Vote 'yes' to add Worcester into state Community Preservation Act
No matter your age, background or income level, people everywhere share a common desire – to live in a place that is healthy, beautiful and welcoming to all. In Massachusetts, the strains of sprawl and the challenges of affordable housing have compelled more cities and towns to adopt the Community Preservation Act at the ballot box. Worcester will have its chance this November by voting yes on ballot question No. 5.
The CPA is a state statute that links land conservation, affordable housing and historic preservation. Signed into law by Gov. Paul Cellucci in 2000, the act has been adopted by 189 Massachusetts communities. Thanks to the activism of local citizens and a vote by the City Council, Worcester voters will for the first time have the chance to join the program.
The CPA allows municipalities to create a special fund by assessing a surcharge on annual real estate taxes and to appropriate monies in that fund for open space and recreation, historic preservation and affordable housing purposes. CPA communities receive matching funds created by a surcharge on recording fees at the registry of deeds and by state legislative appropriations.
Worcester voters will be asked to approve a 1.5% real estate tax surcharge, starting in fiscal 2024. Exemptions to the surcharge are provided for low-income homeowners (e.g., a family of four earning less than $91,520) and low- to moderate-income senior homeowners (e.g., a single person age 60 earning less than $80,080). Also exempt will be the first $100,000 of the value of each taxable parcel, whether residential or commercial. A typical homeowner would pay an annual surcharge of $64, or $16 per quarter. A typical commercial property owner will have a surcharge of $150 per year.
Is this another tax? Consider the costs of failing to protect our natural spaces and historic treasures, of allowing school playgrounds to fall into disrepair, and of letting high housing costs burden too many hardworking families. For a small individual sacrifice we can do our part for a more livable community.
City budgets generated from tax levy traditionally fund the day-to-day operating expenses of public safety, education, health, road maintenance and more. But the CPA is a dedicated and flexible funding source for preserving and improving a community's character and quality of life.
Passing the CPA will raise an estimated $3 million to $4 million each year for Worcester projects. A Community Preservation Committee composed of local citizens will make recommendations on the use of funds for approval by City Council, year in and year out.
The CPA fund will endure long after the American Rescue Plan grants are exhausted in 2024. By adopting the CPA, Worcester voters can help to create a community where families can afford to live, where children may safely access outdoor play areas, and where we serve as stewards of the natural and historic resources entrusted to us.
Ann T. Lisi is a volunteer member of the Yes for a Better Worcester coalition.