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FRAMINGHAM – As a retired Framingham City Planner and longtime resident, I strongly support the passage of CPA in Framingham.  

Some worry now is not the time to move ahead.  But now is an especially important time.  Open space and recreation initiatives supported under dedicated CPA funds will help to build community and support people of all ages to be more active. The mental health benefits of access to open space and to nature cannot be underestimated.  

Some worry about the financial impacts to residents.  The truth is that the annual surcharge on property taxes is about the cost of one dinner out.  As examples, a home assessed for $300,400 would see an annual surcharge of $30 ($7.50 per quarter), a home assessed for $443,900 would see a surcharge of $50, and a home assessed at $600,800 would see a surcharge of $75.  

http://framinghamcpnow.org/resources/#1597963283427-13ff5641-c238

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Those who find this modest surcharge to be financially challenging can have relief. CPA offers complete surcharge exemptions for low-income households in owner-occupied homes by application to the assessor’s office.  For instance, a household of 3 earning less than $85,680, could apply.  For older homeowners, the exemption is available up to moderate-income.

CPA support for community housing promotes stability in many CPA communities, such as assistance programs for eligible renters and homeowners who are in hard times. Some offer down payment assistance programs, helping eligible households purchase a home. Others use CPA to provide affordable housing options for eligible veterans or older adults.  

The point of CPA is to help our communities, and the people who live in them, to be more resilient, which is important when times are difficult. It’s proven to be a fruitful and effective investment in the places that have embraced CPA, enhancing everyday life for their citizens.   

Vote YES on 3.

Karen Margolis

Framingham

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By editor

Susan Petroni is the former editor for SOURCE. She is the founder of the former news site, which as of May 1, 2023, is now a self-publishing community bulletin board. The website no longer has a journalist but a webmaster.