Weisman Resigns From Community Preservation Committee

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FRAMINGHAM – The Conservation Commission’s representative to the Framingham Community Preservation Committee has submitted his resignation effective immediately. Weisman said he notified Conservation Commission Chair Sam Bade of his resignation.

Steve Weisman has resigned from the Community Preservation Committee, just as the Committee is beginning the process of evaluating project to recommend to the City Council to vote on to fund.

“Over the last two days, I have revisited and processed my experience at our January 30, 2023 meeting when I made my report on the Conservation Commission’s findings and concerns regarding the Open Space applications submitted to the CPC.  I was and am disheartened by the overall lack of order and decorum in response to my presentation at the meeting, as well as by the personal attacks that were made on me,” wrote Weisman in an email. 

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“As a volunteer serving on two City committees, I am embarrassed by the lack of support and respect shown me by colleagues and in a public meeting.  That this behavior is permitted only discourages participation on the Committee by community members. I choose to not continue to participate.  Of course, I continue to strongly support and believe in the goals of the Community Preservation Act and wish the Committee well in its current deliberations and future work,” wrote Weisman.

The Community Preservation Committee last met on Monday, January 30.

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In November 2020, the City of Framingham adopted the Community Preservation Act This statewide legislation allows cities and towns in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to adopt a property tax surcharge which, along with state matching funds, is used for open space preservation, creation of community housing, preservation of historic buildings and landscapes, and creation of recreation opportunities.

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is comprised of nine members. Five seats are filled per state CPA statute by representatives from the following City Boards: Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Framingham Housing Authority, Parks & Recreation Committee, and Planning Board. The remaining four (4) seats are At-Large members appointed by the City Council. The four at-large members are prohibited from holding any other municipal position on a multiple-member body nor hold any position as a municipal officer while serving as a member of the CPC.

Weisman is the third member to resign since the Committee formed.