To the Editor:

Becket passed the [Community Preservation Act] law in 2009. The projects that have been approved since passage are projects that otherwise would have been difficult for the town to fund in a timely manner. We passed the law after almost two years of public outreach and public hearings.

We have a 1.5 percent surcharge, with businesses, low and moderate income seniors, and property with $100,000 or less assessed value exempt. We have been able to raise, with the state contribution, about $41,000 annually. Our projects have included headstone repair at three cemeteries, playground equipment, funds for the Becket Athenaeum structural repairs, the Becket Art Center structural repairs, invasive weed control at Center Pond, a Revolutionary War monument, and structural repairs to the Mullen House Museum.

There are many reasons for a town to adopt the CPA law. Most importantly it is a totally and completely a democratic process, as the projects must be approved by the town after vetting by the CPA committee. Sometimes overlooked is the fact that having funds to help complete projects, keeps those hard-working volunteers active in protecting the historic resources we all cherish.

For a few dollars a year per non-exempt households, we in Becket are able to maintain, protect, and promote the features and history of our town. For these values, I strongly urge the voters of Pittsfield to approve passage of the CPA.
 

Neil F. Toomey
Becket, Mass.; Toomey is chairman of the Becket CPA Committee

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