Salem Kicks Off Community Preservation Act Funding Process

SALEM, MA — Salem officials are looking for resident feedback on which types of projects would be best served with this year's Community Preservation Act funding.

The funding is made available through a 1 percent surcharge on real property, as well as state taxes that are set aside for this purpose. Funding may be put toward preserving open space, recreation space, historic preservation and community housing.

Cities and towns have the option to adopt the CPA funding guidelines.

The hearing on Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. will be held virtually with instructions to be posted here no later than Oct. 4. The funds will then be awarded through an application process that begins later in the month.

The public will have an opportunity to comment on Salem's needs, possibilities and resources with regard to community preservation.

Written comments may also be sent to the Department of Planning and Community Development, 98 Washington St., Salem, MA 01970 by Oct. 21. More information on the CPA can be found here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)