Salem Community Preservation Act Draft Released

Salem MA

13 November, 2020

2:50 PM

Description

SALEM, MA — Salem's Community Preservation Committee has released the Fiscal Year 2021 Preservation Plan used to guide the committee's decision-making when reviewing and funding projects for Community Preservation Act funding. The plan includes evaluation criteria and a timeline, planning documents that have been vetted through a public process and summarizes some of the relevant needs, goals and recommendations of those plans. The plan, which can be found here, also serves as the committee's annual report. "Since its inception, CPA in Salem has helped our community leverage millions in state funds that we otherwise would not have received," Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said. "The volunteer members of our Community Preservation Committee have served Salem diligently in developing recommendations for many housing, historic preservation, and open space and recreation projects made possible thanks to these funds." The committee is inviting public comment on the draft plan through Nov. 30. After the comment period, the plan will be finalized and proposals for CPA funding will be invited. In order to be considered for the funding round, applicants are encouraged to submit their eligibility applications no later than Jan. 4, 2021. For projects that are determined eligible, applicants will then be invited to submit a funding application. The committee's tentative deadline for the receipt of funding applications is March 26, 2021. The goal of the CPC is to review proposals and submit funding recommendations to the City Council in May 2021. Adopted by voters in 2012, the CPA established a local dedicated fund for the purpose of "undertaking open space, historic preservation, outdoor recreation and community housing projects." The CPA is financed by a voter-approved property tax surcharge along with annual matching funds from the statewide CPA Trust Fund. Written comments may be sent to the Department of Planning and Community Development, 98 Washington St., Salem, MA 01970 by November 20, 2020.