The Time is Right for Danvers to Adopt CPA

On May 2nd, the voters of Danvers will have the opportunity to pass the Community Preservation Act (CPA). I know we all care deeply about the character and history of Danvers. The CPA will help by providing dedicated funding for the acquisition and protection of historic preservation, open space, recreation (playing fields, trails etc.), and senior / affordable housing. CPA monies are not used for the General Fund. Instead, the CPA provides a “smart growth” tool to shape the future of our town. That’s one of the best parts of the Act – there will always be money to help preserve the best of Danvers for all of us. Investing in the CPA creates a funding stream through a partnership between the Town and the State. This partnership has been so successful that 194 Massachusetts communities have joined the CPA since 2000, and in 23 years, NONE have revoked it. Each CPA town uses a small surcharge based on property tax paid and those funds are MATCHED by the State. Danvers is asking for a 1% surcharge, the lowest to enter the program. The surcharge cannot increase unless the voter’s choice to increase it. Last year’s final trust fund match from the state was 38.51%. In the last 20 years the match has varied from 19% to 100%. The CPA is a great INVESTMENT. For the average property in Danvers, the surcharge will be about $17.79 per quarter or $71/year.

The impact of CPA funds is in the citizens' hands – OUR hands. CPA funds will be administered by a newly formed Town committee consisting of both citizens from the community and a citizen from open space, recreation, preservation, and housing boards. The committee will review and recommend projects related strictly to open space, recreation, historic preservation, and senior / affordable housing. State law has established requirements for housing, but the CPA provides us with better control over how housing is developed in our town.

Approval of every CPA project will be decided by the Town Meeting.

Please help by voting “YES” for the CPA at the High School on May 2nd, early voting at the Town Hall April 22nd.

We all love our town. It’s a slice of history for those who grew up here, those new to town, and for future generations.

Ellen Graham