Senator Frederick E. Berry (D-Peabody) announced today that he is co-sponsoring legislation to amend the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The CPA is a landmark law that encourages cities and towns in the Commonwealth to preserve and protect the historic resources and open spaces in their communities. Presently, historic assets owned by a municipality prior to the local adoption of the CPA are not eligible for funding for "preservation" or "restoration." Unless this section of the law is amended, funding for these historic structures and landscapes will remain limited to "maintenance" only. The amendment expands the use of CPA funds for historic resources to include a municipality's previously acquired properties.

"The original intent of the Community Preservation Act was to preserve the historic treasures within our communities, so rehabilitation funds should not be limited to only newly acquired sites," said Senator Berry. "The expansion of the CPA to include all previously acquired historic sites will only enhance a community's character for generations to enjoy."

The amendment will ensure that towns or cities that already own a precious historic site will be able to use CPA funds to protect these sites. For example, many historic buildings face further deterioration and possible destruction because CPA funds cannot be used to remedy code deficiencies including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The legislation was filed this morning with the Senate Clerk.