Community Preservation Committee Opens Pre-Application Period for Second Year of Funding

GREENFIELD - The Greenfield Community Preservation Committee is seeking proposals for projects requesting Community Preservation Act funding for fiscal year 2024. One-page pre-applications, which are required for determining project eligibility, are now available on the CPC’s webpage (https://greenfield-ma.gov/cpcfunding) and are due by September 15. Applicants whose projects are deemed eligible for funding will be invited to submit a complete application by November 15.

The committee has approximately $300,000 to allocate toward projects submitted by individuals, community groups, nonprofits and city government that enhance affordable housing, historic preservation and outdoor recreation/open space. Twenty-six thousand dollars are reserved for each of the three project categories, with the remaining funds in a flexible account that can be used for any of the CPA categories.

The CPA funds are generated through the city’s participation in a state program that allows a 1% surcharge on property taxes to be dedicated to these priorities. That amount is then supplemented each year by state funding. Greenfield voters approved the program in November 2020.

“Last year, there was a ton of interest in CPA funding for local projects,” said Community Preservation Committee Chair Travis Drury. “We’re really looking forward to seeing what exciting project ideas people have lined up for this round of funding. The first step is easy: submit a simple one-page pre-application to see if the project would be eligible for CPA funding.”

After a review of applications with public input, the committee will vote to recommend funding for projects in spring 2024. A City Council vote is required to appropriate CPA funds for the selected projects.

The first round of Community Preservation Committee funding began in August 2022. 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 one of the committee’s meetings or contact Grant Program Assistant Christian LaPlante at 413-772-1548, ext. 4, or cpc@greenfield-ma.gov.