CPC seeks grant applications

Date: 11/9/2010

Nov. 8, 2010

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

LONGMEADOW -- The Community Preservation Commission (CPC) is now accepting applications for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for next year.

"We'll look at any project that qualifies in one of the four areas -- recreation, open space, community housing or historical," said CPC Chairman William Hoff. "You have to pick one of those categories and there has to be a public benefit to the project."

Applications should be received no later than Dec. 6. Those interested in submitting an application can do so by downloading the form from the CPC link on the town's Web site, filling it out and delivering it to Town Hall.

"We tried to make the application as simple as possible," Hoff said.

Once the applications are submitted, the CPC will hold an open hearing to discuss and vote upon which projects they will recommend to funding.

The projects that are recommended will be added to the warrant for the 2011 Spring Town Meeting, where they will be voted on by the town.

Hoff said that while the impression may be that the majority of the projects funded by the CPA are town initiatives, a good number of projects proposed by individuals have gotten the nod as well.

"In terms of actual dollars, the town departments have probably received more. CPA funds have been used for three projects involving the community house, improvements to town hall and to the Center School," Hoff said. "But in terms of number of projects, I'd say it's pretty evenly split."

Hoff said that between the money raised this year and the money already saved, the town has about $1.3 million in CPA funds at its disposal, but that doesn't mean it will all be used.

"The money does roll over, so we do want to save some of it in case a big project presents itself and the money is needed," Hoff said.