Community Preservation Act examples from neighboring communities
Here are real examples from neighboring communities of important ways that the Community Preservation Act can enhance Brookline and Brookline resident’s lives by improving parks and playing fields increasing open space, supporting affordable housing, and protecting Brookline’s historic treasurers.
Historic
Gloucester used CPA funds to restore WPA murals in city hall.
In 1928, the people of Lexington made a promise to keep their brand new Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building a vibrant and well-maintained centerpiece of their town. Recently, with the help of CPA, the town of Lexington made good on their 86-year pledge.
In 2012 the Town of Concord began a two-year, CPA-funded project to restore their historic Town House. The Italianate-style structure, located at 22 Monument Square, was built in 1851 in the midst of a thriving agriculture and urban market economy fueled by the expanse of railroads during that time period.
Near Union Square in Somerville stands the Prospect Hill Tower — a stalwart, granite structure that represents nearly 300 years’ worth of history for the city. A spiral stairway leads to the top of the tower, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding city scape while an American flag waves overhead. However, due to years of deterioration standing against harsh New England winters, this historic landmark had fallen into disrepair. For the last few years, visitors have not been permitted to climb the tower because of safety concerns. It was for this reason that Somerville decided to use $500,000 in CPA funds to restore the tower, preserving it for generations to come.
The David Tilden House in Canton, Massachusetts was saved and restored thanks in part due to CPA funding. The advocacy led to the creation of a National Historic District with the Tilden House built in 1725 as the oldest contributing structure.
Housing
In Stow CPA funding preserved affordability restrictions on 37 apartments
This Wayland project consists of 16 units of community housing in the form of townhouses of which 11 are for families at 80% AMI (Area Median Income) and 5 for those at 100% AMI.
In Goshen, MA an abandoned parsonage was converted into 10 affordable units for seniors.
Higham constructed six units of housing for veterans.
In Amherst CPA funding preserved affordability restrictions on 41 units
Parks
With an estimated one out of every three Americans now owning a dog, and dwindling open spaces in many urban and suburban communities, it’s not surprising that off-leash dog parks are an increasingly popular use of Community Preservation Act funds. The newly opened “Boneyard” dog park in the town of Kingston is a perfect example.
A transformative recreation project is under construction in the Town of Boxford, known as the Boxford Common.
Thanks to CPA funding a property was transformed into a vibrant, attractive, award-winning park in Mansfield.
Hundreds of children on the North Shore are new beneficiaries of a state-of-the-art playground in Hamilton.
Donate to the Campaign
DonateOr You may send donations to Jonathan Klein, treasurer.
Brookline CPA Committee c/o
Jonathan Klein
150 Saint Paul Street, Apt 406
Brookline, MA 02446
Paid for by the CPA for Brookline Committee
Contribution Rules
- I am at least eighteen years old.
- This contribution is made from my own funds, and funds are not being provided to me by another person or entity for the purpose of making this contribution.
- I am a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident (i.e., green card holder).
- I am making this contribution with my own personal credit card and not with a corporate or business credit card or a card issued to another person.