COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

              The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a Massachusetts law passed by the legislature in 2000 which provides communities with a dedicated fund for the preservation of open space and historic sites and for the creation of  affordable housing and recreational facilities. Full information about the Act can be found at www.communitypreservation.org.

              The CPA was adopted by Seekonk voters  in April 2009 with a tax surcharge of 1.25%. For information about exemptions, including residential, senior and low income, please use spreadsheet link below. 

              Committee members with their term expiration dates and appointing bodies are:

              Bill Rice, chair                               2011      Appointed by the Planning Board

              John Alves, Jr., vice-chair             2010      Appointed by the Board of Selectmen

              Susan Waddington, clerk             2010      Appointed by the Board of Selectmen

              Ron Blum                                     2012      Appointed by the Historical Commission

              Michael Kreyssig                           2011      Appointed by the Board of Selectmen

              Willit Mason                                   2011      Appointed by the Board of Selectmen

              David Pinsonneault                      2010      Appointed by the Department of Parks           

                                                                                                  And Recreation

              James Tusino                               2012      Appointed by the Housing Authority

              Richard Wallace                           2012      Appointed by the Conservation Commission

              Meetings take place on the first Monday of each month in Town Hall. As a Town Committee we hold open meetings and our minutes are on file with the Town Clerk.

              The Committee represents diverse groups within the town and has the responsibility for making recommendations to the town each year for projects which meet the goals of the Community Preservation Act.  In addition to our regular meetings we will be meeting with local groups, official and otherwise, and holding public meetings to identify potential projects and to keep Seekonk residents informed of our progress.

              It is important to remember that although the Committee makes the final selection of projects to be presented to an Annual Town meeting, it is the voters who decide which projects are approved. If voters do not approve a project, the money remains unspent.  It is also important to know that this money is a completely separate fund that cannot be comingled with Seekonk town monies.

              The Committee is also responsible for ensuring that the financial requirements of the CPA are maintained. A minimum of 10% of the annual revenues of the fund must be set aside each year for the three core community concerns: open space, historic preservation and affordable community housing. The remaining money can be used in any combination for the allowed uses or held in an undesignated account. In this way the Town can build up its CPA fund for a bigger project than could be managed with just the annual disbursement of funds.

              At this time the Committee is developing criteria for projects, application forms and preparing to gather input from groups and individuals. We can be contacted at SeekonkCPC@gmail.com.