Community Preservation Funded Projects

By Kim

Previously I listed the projects being considered by the CPC (Community Preservation Committee),  here’s an update on the final cut of capital projects to be put to a vote at town meeting, Monday 4/26.

Community Preservation* Proposals for 2010:

*The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a funding tool to assist communities with the protection and acquisition of open space, preservation of historic resources, and the creation of affordable housing.  The CPA manages a reserved fund provided for through real estate taxes.

Article 30

• $190k for renovations to Town Hall (roof, mortar refacing, heating system and entry canopies, mainly to ensure the building is weather tight)

Article 31

• $17k for a map scanner to preserve old maps
• $35k to preserve old town meeting records

Article 32

• Historical Society proposed kitchen renovations ($30k) at the Historical Society Museum, the building is the oldest remaining church building.

Article 33

• Historical commission is asking for $100k for historical resources fund for future property preservations or acquisitions

Article 34

• Northborough Affordable Housing Corporation seeks $150k to develop a fund to buy properties to  ensure 40B properties up for auction remain affordable, also they are seeking to convert the old senior center into affordable senior units

Article 35

• $150k for the open space fund for future purchases of  land for recreation and open space

Article 36

• $24k for CPA fund administration surveys, legal, clerical and other professional services

Rejected CPA Proposals, not to be presented at Town Meeting

• $6.5k to apply Howard Street Cemetery to the National Registry
• $6.5k to apply Gale Library to the National Registry
• $20k for projects at Memorial Field

Other Non- CPA Projects (to be purchased via bonds or the general fund)

• Article 18   $27.6k for Optical Scanning Voting equipment, federally mandated

• Article 19   $165k to replace a 1990 dump truck, sander and plow

• Article 20 $500k for feasibility study for Lincoln Street School renovation, MSBA state grant not yet approved, cost estimate not yet final

• Article 21 $350k for roof repairs for Melican Middle School

A look into the future: Fiscal Year 2012 Forecasted Capital Projects (to be considered in next year budget and town meeting)

• Continuation of updates to Town Hall
• Fire Station addition, vehicle replacements, dispatch equipment replacement
• Plow and street sweeper replacements
• Lincoln Street School renovation
• Peaslee roof