Historic Thomas Mill 

What is the CPA? 

The Community Preservation Act offers communities a new way to protect open space, preserve historic places, create recreational facilities and broaden community housing.  

 

What Happens Next?

At the May 5thTown Meeting, Hanson voters voted to adopt a by-law that creates a Community Preservation Committee (CPC). At the May 17th Town Election, Hanson voters voted to adopt CPA!!!  This will create a dedicated Community Preservation Fund for Hanson through a 1.5% surcharge on local property tax bills and allow Hanson to receive up to 100% in matching funds from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Now, Hanson will develop its Community Preservation Committee and decide how to begin analyzing the town's needs.

 

 

Cranberry Cove at Camp Kiwanee

 

Why Do We Need CPA?

Hanson has seen tremendous growth over the past 20 years.  This has  presented our town with some challenges including fewer open spaces,  lack of community housing, historic buildings in dire need of restoration, and too few athletic and recreational facilities.

 

CPA funds could go a long way towards helping Hanson address these challenges.  With CPA, Hanson will raise an estimated $140,000 per year and will receive up to 100% in matching funds  from the state to spend on conserving open space, building playgrounds, creating trails, offering community housing, preserving historic sites and much more.

 

Who controls the CPA fund?

A CPC will be established to research Hanson's needs, hold public hearings and recommend expenditures to the Town Meeting where Hanson voters will make the final decisions about CPA spending.

The Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area 

How can CPA funds be used?

The CPC must follow certain guidelines when making recommendations to the town's voters on how to spend the Community Preservation Fund. A minimum of 10% must be used on each of the following: open space protection, historic preservation and the provision of community housing. The remaining 70% of the Community Preservation Fund may be used for any of the above referenced initiatives in addition to recreational purposes.

   

Historic District School 4

 

What will CPA cost?

A 1.5% surcharge would mean a "tax increase" of $37 per household if your house is assessed at $375,000 (the first $100,000 of property value is exempted). There are some additional exemptions for senior citizens and lower income families. Please click here to view the projected cost of CPA for your home. 

 

What do others in Hanson have to say about CPA?

 

"We would have a source of  funding to buy open space tracts of land when they become available."  Hanson Conservation Commission

 

"The CPA will help us protect the rural character of Hanson that many of us currently enjoy."  Hanson Resident Scott Petersen

 

"...a true opportunity for the town and for Camp Kiwanee..." Hanson Recreation Commission

 

"The idea of CPA is to preserve the heritage and character of Hanson. While at the same time, CPA can provide an opportunity to make an investment in the future of our children and grandchildren." Hanson Historic Commission

 

Please click here to see the complete letters from which the above quotes have been taken  as well as other letters.

 

Want To Know More About CPA?

If you would like to learn about CPA, please watch our slide show below or click on the Helpful Links tab above. 

 

Click here to view our CPA Slide Show.