CPA Funding Eligibility Applications Now Available

CPA FUNDING ELIGIBILITY APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
More than $3.7M available for affordable housing, open space, outdoor recreation and historic preservation projects

SOMERVILLE -More than $3.7 million is available this fiscal year for affordable housing, open space, outdoor recreation and historic preservation projects in Somerville through the Community Preservation Act (CPA), and Somerville residents, organizations and businesses are invited to submit their project proposals to see if they are eligible for funding. Details on what CPA funds can be used for are available at http://www.somervillema.gov/cpa.

Those interested must fill out and submit a one-page eligibility form by Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. available online at http://www.somervillema.gov/cpa/apply. Completed eligibility forms should be submitted to emonea@somervillema.gov. The Community Preservation Committee will review each form and determine whether the proposed project is eligible for CPA funds. The Committee will allocate funding for open space, outdoor recreation and historic preservation projects. Applicants for affordable housing projects must apply for funding through the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which acts as the housing arm of the Committee as previously voted on by the Committee.

If you are interested in applying but unsure if your proposal is eligible, contact City CPA Manager Emily Monea at 617-625-6600 ext. 2118 or emonea@somervillema.gov with any questions or for assistance in completing the eligibility form. For information on applying for funding for affordable housing projects or programs from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, contact City Assistant Director of Housing Kelly Donato at 617-625-6600 ext. 2560 or kdonato@somervillema.gov.

The Committee will notify applicants by October 5 whether their proposal is eligible for CPA funding. Any applicants must submit a full application by Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. to be considered for funding. The Committee will evaluate the applications based on priorities in the Community Preservation Plan, gather public feedback and ultimately present its funding recommendations to Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone for submittal to the Board of Aldermen. The Board of Aldermen will then vote on the Committee's recommended projects.

The City anticipates receiving $1.9 million in CPA revenue in FY16 and has $1.9 million in unexpended revenue and appropriations from previous fiscal years, resulting in more than $3.7 million available in the City's CPA Fund for projects this year.

The Community Preservation Committee members are public members Elizabeth Duclos-Orsello, Ezra Glenn, Courtney Koslow and Uma Murugan; and ex officio members Michael A. Capuano of the Planning Board, chairman; Dick Bauer of the Historic Preservation Commission, vice chairman; Michael Fager of the Conservation Commission; and City Parks and Open Space Director Arn Franzen. The Committee also has a representative from the Housing Authority; that position is currently vacant.

For more information on the CPA, signup for the CPA Email Newsletter by visiting the City's website at www.somervillema.gov/CPA and clicking "Sign Up Now for CPA News."  For a list of projects previously funded through CPA revenues, visit www.somervillema.gov/CPA and click on "Proposals & Projects."