What is the Community Preservation Act (CPA)?
The CPA offers us an opportunity to invest in the future of our Town. Local approval of this referendum will build a dedicated funding stream to acquire and protect outdoor recreation, historic preservation, affordable housing, and open space projects. There are improvements that otherwise would not be possible.
The CPA would provide some exemptions for low income and low- & moderate-income senior homeowners. With a 1% CPA surcharge and the aforementioned exemptions, the town is expected to raise approximately $2.6 million in local CPA revenues annually, a total of $3.0 million after the state match because adopting CPA would also make the town eligible to receive annual distributions of funds from the statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund, monies that are available only to communities that have adopted the Act.
How Much will the CPA Cost?
If your property tax is $8,000, then the 1% would be an additional $80. Everyone's small contribution adds up and will support projects for Brookline that otherwise would not be possible.
Why Do We Need the CPA?
Real estate is at a premium in Brookline. Available property is out of the reach of the Town, workers, young adults and many elderly residents. Brookline’s Town budget now and into the foreseeable future does not have enough money available to meet its open space, recreation, and affordable housing needs. CPA will help the Town to be able to take advantage of opportunities to better manage its future and also control development.
How will the CPA fund benefit Brookline?
Adoption of the CPA will allow Brookline to:
- Conserve lands that are important to Brookline residents’ quality of life;
- Build and restore essential low income and affordable housing for seniors,
- Purchase property for public recreation, such as soccer and baseball fields;
- Preserve historic buildings and lands for needed housing & community uses;
- Make natural and historic sites more accessible for walking, biking, etc.