What is it?

• A State Law passed in 2000 after years of study by the Legislature
• Adopted by cities and towns To help local governments fund major unmet needs
• Helps to retain the character of the community by preserving important historic resources,  protecting and improving open space and recreation land, and providing affordable housing opportunities.
• The Community Preservation Act is a partnership between the Town and the Commonwealth where the Town is in charge!

Benefits to the Town

• Historic buildings, sites and settings can be identified, bought, improved or protected.
• Recreational opportunities can be improved and expanded to include lighted sports fields and expanded trail systems throughout town owned lands.
• Open space and recreation land can be acquired, protected or improved.
• Affordable housing funds can be used to repair or restore housing for all qualified individuals.
• Affordable Housing can also provide permanently affordable units for seniors, families and other qualified individuals.

Who Decides How the Money Is Spent?

We do - the Town of Agawam decides!

• Each year, there is a requirement to set aside or spend -
  • 10% of the money on historic preservation
  • 10% on open space and recreation
  • 10% on affordable housing
• The remaining 70% is discretionary and can be spent on a combination or any one of the categories above
• The money can be saved to bankroll bigger projects

A Community Preservation Committee is formed to oversee the funds

The Community Preservation Committee requires that all proposed projects be eligible for CPA funding according to the requirements described in the state's CPA statute .

Project Selection Criteria

Projects will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• All Projects will be evaluated for criteria and goals stated in Agawam’s Community Preservation Plan .
• Consistency with Agawam's Open Space and Recreation Plan, and other planning documents that have received wide input and scrutiny.
• Feasibility
• Urgency
• Affordability
• Serving a currently under-served population
• Serving multiple needs and populations
• Consistency with recent town meeting actions
• Preservation of currently-owned town assets
• Acquisition of threatened resources
• Multiple sources of funding
• Use of local contractors where possible

The Town Council will have the ultimate say, as the law requires Town Council approval for all Community Preservation Committee funding recommendations.

Solicitation of Project Proposals

The Community Preservation Committee welcomes new project proposals that may contribute to community preservation in Agawam. Please submit such proposals to the Committee using the form and guidelines.  You can download the Application Form and Instructions here .