09/14/2023 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT COMMITTEE Minutes

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8 Community Preservation Committee Minutes September 14, 2023 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public Hearing—Informational Meeting on the Needs Possibilities and Resources of the Town of Mashpee as they relate to Historic Preservation Recreation Affordable Housing and Open Space for the funding of projects at the May 2024 Town Meeting: (continued) Mr. Miller in support of preserving the 2% surcharge indicated the Community Preservation Committee and what is does is a tremendous asset for the Town of Mashpee. Mr. Miller asked if the CPC advocates for additional funding sources, and if a 501 3c. (non-profit)is able to contribute. Mr. Miller asked if this is a part of the CPC criteria for an applicant to demonstrate this capacity or is the CPC sustaining. In response it was noted the CPC Application itself asks for the leverage of funds, and other sources of income. Affordable Housing projects such as those deriving from Habitat for Humanity and from the LeClair Village have complied. Projects under different categories such as open space and recreation have also leveraged funding. Historic projects have also received and contributed grant funding. The CPC was enacted because communities could no longer afford these types of projects; Open Space/Recreation, Affordable Housing and Historic Purposes. The CPC has addressed a need for approximately 174 municipalities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Under the CPA Act a participating community is required to reserve 10% of the state match allocation to the respective funding categories. It was agreed it is important that every project be asked to leverage funds. Although there is a struggle in the area of public/private partnership, each and every project approved by the CPC is funded by the taxpayer. It was also added the CPC relies on the state trust fund contribution. All projects funded by the CPA have also made an improved benefit to the community in sustaining a quality-of-living environment. A brief discussion followed when Colton Atkinson inquired on the Mashpee Greenway project intended to be closed by the CPC. It was noted there were stipulations that inhibited this project from moving forward. Since this application the Rte. 151 Corridor project has evolved making additional sidewalks/bikeways for pedestrians. There has been an improvement to the trail system. Further information can be found under the website of the Conservation Commission and/or Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge. Additional communication was received regarding a recommendation to maintain the full percentage of the surcharge.