No CPA, donate anyway

As 2017 begins there are probably many with concerns for what it will bring. Perhaps this is really not any different from the start of any new year. One thing is certain for Danvers residents - they will not be paying any money out for CPA (Community Preservation Act) funds. During the last election, too many Danvers voters thought it was not a good idea. Still almost 6000 of us voted in favor of it. As I look at all the things surrounding communities such as Peabody accomplish with their CPA funds, it is disappointing that similar advantages will not be possible in Danvers.

I have volunteered for various projects in Danvers and know how many groups struggle to keep up places in town that many of us take for granted. The Danvers Historical Society is one such group. Just recently I received a request, as did many others, for a donation to help them raise funds to enable them to receive a $50,000 matching grant from the MA Historical Commission to restore the Derby Summer House. This local landmark is a Registered National Historic Landmark. It may be part of many family memories in the Danvers area as it is a popular spot for weddings and big family celebrations. I think it would be sad to see it fall further into disrepair and a disgrace to the Danvers community to let that happen. With that thought in mind, I decided to donate the amount I would have paid in CPA taxes to the Derby Summer House fund. Sadly my funds will not be matched by any amount as would have been the case if the CPA vote had been different. Why not donate as if Danvers had voted YES on the CPA question 5 during the last election?