RESULTS: Community Preservation Act in Arlington

Arlington residents voted Tuesday to pass the Community Preservation Act in town.

According to unofficial results, about 54 percent (10,034) of Arlington voters voted to pass the act, while 46 percent (8,476) voted not to.

The act, funded by a surcharge of 1.5 percent on the annual property tax assessed on real property, with some exemptions, (beginning in fiscal year 2016) provides funds for the town to: acquire or preserve open space and rehabilitate or create local parks, playgrounds and athletic fields; preserve or restore historic resources and artifacts; and help meet local families’ housing needs.

Now that the act has passed, a Community Preservation Committee must be established in Arlington to study community preservation needs, possibilities and resources, and to make annual recommendations to Town Meeting for approval on spending the funds.