November 6th, Gloucester voters will have a second chance to join the ranks of the 127 communities that have adopted the CPA. If the Ballot Question passes, the Gloucester can begin to utilize CPA funds to address three core community concerns; acquisition and preservation of open space, creation and support of affordable housing and acquisition and preservation of historic buildings and landscapes.

For example:

Open Space:
CPA funds could purchase developable parcels in and around Dogtown to retain for open space.

Recreation:
CPA funds could be used to restore Newell Stadium

Historical Preservation:
Instead of taking money from the City’s general funds, which could have been used for schools and infrastructure, the City could have used CPA funds to restore the City Hall Tower.

Housing:
CPA funds could be used to fund the City’s Housing Trust Fund and provide for first time home buyers loans or to help homeowners with loans or grants to make their property handicapped accessible for elderly or disabled family members.

It’s Gloucester’s turn to reap the benefits of the CPA. Let’s not make the same mistake twice - vote YES for CPA on November 6th.

Please join the Alliance to Adopt the Community Preservation Act on Tuesday, September 11th at 7:00 at Kyrouz Auditorium, City Hall. The purpose of the Forum is to present an overview of what the Community Preservation Act is and if passed, how it can benefit Gloucester and its citizens.

Submitted by:
Karen A. Gallagher
Member, Community Preservation Act Alliance
Atlantic Street
Gloucester, MA
www.PreserveGloucester.org

The above article appeared as a "My View" column in a recent issue of the Gloucester Daily Times