The concept of a statewide authority to preserve community character had its origins in the Nantucket Islands Land Bank. The idea that a fund could be created to aid communities preserve open space and historic sites, create affordable housing, and develop outdoor recreational facilities led to the creation of The Community Preservation Act (CPA) sponsored by then Representative Robert A. Durand. While the bill was unsuccessful in its first versions, eventually under Durand, serving as Secretary of Environmental Affairs under Governor Paul Cellucci, it was approved in the fall of 2000.
Led by Tom Stokes, Stockbridge was one of the earliest communities to adopt the CPA at the full 3%, with the first $100,000 evaluation exempted. We held informational meetings, sent out letters and worked tirelessly to persuade the citizenry that this would be a great thing for Stockbridge. Some residents were skeptical and not in favor of the added 3% on their taxes. To help allay their concerns, at Town Meeting in May 2002, I prepared and presented a spreadsheet outlining the benefits of the Affordable Housing aspect of the Act. I created a fictional single mother of two working as a docent in one of our museums, earning what in those days was a decent salary of $35,000. I demonstrated how quickly that income evaporated as she paid for housing, food, insurance, clothing, utilities, automobile, etc. – all truly basic necessities. She was and still is representative of the heart of our Town. In the end, folks agreed and CPA was adopted.
In the beginning, we received 100% state match for the money we raised. That number has dwindled over the years as more communities across the Commonwealth have seen the value of this program. Nevertheless, Stockbridge has allocated $6,446,133 since 2002 toward the betterment of our community. $2,683,000 of that sum has come from CPA – “free money” if you will! The Community Preservation Coalition is working on other ways to elevate their contribution, including lobbying our legislators for additional funding.
Over the years, one of the most exhilarating aspects of serving on the CPC has been to fully fund all the requests. Recently, we have had to make some hard choices as the funding has diminished. As I often say, “Ask for a horse, and you may get a pony.” Nevertheless, we have assisted in creating and enhancing our Open Space (Gould Meadows restoration being the shining example), Recreation (e.g. the soon to be constructed bandstand/gazebo at Bidwell Park), Affordable Housing (contributing to the wellbeing, safety and comfort of our residents at Heaton Court, Pine Woods and Riverbrook) and allowing our many historic buildings to preserve the original character of the structures using often prohibitively expensive but historically correct methods and materials.
It has been my privilege to serve on the Stockbridge CPC since the beginning, along with Linda Jackson and Gary Pitney. We now have invaluable clerical support from Ericka Oleson, who always has figures and financials available for the Committee to consider. She also organizes, accepts and compiles the applications, and makes sure that unused funds are returned for reuse once a project is completed. Many new faces have graced the Committee over the years, as well, and we thank them for their thoughtful service.
