How CPA Works
Little Red House
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) was passed by the Massachusetts State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Cellucci in 2000 to help communities better manage development through the use of local dedicated funds that receive annual matching funds from the state.
These matching state funds come from existing fees on real estate transactions. For the past 12 years, Canton residents have been paying these fees without receiving a penny of the $387 million distributed to CPA communities as matching funds. Voting Yes on Question 4 will result in some of this money being returned to Canton each year.
CPA funds can be used to preserve open space and historic sites, encourage reasonably-priced housing (without using Chapter 40b) and create new parks and outdoor recreational resources. Recent legislation also enables funds to be used to improve existing parks, playgrounds and fields.
Who decides how CPA funds can be spent?
WE DO! All expenditures for projects must be approved by Town Meeting.
What will it cost? Who is exempt?
Canton's contribution will be funded by a 1% property tax surcharge. The first $100,000 of assessed value of residential properties is exempt form the surcharge. In addition, low income homeowners and low-to-moderate income seniors are exempt from the surcharge.
These matching state funds come from existing fees on real estate transactions. For the past 12 years, Canton residents have been paying these fees without receiving a penny of the $387 million distributed to CPA communities as matching funds. Voting Yes on Question 4 will result in some of this money being returned to Canton each year.
CPA funds can be used to preserve open space and historic sites, encourage reasonably-priced housing (without using Chapter 40b) and create new parks and outdoor recreational resources. Recent legislation also enables funds to be used to improve existing parks, playgrounds and fields.
Who decides how CPA funds can be spent?
WE DO! All expenditures for projects must be approved by Town Meeting.
What will it cost? Who is exempt?
Canton's contribution will be funded by a 1% property tax surcharge. The first $100,000 of assessed value of residential properties is exempt form the surcharge. In addition, low income homeowners and low-to-moderate income seniors are exempt from the surcharge.