Below is a summarized version of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Study Committee meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
🏛️ Ad Hoc Community Preservation Act Study Committee Meeting Summary
📅 Date: January 12, 2026
🕖 Duration: ~2hr30min
📍 Location: Reading, Massachusetts
👥 Committee Members Present: Joseph Carnahan (Chair), Sarah Brukilacchio, Martha Moore, Sanford Matathia, Margaret Donnelly Moran, Carlo Bacci
(Absent: Kate Kaminer)
🔹Call to Order & Public Comment
🕒 10:28
- Meeting called to order; quorum confirmed.
- No public comments.
🔹Coalition Update & CPA Impact Data
🕒 12:08–14:39
- Community Preservation Coalition Year-in-Review Highlights:
- 201 CPA communities statewide have raised $3.7 billion since inception.
- Created 36,000 housing units, preserved 39,000 acres of open space, funded 8,100 historic preservation projects, and 4,400 recreation projects.
- 71% of Massachusetts residents live in CPA communities.
- New Appointment: Brendan Bergerer named Director of Legislative Strategy to advocate for increased CPA trust fund allocations.
🔹Report Review & Editing Session
🕒 14:39–2:41:18
- Major Updates Since Last Meeting:
- Removed prior language on CPA committee formation; replaced with draft warrant article, motion, and ballot measure language.
- Added placeholder for town meeting motion and ballot question per statutory requirements.
- Incorporated new photos from Andrew McNichol and others; pending photo credits.
- Key Edits & Decisions:
- Executive Summary:
- Emphasize that $1M annual CPA revenue aligns with historic spending on CPA-eligible projects, offering level funding through a different mechanism.
- Highlight state match as a primary fiscal benefit.
- Formatting:
- Bold “1% surcharge” throughout for clarity.
- Correct inconsistencies in CPA vs. CP fund terminology.
- Adjust subheadings and spacing for readability.
- Content Adjustments:
- Clarify override section: CPA provides flexibility—maintain project funding or reduce taxpayer burden.
- Add language on commercial exemption rationale: “to avoid negatively impacting the town’s emerging business sector.”
- Confirm exemption recommendations:
- First $100K of residential value.
- Full exemption for low-income households and low/moderate-income seniors.
- Full exemption for commercial and industrial properties.
- Update definitions for community housing vs. affordable housing for clarity.
- Ensure references to Reading Housing Authority (RHA) and housing production plan are accurate.
- Appendices:
- Customize motion and ballot measure to reflect committee recommendations.
- Add disclaimer: “Draft language reflects committee recommendations and is subject to review by Select Board and Town Counsel.”
- Executive Summary:
- Visuals:
- Confirm photo credits for Parker Tavern, Old South Church, Laurel Hill Cemetery, and community gardens.
- Replace low-resolution Pleasant Street image; seek drone photo permissions from RCTV or other sources.
🔹Future Agendas & Timeline
🕒 2:27:03–2:39:01
- Next Steps:
- Cancel January 13 meeting (report review completed).
- January 20 (8:00 PM): Review final report draft and first draft of Select Board presentation.
- January 26 (7:30 PM): Finalize presentation for Select Board.
- Select Board Presentation: Scheduled for February 10, 2026.
- Warrant Closes: March 10, 2026; Town Meeting vote in April; ballot question in November 2026.
✅ Key Outcomes
- Report Nearly Complete: All major edits incorporated; pending minor formatting and photo credits.
- Exemptions & Surcharge Confirmed: 1% surcharge; residential exemptions; full commercial exemption.
- Appendices Finalized: Draft warrant article, motion, and ballot measure language included.
- Next Meetings Scheduled: Jan 20 (report & slides) and Jan 26 (final presentation).
