CP Warrant 2020

Posted

Each year at the Annual Town Meeting, the Town Warrant includes an article with the Community Preservation Committee’s recommendations for funding for projects that have been brought before us.  In the interest of giving residents information prior to Town Meeting, the Community Preservation Committee is providing residents with a bird’s eye view of our recommendations.

We are mandated by the State Community Preservation Act to commit 10% of available funds to each of three categories:  Parks and Recreation and Open Space, Affordable Housing, and Historic Preservation.  This year, that allocation is $52,737.00 for each category.  We are also allowed up to 5% of anticipated revenues for Administrative expenses.  $20,000.00 is being recommended this year, below the 5% maximum.  Any administrative funds remaining at year’s end are returned to the Community Preservation general fund and carried over to the following year.

Under Parks and Recreation, we are recommending funding of $47,000, which will address various landscaping and small improvement projects at Singing Beach, Masconomo Park, Sweeney Park, and Tuck’s Point.  $20,000.00 is being recommended for Open Space for the development of management plans for existing Town Conservation Land.  Originally, we had recommended partial funding to begin a design effort for expanded fields at Sweeney Park but given the new economic climate we are in with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now recommending that voters pass over this proposal.

Under Affordable Housing, we are recommending $150,000.00 for the Manchester Affordable Housing Trust and $8,500.00 for updating the Town’s Housing Production Plan, which is required every five years.

Under Historic Preservation, we are recommending $129,000.00 for projects at Seaside One, the Veteran’s Honor Roll, First Parish Church restoration, and continued cemetery restoration.

The total recommended amount for all projects is $374,500.00.

We hope this information is helpful.  If residents have questions prior to Town Meeting on June 22, please email Sue Thorne yayasue@comcast.net or Jack Burke jburke9625@aol.com

We urge voters to support our recommendations.  Thank You!

Sue Thorne and Jack Burke, CPC Co-Chairs.

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