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Date: 1/25/2023
MONSON – In preparation for Monson’s Annual Town Meeting in May, the Community Preservation Commission (CPC) is accepting applications for project funding.
To be considered at Town Meeting, the deadline to apply is Feb. 21.
CPC Chairman Glenn Colburn said they offer two application rounds throughout the year to coincide with Annual Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting. “We try to get the applications in two to three months before the meeting,” he shared.
There are four types of project categories. This includes open space, historic, community housing and recreation.
Colburn went on to share some examples of projects that have been completed in the past. For instance, he noted that the Cemetery Commission restored the large stone arch along with a tomb in the cemetery that needed work. At the Keep Homestead Museum, windows were repaired, among other improvements.
For recreation, the CPC expanded the skatepark and built some restrooms at Veterans Field.
On the historical side, work has been done on Memorial Hall and the library. Colburn said a recently completed project was on the “Johnson Organ” in the First Church of Monson.
After the Feb. 21 deadline, the CPC will host a meeting in the beginning of March to review applications and decide which ones merit funding. At that meeting, a representative from the project must present the cost, how they propose to complete the project and more for members of the CPC.
“We will listen to all applications and see which projects meet our criteria,” said Colburn. “If it does – if we think the project is worthy – it will be brought to Annual Town Meeting.”
There is no limit to how many applications may be submitted or approved by the CPC to go to Town Meeting. As of press time, Colburn said no applications had been received.
When and if an application is accepted, the CPC encourages the applicant to go before the specific board or department that it is relevant to. Oftentimes, a written or verbal acceptance of the project is beneficial to have before going in front of the town.
“If anyone has any idea, bring it [forward] and see if it meets [the criteria],” said Colburn. “We would be happy to look at it.”
Because the applications are open twice a year, if residents are unable to prepare an application ahead of the deadline, Colburn assured that there will be another chance in September.
“The CPC is a funding source – we don’t oversee the project,” said Colburn. “We award the money to someone who will do the project.”
He explained that the town of Monson adopted the Community Preservation Act in 2006, creating an additional sur tax of 3 three percent on houses valued over $100,000. This has given the CPC a “fair amount of money” each year.
Annually, Colburn said the CPC receives about $300,000, which is divided by three or four categories. He noted that the state also gives them a match.
In 2022, Colburn said, “Monson did outstanding” and received a 100 percent match of $270,594. Monson was one of 16 towns to receive a 100 percent match. By setting the tax limit and more, Colburn shared, “It [has] really paid off in the long run.”
For additional information on the applications for grant funding, visit https://www.monson-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif926/f/uploads/cpc_feb_2023_application.pdf.