City Releases CPA Determination of Eligibility Application

On Thursday, the Salem Community Preservation Committee released its Fiscal 14 Determination of Eligibility Application and Interim Evaluation Criteria.

The Determination of Eligibility will be the first step in a two-step application process for soliciting project proposals to be funded with Community Preservation Act funds.

After reviewing the eligibility applications, proponents of eligible projects will be invited to submit a Funding Application. 

The Interim Evaluation Criteria includes a number of recommendations from various city boards, as well as comments received from the general public, both in writing and from the Public Hearing that took place on Nov. 12.

The CPC is currently developing its Community Preservation Plan, which will include the Interim Evaluation Criteria and guidance for submitting Funding Applications.  There will be an opportunity for additional public comment once the plan is released.

Once the Community Preservation Plan and the Funding Application are finalized, the CPC will invite funding proposals, review submitted applications in accordance with the evaluation criteria, and recommend projects to the City Council for funding.

"The Determination of Eligibility Application is an opportunity for city departments, non-profit organizations, private groups and individuals to start thinking about potential projects and to propose those ideas,”  PC Chair Helen Sides said.

It is recommended that Eligibility Applications be submitted by Jan. 31, 2014 to ensure consideration for FY14 CPA funding. 

Eligibility Applications submitted after that date will still be accepted and reviewed for eligibility, regardless of the deadline for Funding Applications.  All Funding Applications received after the deadline will be carried over and considered for FY15 funding.

“The CPC has listened to the public’s recommendations and developed a comprehensive set of evaluation criteria that they will use to review projects for CPA funding.  It is exciting that they are implementing the first step in the application process.” Mayor Kimberley Driscoll said.

Massachusetts regulations require that a minimum of 10% of annual CPA revenues be set aside or spent for each of three categories: housing, historic, and open space/recreation projects.  For FY14, Salem’s CPA revenue consists of local CPA surcharge revenues only, which is estimated at $400,000.  In FY15, the budget will include matching funds from the State’s CPA Trust Fund.

The CPA was adopted by Salem voters in November, 2012.  It established a local dedicated fund for the purpose of undertaking open space, historic preservation, outdoor recreation and community housing projects.

It is financed by a voter-approved property tax surcharge along with annual matching funds from the statewide CPA Trust Fund. The CPC is composed of representatives from the City’s Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Planning Board, Park & Recreation Commission and Salem Housing Authority, along with appointees from the Mayor and the City Council.

The FY14 Determination of Eligibility, Interim Evaluation Critera and information on the CPA can be found athttp://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_CPC/index.