On April 12, voters in South Hadley will be asked to adopt the Community Preservation Act proposal. Despite a reluctance by some to support a small increase in the South Hadley residential / commercial / industrial tax rate (after an exemption of $100,000) the long and short-range benefits to our community are many.
The increase would cost an extra $32 to $35 in tax per year for each residential property which is roughly the same cost today of a tank of regular gasoline, but would generate more than $145,000.
By adopting CPA, this small investment will establish for South Hadley an important and dedicated fund for town improvements in three core areas: 10 percent for open space and recreation (bike/walking trails, playgrounds, ball fields); 10 percent for historic resource and preservation (town halls, libraries, document collections) and 10 percent for community housing (senior support, rehabs, elderly and family housing).
The remaining 70 percent would be held in reserve for future projects like these.
Most of our surrounding communities have joined CPA and most, once joined, have benefited greatly and never considered opting out. According to a Boston Globe article March 26, more than 160 state communities have implemented CPA and generated more than $1.6 billion for 8,000 projects in these areas.
A Massachusetts Trust Fund supplement may be available to communities opting for CPA and would help provide additional funding for these special projects.
A significant plus in joining CPA is the power of the dedicated funds in leveraging support for community improvements from other state, federal and foundation grants.
It is time for South Hadley to recognize the great value that accrues to the town for this modest tax increase.
We need CPA support for ongoing and potential town projects. Please vote yes and urge your friends and neighbors to support this request April 12.
Win Lavallee
South Hadley
The writer is a Town Meeting member.