Frequently Asked Questions
Pequitside Farm playground
Who decides how the CPA funds are spent?
We do! All funding allocations must be passed by Town Meeting.
What can funds be spent on?
CPA funds can be spent on protecting open space, preserving historic structures, developing and improving recreational resources and supporting reasonably priced housing without using Chapter 40b.
Who is exempt from the CPA surcharge?
- The first $100,000 of taxable value for all residential real estate
- Seniors (60 years and above) who own and occupy their home and are low or moderate income making less than $68,460 a year ($78,240 for a senior household of two)
- Non-seniors who own and occupy their home and earn less than $62,592 for a household of two and $78,240 for a household of four
Where can I get more information about the Community Preservation Act?
The statewide Community Preservation Coalition's website has a wealth of information about how the CPA works and how Massachusetts towns and cities are benefiting from the Act. Find it here: www.communitypreservation.org.