Community Preservation Committee Seeks Public Input for Second Year of Funding

GREENFIELD – The Greenfield Community Preservation Committee is seeking public input ahead of the Community Preservation Act’s next funding round. The committee hosts a public hearing annually to gather feedback on community priorities. This year the public hearing will be held Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at the John Zon Community Center. Community members can also join remotely via Zoom.

The committee allocates funding to projects submitted by individuals, community groups, non-profits and the city government that enhance affordable housing, historic preservation and outdoor recreation/open space. The funds are generated through Greenfield’s participation in a state program that dedicates a 1 percent surcharge on property tax to Community Preservation Act funding. That amount is then supplemented each year by state funding.

“I’m looking forward to getting feedback from the public on the committee’s work over the past year and hearing what types of projects they want to see prioritized this upcoming year,” said Community Preservation Committee Chair Travis Drury. “This is a great opportunity for us to hear directly from the public on how they want their Community Preservation Act money to be used.”

Members of the public can view the committee’s current Community Preservation Plan at https://greenfield-ma.gov/government/boards_and_commissions/community_preservation_committee.php.

Feedback gathered at the public hearing will be incorporated into the plan as part of the committee’s annual update. Written comments may also be sent to the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Comments can be mailed to the attention of Christian LaPlante, 14 Court Square, Greenfield, MA 01301 or sent via email at cpc@greenfield-ma.gov. They must be received by Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 12 p.m.

Applications for proposed Community Preservation Act projects will be available in August. Pre-applications must be submitted by September 15; final applications are due by November 15. The Community Preservation Committee will review proposals before making recommendations to the Greenfield City Council. The City Council then votes on which projects receive funding.

The first round of Community Preservation Committee funding began in August 2022 after it was adopted by voters in 2020.

The committee funded ten projects approved by the Greenfield City Council in May 2023. Some of these projects include bocce courts at Beacon Park, trail restoration in Highland Park, expansion of the Wells Street Shelter and repair of the cattle barn roofs at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. Many of the projects began or will begin development this summer.

Those interested in learning more about the process or submitting an application are encouraged to attend the committee’s meetings or contact Grant Program Assistant Christian LaPlante at christian.laplante@greenfield-ma.gov or 413-772-1548, ext. 4.