Community Preservation Committee Announces Launch of 2025 Application Process

Informational Workshop Scheduled for Sept. 5

NEW BEDFORD – Mayor Jon Mitchell and the Community Preservation Committee are kicking off the fiscal 2025 Community Preservation Act with an application technical workshop at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, on the third floor of the Downtown New Bedford Free Public Library, 613 Pleasant St.

The CPC strongly encourages all those interested in applying for funding during this cycle to attend the workshop to learn more about the application process. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Approximately $1.59 million is anticipated to fund eligible projects this cycle.

The Community Preservation Act was adopted by New Bedford voters through a ballot question in November 2014. This statewide measure allows communities to create dedicated funding for open space, outdoor recreational facilities, community housing, and historic preservation projects in the City. Oversight is administered by the Community Preservation Committee, a board established by the City to manage the CPA program in New Bedford.

To date, New Bedford’s CPA has awarded 122 grants to 77 projects across the City, totaling more than $12.5 million. Funded projects include the historic restoration of the Sgt. William Carney House by the Martha Briggs Educational Club; the acquisition of open space at the Acushnet Sawmill by the Buzzards Bay Coalition; the creation of the Sgt. Sean Gannon Memorial Playground at the Elwyn Campbell Elementary School and Island Park by the Cape Verdean Association in New Bedford; the renovation of Dias Field and the Brooklawn basketball courts; and the creation of housing at Holy Family Apartments, Talbot Apartments and the Capitol Theater. Additionally, this CPA funding has leveraged over $12.5 million dollars in additional private, state, and federal funding.

Questions concerning the CPA, the application process, or the Sept. 5 workshop can be directed to the City’s CPA Manager Jessica Bailey by email at CPA@newbedford-ma.gov. Translation services for the workshop are available in both Spanish and Portuguese by contacting Bailey at least 48 hours before the event.

Application materials will be available on the City’s website http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/planning/community- preservation/ on Sept. 5.