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Date: 4/27/2022
SPRINGFIELD – The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is in the process of reviewing 25 applicants for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding.
The CPC approves CPA funding on a yearly basis, with the act’s creation aiding projects that help preserve the character of the community. This year, the Committee received 25 applications totaling $4,678,952. The amount awarded is commensurate with funding and is expected to be about half of the requested amount, according to the CPC’s Administrative Consultant Karen Lee.
The CPA in Springfield is overseen by volunteer members who represent the city’s Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Planning Board, Park Commission, Springfield Housing Authority, Springfield Preservation Trust Inc. and three neighborhood appointees by the City Council President Marcus Williams.
According to Chair of the CPC Robert McCarroll, the CPC distributed over $6 million of CPA funding to community projects over the last four years.
During the committee’s April 5 meeting, the group witnessed presentations for several different projects, including improvements to Marshall Roy Park, Venture Pond, Godfrey Triangle restoration, Myrtle Street Park, Merrick Park and Hennessy Park. Each applicant showcased a five-minute presentation about their project and its role in improving the community.
Among the notable projects, Kathy Brown of the East Springfield Neighborhood Council discussed the $68,516 Marshall Roy Park application. After receiving CPA funding in 2021, Brown said the park’s proposed walking path needs more financial support.
“Between the [coronavirus] pandemic and some additional design requirements, we find ourselves coming back asking you to see our enthusiasm and know that the neighborhood is extremely excited about this half a mile path around Marshall Roy field that will be a walking jewel for the people of our neighborhood and beyond,” said Brown.
The East Springfield Neighborhood Council member also discussed a request for $120,000 to improve Marshall Roy Park’s infrastructure.
President of the Armoury Quadrangle Civic Association Betsy Johnson highlighted the $250,000 Merrick Park proposal. Located near the Springfield City Library and several housing redevelopment projects, Johnson said the land is currently unusable. She noted that the area lacks benches, American Disability Act requirements and other recreational fixtures.
“We’re looking for something that will encourage library patrons to want to stop and read. [We also want] the library to have a space where they might even do programing outside,” said Johnson.
Members of the Springfield Parks and Recreation Management Department Christopher Seabrooks and Laura Walsh presented the other CPA applications on the department’s behalf.
The remaining CPA applicants will undergo presentations during the CPC’s April 26 and May 3 meetings. Afterward, the CPC will begin deliberations in June and submit their final recommendations to the City Council in September.
Readers can view the full application process at https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldCommunityPreservationCommittee.