Vote YES on Question 5

I would like to take the time to ask Danvers residents to vote Yes on Question 5, on November 8^th. I was a member of the study committee for the Selectmen, which looked into the Community Preservation Act (CPA) and how it may work for Danvers. We met weekly for a few months and studied the ins and outs of CPA.

A quick synopsis of what we learned, from my perspective:

CPA is a program our state started, for communities to collect money to be used only for Open Space/Recreation, Affordable Housing and Preservation, in turn the state would give each community a monetary incentive.

The contribution from Danvers residents is based on property taxes and collected on you tax bill.

Each town decides what percentage to ask residents to contribute to this fund, up to 3%. Danvers is looking for 1.5% contribution, with the average household paying approximately $63/year.

There are exemptions for seniors and low income similar to current exemptions for property taxes. The first $100,000 of your property value is exempt.

All money, including money from the state, is controlled locally through Town Meeting.

The study committee spoke to communities who adopted CPA and one community that had chosen not to adopt it. The pros and cons are pretty simple.

The pros are that communities have used the monies to increase their open space/recreation areas and increased affordable housing. They were also able to come up with innovative ways to preserve historic structures. In addition, state tax dollars were returned to the communities.

The con is asking property owners to pitch in extra money.

I have been involved in our local government for 15 years in various roles. I have been a Selectmen, Town Meeting Member and currently the Chairman of the Preservation Commission. What I have found over the years is that we have robustly involved community members, who are passionate about our community. We have volunteer committees working on Open Space, Recreation, Affordable Housing and Preservation. Each of these committees have put a lot of man hours into plans and ideas of how to improve each of these areas in town. One of the biggest things that prevents us from implementation of these plans is money.

Most agree the town does a great job managing our budget. We all understand that infrastructure systems; Schools, DPW, Fire, Police, these must come first when looking at our budget. Also, we must have a reserve for these infrastructure systems “just in case”. That being said quality of life systems, like Open Space, Recreation, Affordable Housing and Preservation, take a back seat. There have been many times when Danvers has missed important opportunities due to lack of funding.

Our Board of Selectmen, The Finance Committee and Town Meeting all voted to move CPA to a ballot question. It is now up to you the voters, you must decide if you are willing to pitch in a little more to help Preserve our History, expand our Open Space and Recreation areas, and help seniors and veterans with Affordable Housing. I for one think it is well worth it. Please join me in voting YES on Question 5.

Ellen Graham