Vote Yes on #1 Medford Nov. 3 - Community Preservation Act -

Henry Ford once said “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” On November 3rd, the citizens of Medford have the chance to come together and voice their support on investments in their own community, and promote a reputation in Medford that welcomes growth, and strong, safe neighborhoods. The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a funding tool developed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2000 so that communities could generate additional revenue outside of the General Fund, to be used only for open space and recreation, historic preservation, and affordable housing, locally-controlled community investments which would benefit all City residents, seniors, veterans, and children. Adoption of the CPA is question 1 on the back of the November 3rd ballot.

Not everyone would pay into this fund; Seniors (over the age of 60) who earn less than 100% of HUD’s “Area Median Income” (AMI) and non-seniors who earn less than 80% of AMI can apply to the Assessor for a FULL EXEMPTION from the surcharge. Anyone in the City who does not pay property taxes will not contribute to the CPA fund.

For example, Seniors 60 and older in a 1 person household making less than $68,950 could apply for a FULL EXEMPTION from the surcharge, as could a 2 person senior households making less than $78,800. For low-income non-Seniors, a 1 person household making $55,160 could apply for a FULL EXEMPTION, as could a low-income household of 4 making $78,800. Full details on the household sizes and exemption limits can be found at http://www.communitypreservation.org/CPA-Low-and-Moderate-Income-Workshe....

For the average home in Medford (valued at $400,000), the surcharge amounts to approximately $53/year. CPA will add 1.5 cents for every dollar of the tax bill after exempting the first $100,000 of property value.

Funds from the general budget, funded by existing property taxes, typically go toward the critical services like health, safety, schools, roads, maintenance and more. Fixing playgrounds, addressing housing needs for seniors, veterans, and other community members, and preserving our historic assets including City buildings are always low on the priority list. CPA would provide much needed support for these often neglected concerns, providing for investments that will benefit everyone in the City.

Show your support for your neighborhood and your neighbors by voting YES on #1, November 3rd, on the back of the ballot. For more information on the CPA, and how it could benefit Medford, visit www.preservemedford.org, or send email to info@preservemedford.org.