Overview:
The Phillipston Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has nearly $1.3m set aside for community preservation projects, with $125,260 for open space initiatives, $20,549 for historic preservation, and $203,000 for community housing. The balance, nearly $937,000, is categorized as undesignated funds. Projects falling into four general categories – open space preservation and acquisition, historic preservation, recreation, and community housing – can qualify for funding.
PHILLIPSTON – Several residents attended a Sept. 8 meeting of the Community Preservation Committee to learn about applying for funding for a variety of community needs.
Committee Chair Peter Travisano said the committee currently has nearly $1.3 million set aside for community preservation projects. Projects falling into four general categories – open space preservation and acquisition, historic preservation, recreation, and community housing – can qualify for funding.
At present, the CPC has $125,260 set aside for open space initiatives, $20,549 for historic preservation, and $203,000 for community housing. The balance, nearly $937,000, is categorized as undesignated funds. Monies from the latter category can be used to supplement funding committed to projects that fall under the three main designations.
Early last year, the CPC recommended the expenditure of $240,000 to fund three projects. Town Meeting voters, as is required by the Community Preservation Act, voted to approve those recommendations – $30,000 for the restoration of windows on the west side of the Phillipston Congregational Church; $50,000 to stabilize the floor and repair the roof of the Phillipston Free Public Library; and $160,000 to refurbish the walls and floor of the gymnasium at the former Phillipston Memorial Elementary School, now known as Phillipston Memorial Building.
Among the projects discussed Monday night was relocating a utility pole on the town common and extending a water line to the common from a spot near the driveway that leads to the police station. The idea was broached by Selectboard member Gerhard Fandreyer, who said he had spoken with someone from National Grid, who informed him that moving the pole could cost around $200,000.
Other potential projects mentioned at the meeting included repairs to the handicap accessible ramp at the Phillipston Historical Society building on Route 2A and sinking a well to provide a source of water for the athletic fields behind Phillipston Memorial Building.
Applications for Community Preservation monies must be submitted by Nov. 15. Travisano said the committee would likely meet in December to begin its review process, with plans to make recommendations for project funding by the first of March. Voters at the May Annual Town Meeting will have the final say on funding for any projects supported by the CPC.
Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.
