Greenfield CPC opens application period for 3rd year of CPA projects

GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Greenfield Community Preservation Committee has opened their application period for Community Preservation Act project funding for 2025. The program is entering its third year in Greenfield and previous projects funded through the 1% property tax surcharge include Hillside Park improvements, affordable housing design, historical building restoration. 

From the City of Greenfield:

The Greenfield Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is seeking proposals for projects requesting Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding for fiscal year 2025. One-page pre-applications, which are required for determining project eligibility, are now available on the CPC’s webpage (https://greenfield-ma.gov/cpcfunding) and are due by Monday, September 16. Applicants whose projects are deemed eligible for funding will be invited to submit a complete application by November 15.

The committee has approximately $193,000 to allocate toward projects submitted by individuals, community groups, nonprofits, businesses, and city government that enhance affordable housing, historic preservation, and outdoor recreation/open space.

The CPA funds are generated through the city’s participation in a state program that allows a 1% surcharge on property taxes to be dedicated to these priorities. That amount is then supplemented each year by state funding; the City has received over $130,000 in matching funds from its first two distributions. Greenfield voters approved the program in November 2020.

“The community interest in CPC funds has grown each year since we started the program,” said Community Preservation Committee Chair Susan Worgaftik. “We’re really looking forward to seeing what exciting project ideas people have lined up for this round of funding. The first step is easy: submit a simple one-page pre-application to see if the project would be eligible for CPA funding.”

After a review of applications with public input, the committee will vote to recommend funding for projects in spring 2025. A City Council vote is required to appropriate CPA funds for the selected projects.

The Greenfield City Council recently approved eight projects in June that were recommended by the Community Preservation Committee. These projects include a shade structure and extended walking path at Hillside Park, feasibility and design of new affordable housing at 156-176 Main Street, two permanently affordable houses, and historical restoration of the Garden Block Building façade at 353-367 Main Street. The full list of Greenfield Community Preservation Act projects from the first two funding rounds can be found at https://greenfield-ma.gov/cpcfunding. 

Those interested in learning more about the process or submitting an application are encouraged to attend one of the committee’s meetings or contact Economic and Community Development Assistant Christian LaPlante at 413-772-1548, ext. 4, or cpc@greenfield-ma.gov.