Framingham’s Economic Development and Industrial Corporation Supports Community Preservation Act

The following is a press release submitted toi SOURCE media about ballot question #3 in Framingham.

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FRAMINGHAM – The City of Framingham’s Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) recently voted to support the passage of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in the City of Framingham. 

Framingham residents will vote on November 3 by referendum to approve implementation of the CPA in Framingham, potentially joining 177 other communities in the Commonwealth.

“There is no doubt that the quality of life here in Framingham is what attracts businesses from start ups to multinational corporations to locate here,” said Doug Lawrence, the Chair of the EDIC Board.  “Implementing the CPA will show the City’s commitment to investing in those things that are important to our quality of life – preserving our history, ensuring quality affordable housing, and promoting open space. We have little doubt that the region’s business community will recognize how significant it is that residents committed to such investment and respond favorably.”

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed the Community Preservation Act in 2000. The program allows municipalities to establish a Community Preservation Fund for projects related to open space and outdoor recreation, affordable housing, and historic preservation.  The fund receives resources raised locally through a surcharge of no more than 3 percent on property.

Massachusetts has also established the Community Preservation Trust Fund, whereby communities who have passed CPA are currently receiving annual disbursements matching near 25 percent of their own contributions. 50 percent of cities and towns in Massachusetts have already adopted the program, including cities like Boston, Lowell, Springfield, and Pittsfield.

“Adopting the Community Preservation Act in Framingham will allow us to develop a long-term planning strategy for some of our most important projects, and will mean additional state resources coming into the City,” said Dan Rao, Vice-Chair of Framingham’s EDIC Board. “It makes a lot of sense for us when it comes to our sustained economic growth and we’re confident that the City’s residents will see that.”

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