BOS wary of ConCom-backed community preservation article

Selectmen appeared wary of supporting a town meeting article sponsored by the Conservation Commission that seeks approval of the Mass. Community Preservation Act both at town meeting and in an upcoming town-wide election.

Article 39 of the April town meeting would place an additional tax on residential and commercial real estate that would be used to fund the purchase of property for open space, recreation, community housing, and preservation of historical resources.

The article was passed by a majority vote of Canton residents at a 2006 town meeting, but was defeated in a town election by a vote of 46.8 percent against to 41.7 percent in favor.

The state, which first pledged to match 100 percent of the funds raised locally, has lowered its commitment to 32 percent, citing dwindling state funds and a falling housing market. But according to Katherine Roth of the Community Preservation Coalition, there is currently a bill before the state legislature that would boost the state’s matching rate to 75 percent.

If the article were to pass at the April town meeting, it would be placed before voters in the next town election and, if approved, would be enacted in 2013.

ConCom member Deb Sundin, who presented the article before selectmen Tuesday night, said it would cost the homeowner another $42 annually in tax payments, and the amount would double for commercial owners. Sundin estimated it would allow Canton to establish a preservation fund with annual revenues of $425,000 to $450,000, which would be matched currently by the state at 32 percent.

The first $100,000 of taxable real estate would be exempt for residential and commercial owners, and the bill would also exempt low- to moderate-income property owners.

Sundin said it would be a benefit to the town to set aside more open space; establish additional recreational areas and playgrounds; preserve historical buildings; and establish new affordable housing sites and programs.

Selectmen were concerned about the additional tax burden on homeowners during tough economic times, the state’s decreasing pledge amount, and the fact that the program requires a five-year commitment. They also questioned whether the matching funds would give the state any control over the acquired properties.

Selectman Sal Salvatori said that in his opinion, there is no urgent or “crying” need for the town to purchase land for open space or recreation. Sundin and Roth countered that the program would allow the town to purchase, hypothetically, a piece of property like the former Plymouth Rubber site. That would enable the town to consider a variety of uses for the site and would also help pay for environmental cleanup efforts.

The general consensus from selectmen was to have ConCom wait a year to see if the state would increase its pledge percentage and allow the economy to recover.

In other news:

* Selectmen held a moment of silence to remember two former Canton firefighters who passed away: Chester Wentworth and Paul Hagan.

* The Mass. Fire Service Commission granted accreditation to Fire Chief Charlie Doody, who demonstrated the required fire service experience, education, and certifications for accreditation. He is one of only 39 fire chiefs in the state who have earned this accreditation.

* Selectmen approved a request to hold the Beth Spence Memorial Walk/Run on April 17, beginning at 11 a.m.

* Selectmen appointed Kerry Vieira as a member of the Canton Cultural Council.

* Selectmen will next meet on Tuesday, March 22, at 7 p.m.

Click here to view the 2011 Annual Town Meeting Warrant.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Mar 10 2011. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.