Framingham To Study Community Preservation Act Adoption

FRAMINGHAM, MA — City officials want to convene a study group to examine whether Framingham should adopt the Community Preservation Act. If adopted, residents would pay into a fund for preservation through a property tax surcharge.

The Community Preservation Act became law in September 2000, and was designed to help cities and towns preserve open space, build affordable housing, and preserve historic properties. The property tax surcharge can be up to 3 percent, but CPA communities can also tap into a statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund.

The Framingham City Council on Oct. 15 voted to set up a CPA study group comprised of seven local residents. The group will analyze surcharge options, and study how other cities have used the CPA, among other things.

In the Framingham area, Sudbury, Wayland, Southborough, and Ashland have all adopted the CPA. About half of all cities and towns in Massachusetts have adopted it. Voters must approve the CPA by referendum.

Applications to be part of the Framingham group are due Nov. 1.