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Date: 3/2/2022
SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is preparing to a receive a new round of applicants for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding.
CPA funds continue to benefit different projects throughout the community. The 2021 application process awarded several enterprises with necessary funding, with projects including the rebuilding of the Forest Park Water Garden Gazebo, development of Duggan Park and the exterior preservation of the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museums.
During the CPC’s annual public input meeting in October 2021, Administrator of the Community Preservation Committee Karen Lee shared that the 2022 budget for CPA funds is $2,166,450. She explained that the CPC utilizes the local dedicated fund to contribute to community-inspired projects, including the preservation of historical sites, the development of outdoor recreational facilities and to create community housing.
To aid potential applicants for the 2022 process, Lee hosted a CPA Application Workshop on Feb. 1. The meeting featured CPC Chair Robert McCaroll and other members of the CPC as they described the significance of the committee’s role in the community.
Since the CPC was implemented in 2018, the committee funded 56 projects with a combined cost of over $7 million, according to McCaroll. “We really feel that CPA was something the voters in Springfield were willing to participate in…it brings a financial responsibility to better the quality of life in Springfield” said McCaroll.
McCaroll explained the importance of applicants fitting the CPC’s specific criteria. He stressed that each application can be applicable to open space land, historic resources, recreational land and community housing. However, each category sets different determinations as to whether the projects are CPA-eligible.
After providing an overview of the CPA, Lee instructed potential applicants about the specific details of the process. She expressed the importance of applicants highlighting the project’s value in terms of community impact and genuine need.
“We want to see some great, creative projects. We’re hoping you bring that to us,” said Lee.
Lee shared that CPA applications are due by March 31, with the CPC meeting with applicants and deliberating in the summer before City Council recommendations are issued in the early fall.
Readers interested in learning more about the CPC and the 2022 CPA application process can visit https://www.springfield-ma.gov/finance/community-preservation. Readers can also view the application workshop at https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldCommunityPreservationCommittee.