Community Preservation Act begins FY23 application process with Sept. 8 workshop

Mayor Jon Mitchell and the Community Preservation Committee announce the launch of the FY23 CPA application cycle at an Application Technical Workshop.  The public is invited to attend this informational session on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the New Bedford Free Public Library 613 Pleasant Street, 3rd floor.

The CPC anticipates a budget of approximately $1.7 million to fund CPA eligible projects in FY23 and strongly encourages all those interested in applying for funding during this cycle attend the workshop to learn about the application process. CPA eligibility and the application process will be reviewed followed by a Q & A.

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) was adopted by New Bedford voters through a ballot question in November 2014. This statewide enabling legislation allows communities to create dedicated funding for Open Space, Outdoor Recreational Facilities, Historic Preservation, and Community Housing projects in the city.  Oversight is provided by the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), the body established by the City to manage the CPA program in New Bedford.

To date, New Bedford’s CPA has awarded 79 grants to 53 projects across the city, totaling over $8.5 million dollars distributed to open space, recreation, historic preservation, and community housing projects.  Projects funded include the exterior restoration of the Sgt. William Carney House by the Martha Briggs Educational Club, the acquisition of open space at the Acushnet Sawmill by Buzzards Bay Coalition, the creation of the Sgt. Sean Gannon Memorial Playground at the Elwyn Campbell Elementary School, the renovation of Dias Field, and the creation of the Brooklawn Park basketball courts.  Additionally, this CPA funding has leveraged over $6.9 million dollars in additional private, state, and federal funding.

MEETING DETAILS:

Thursday September 8, 2022 @ 6:00 pm

New Bedford Free Public Library

613 Pleasant Street 3rd floor meeting room

Translation services in both Spanish and Portuguese for the meeting are available by request only. Please contact the Community Preservation Act Coordinator 48 hours prior to the meeting if you require these services.

Questions concerning CPA and the application process can be directed to Jessica Bailey, CPA Coordinator by email: CPA@newbedford-ma.gov. Application materials will be available on the city website at:  http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/planning/community-preservation/  on September 8, 2022.