Applications for Community Preservation Act Funding Eligibility Now Available

SOMERVILLE – More than $1.5 million is available for historic resources, open spaces and recreation land projects in Somerville through the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The City invites residents, organizations and businesses to submit eligibility determination forms to see if they qualify for the funding. The forms and additional application materials can be found at www.somervillema.gov/cpa/apply.

Interested applicants must submit their eligibility determination forms by Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. to City CPA Manager Kristen Stelljes at KStelljes@somervillema.gov. Applicants who are unsure of their proposal’s eligibility or have other questions may contact her via email or by phone at 617-625-6600 x2107.

Two pre-application workshops are being offered this year, and prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend in order to learn more about the application process. Attendees should RSVP to KStelljes@somervillema.gov and note whether project falls under the category of historic resources, open space, recreation land or blended.

• Thursday, Aug. 25, 6 p.m. at Visiting Nurse Association, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 259 Lowell St.
• Tuesday, Aug. 30, 9 a.m. at City Hall, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 93 Highland Ave.

The Committee will notify applicants by mid-October to let them know whether their proposal is eligible for CPA funding and can enter the full application process.

Earlier this year, the Board of Aldermen approved a $2.5 million bond for the historic preservation of the West Branch Library through the CPA in addition to more than $1.3 million in CPA funds approved for other historic preservation and green space projects in the City and the $1,834,675 appropriated to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

For more information on the CPA, sign up for the CPA Email Newsletter by visiting the City’s website at http://www.somervillema.gov/cpa and clicking “Sign Up Now for CPA News.”

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Betsy Allen, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or BAllen@somervillema.gov.