Town of West Newbury Community Preservation Committee

Notice is hereby given that the West Newbury Community Preservation Committee (CPC) will hold a Public Informational Hearing to solicit input from citizens regarding the development of the Community Preservation Plan, which will be used to guide the CPC’s decision-making on Community Preservation Act (CPA) project proposals.

The Public Hearing is held pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44B, Community Preservation Act, Section 5.b (1), regarding the needs, possibilities and resources of the Town relative to the Act in the areas of Community Housing, Historic Preservation, Open Space and Recreation.  The public is welcome to attend the Public Hearing and to provide ideas for new projects for the CPC to consider.

The Community Preservation Act was adopted by West Newbury voters in 2006 establishing a local dedicated fund, financed by a voter-approved property tax surcharge and matching funds from the statewide CPA Trust Fund, to undertake open space, historic preservation, outdoor recreation and community housing projects. Implementation of the CPA in West Newbury is overseen by the Town’s Community Preservation Committee, which is composed of representatives from the Select Board, Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Planning Board, Parks & Recreation Commission and Housing Authority, along with an at-large member appointed by the Select Board, and the Town Manager as ex-officio member. As part of its responsibilities, the CPC annually updates its Community Preservation Plan. The plan includes guidance and criteria for selecting projects.

To aid in the update of the plan, the upcoming public hearing gives residents an opportunity to comment on West Newbury’s needs, long range plans and resources.  Anyone with interest in West Newbury’s CPA funding is welcome to provide comment, either at the meeting or in writing.  The Hearing will be held in person on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 8:00 PM in the First Floor Hearing Room, Town Office Building, 381 Main Street, West Newbury, MA, and will include an option for remote participation (via a Zoom link to be included on the posted meeting agenda).

Ann Bardeen, Secretary