As a community we place great importance on, and take pride in, the open spaces, recreational activities, and historic buildings that make up our town. A vital tool to help achieve this collective vision is the Community Preservation Act. The CPA is a state program to encourage communities to raise funds for projects that benefit the entire community.
For Harvard, that has meant using CPA funds for a variety of valued projects including the renovation of Town Hall, installation of the boat rental kiosk, putting in new structures and safety equipment at the Harvard Park playground, creating ADA-accessible trails, and most recently, funding the study for the new slate roof on the old library.
The CPA fund is unique because it can be used only to support specific projects around historic preservation, open space, recreational spaces, and local affordable housing. Harvard signed onto the CPA in 2001 and adopted a 1.1% surcharge on the assessed tax of real property. The state matches a portion of our 1.1%. Last year the town raised $259,000 from the 1.1% surcharge and received a $115,000 matching grant from the state.
In short, the CPA is a versatile and economical way to pay for things we as a community believe make Harvard truly special. On May 9, ballot Question 3 proposes an increase of the town’s CPA surcharge from 1.1% to the maximum of 3%.
One reason for the change is that our growing needs outpace available funds. This year, for example, Harvard’s Community Preservation Committee, which reviews and recommends proposals for CPA funds, received $944,000 worth of proposals but could distribute only $348,000.
By increasing to 3%, we’d also bring in more funds from the state by being included in extra rounds of CPA funding. Harvard will be able to maximize the state matching funds and bring more money for important projects to the town. By not having a 3% surtax, we are leaving significant state match money on the table.
Lastly, we want to ensure greater equity in terms of the CPA fee. We recognize not all residents can afford an increase to their property taxes, especially during an uncertain economy. We have added exemptions for low-income housing, low or moderate senior housing, and the first $100,000 of residential or commercial property value. If Question 3 passes, the average taxpayer’s annual surcharge would increase by $175.00.
A more robust CPA will enable the town to achieve future projects such as developing new athletic fields, building more affordable housing, and preserving historic and unique spaces and places in the most cost-efficient and equitable manner. We encourage you to join us in voting yes to Question 3 on May 9.
Rich Maiore, chair of the Select Board, and Charles Oliver, the Select Board’s liaison to the Community Preservation Committee, write on behalf of themselves and the following people: Arielle Jennings, chair, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust and Planning Board member; James O’Leary, president, Harvard Youth Baseball & Softball Association; Peter Kelly-Joseph, president, Harvard Youth Lacrosse; Donnie Phillips, president, Harvard Ultimate Club.
