How the Community Preservation Act helps Harwich: A look at how good work gets done

Fans of Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) nature areas might notice spiffy new signs at some of our trailheads. Here’s what they say: “Project Supported w/CPA Funds — Thank You Taxpayers of Harwich.”

The “CPA” on the sign stands for Community Preservation Act, and HCT is grateful for the CPA support that town voters have provided over the years to protect and preserve land.

We’re also deeply appreciative of the continuing guidance and support provided by the town’s Community Preservation Committee (CPC), whose volunteer members study project proposals and make funding recommendations for voters to consider at Town Meeting.

Voters at the May 4^th Town Meeting will have the chance to protect water quality and preserve wildlife habitat by voting “Yes” on Article 40, which will support $225,000 in CPA funds for the acquisition of a conservation restriction by the Town Conservation Commission for HCT’s 18-acre Robbins Pond Woodlands Project. HCT encourages Harwich residents to cast their “Yes” votes on May 4^th and also save the date of May 5^th in case Town Meeting runs two nights (very likely).

Both the Harwich Select Board and the town’s Finance Committee have unanimously recommend  Article 40.

How the Community Preservation Act works in Harwich

You might wonder about the CPA — what it is, what it intends to accomplish, what kinds of projects receive CPA funds and what the CPC’s role is in the process. Luckily, the CPC has an extremely handy summation of the CPA realm on the town’s website. We took a look and included some of that information below:

WHAT: The Community Preservation Act is a smart growth tool that helps communities preserve and protect open space and historic sites (including documents and artifacts), create and support affordable housing, and develop recreational facilities.

HOW: The CPA Fund monies are raised through the imposition of a surcharge of not more than 3% of the tax levy against real property.

WHY: Property taxes traditionally fund day to day operating needs of safety, schools, roads, maintenance, and more. The CPA provides a funding source for preserving and improving a community’s character and quality of life.

WHO: CPA funding helps everyone. Environmental conservation, historic preservation, recreation projects and housing initiatives funded by the CPA typically improve the quality of town life in many important ways, making Harwich a more enjoyable, interesting and attractive place for both residents and visitors.

Notable CPA – funded projects in Harwich

–Acquisition and protection of approx. 122 acres of open space land parcels

–Affordable housing buy-down and rental assistance programs as well as contributing to multiple affordable housing efforts.

–Major restoration work at Brooks Free Library and Chase Library in town.

–Restoration of historic facilities – South Harwich Meeting House and Albro House.

–Habitat for Humanity community housing.

–New restroom facilities at town beaches.

–Restoration of Elmer Crowell Barn and Workshop.

–And many other projects that sustain and enhance Harwich quality of life.

How you can participate:

PUBLIC COMMENT: The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) meets once a month and there is an opportunity for public comment at the beginning of each meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING: An annual public hearing is mandated and the CPC welcomes and values your input. Come and express your priorities for the use of CPA funds; add your voice to help decide who gets to spend CPA dollars and give input about how those dollars are spent.

HARWICH CHANNEL: Meetings are videotaped live and available on the Harwich Channel. Check out the town website and link to the CPC.

For the upcoming Town Meeting, in addition to voting “Yes” on Article 40 to preserve 18 acres that can help protect the water quality of Robbins Pond and the Herring River, you can also vote on a range of other CPA funding proposals. These are your tax dollars at work making the town a better place for all.

—Sign up for HCT eNews, a great way to stay in the loop about exciting HCT events, guided walks and other interesting news.

—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.