Planning

FY21 CPA Application Cycle now open!

The CPA FY21 Application period is now open. It is highly recommended all applicants read the FY21 CPA Application Instructions before completing Step I – Eligibility Determination.

Step I is to submit the Eligibility Determination Form. Due to the complexity of CPA, the application is a two-step process.  This determination does not guarantee CPA Funding will be recommended for a project; it is simply to determine if a project meets the basic requirements of the CPA legislation.  Projects found eligible under CPA legislation will be invited to submit the Step II – FY21 CPA Project Application.

The Step I Eligibility Determination Form is due by 12:00 p.m., Friday, September 25, 2020. Note: It is important to download the document first and save to your computer before you begin to complete the form.  Completed Eligibility Determination Forms and applicable attachments must be emailed to CPA@NewBedford-MA.gov no later than the deadline. Once the Eligibility Determination Form has been emailed on time, you will receive a confirmation email when staff has recorded the submission. NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED!

The Eligibility Determination Form is the only form available for submission at this time. Do not submit a Project Application until you have been invited to do so by the Community Preservation Committee.

FY21 CPA APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS (read prior to beginning eligibility determination form)

FY21 CPA ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION FORM – DUE SEPTEMBER 25, 2020 BY NOON

FY21 APPLICATION TECHNICAL WORKSHOP POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

If you have any questions regarding about CPA or your project’s eligibility, please email CPA@NewBedford-MA.gov.

FY21 CPA PLAN AND FY20 ANNUAL REPORT

The FY21 CPA Plan is a study of the needs, possibilities, and resources of New Bedford regarding community preservation and establishes the CPC’s priorities for funding FY21 projects.  The plan includes the application instructions and documents for applying for funding.  In addition, it contains the FY20 Annual Report.

FY2020 CPC FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL

The Community Preservation Committee voted to recommend to City Council 11 projects, totaling $1,145,011 in FY2020 CPA funding.  These projects are in three of the CPA categories: historic resources, community housing, and recreation; all projects will benefit the City and its residents.

The CPC received twenty-one applications during the FY2020 CPA application cycle, seeking a total of just over $3.3 million. In deciding how to allocate the $1,145,011 in FY2020 CPA funds available, the CPC evaluated the twenty-one projects against the priorities in the FY2020 Community Preservation Plan and took into consideration other relevant factors such as the amount of funding available, the ability to fully or partially fund projects, and the distribution among the CPA categories.  Details regarding the FY2020 cycle and the recommended projects can be found in the FY2020 CPC Funding Recommendation to City Council. The City Council approved all 11 FY2020 recommendations on July 16, 2020.

What is CPA?

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a Massachusetts state law (MGL Ch. 44B) designed to help Massachusetts towns and cities plan for sustainable growth and provide funds to achieve their community preservation goals. CPA allows participating cities and towns to adopt a real estate tax surcharge of up to 3% to raise funds and create a local dedicated fund for preserving open space and historic resources and expanding community housing and outdoor recreational activities.  New Bedford votes approved CPA in November 2014 and adopted a 1.5% surcharge.

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) oversees the implementation of the CPA in New Bedford. It is responsible for assessing the community preservation needs of the city; developing and maintaining the community preservation plan which establishes the city’s preservation priorities; preparing an annual budget for City Council; and making project recommendations to City Council after an extensive application process

Community Preservation Committee

Janine da Silva, Chair

 Historical Commission

Vacant

 General Public

Peter Blanchard

 Conservation Commission

For CPA Information or Questions, email CPA@newbedford-ma.gov

FY20 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PLAN & FY19 ANNUAL REPORT