On April 12, the voters of South Hadley will have the opportunity to approve the Community Preservation Act.
If we become a CPA community, South Hadley will qualify for annual allocations ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars from the statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund.
How does CPA work? As a CPA community, South Hadley would collect a modest surcharge on real estate taxes (estimated at $35 per household per year).
Then, these surcharges, together with state Preservation Trust Fund revenue to our town, could be used to preserve open land, restore historic buildings such as the Fire House Museum, create or maintain playgrounds, trails or athletic fields or build affordable or senior housing in South Hadley.
Many commissions, boards and individuals in South Hadley have endorsed the CPA. I hope that you will join me in voting yes on CPA on April 12.
Joanna Brown
South Hadley