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Natick has a question of its own on Nov. 8 state election ballot

November 5, 2022 by Bob Brown 5 Comments

While incessant ads have argued the pros and cons of ballot Questions 1-4 leading up to the Nov. 8 state election, Question 5 is expressly a local issue for Natick voters.

This question asks Natick voters to muddle through its wording and decide whether the the town should adopt the Community Preservation Act (CPA), established in 2000 in Massachusetts.

CPA

During Spring Annual Town Meeting, a motion to adopt CPA passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 104-16-1.

If adopted by Natick, the CPA would result in a local property tax surcharge (1% is proposed, with a $100K exemption) to establish a fund used to support investment in historic preservation, open space, recreation, and affordable housing (some who qualify as low or moderate income will be exempted from paying the surcharge). More than half of the state’s cities and towns have adopted CPA, and Natick is among 6 communities voting Nov. 8 on whether to join those ranks. (See more about the process for accepting the CPA on the Secretary of State’s website.)

Natick did not opt to become a CPA community when the issue was on the 2006 ballot, but this time around an organized effort has tried to make a stronger case. Postcards went to all Natick address, a couple hundred lawn signs are displayed across town, and an online forum was held recently on the topic. The Natick Nest, Natick High School’s student-run newspaper, recently published an op-ed piece in support of voting “Yes” on Question 5.

Possible uses for money raised that are listed on Natick’s pro-CPA website include easements to complete a major trail network and acquiring key riverfront parcels. Perhaps CPA funds could back improvements at the Charles River Dam park.

There doesn’t appear to be an organized group against Question 5, but arguments for voting “No” on it have surfaced on popular online discussion forums in town, such as Natick Talks on Facebook. The main argument is that this is an additional tax at a time when many are struggling with rising costs of just about everything, and a possible override looming.

Proponents of CPA point out that the town can get matching funds on its CPA dollars, providing a big benefit to the town overall.

See the town’s website for more on where and when to vote.


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Filed Under: Environment, Government

Comments

  1. John says

    November 6, 2022 at 8:18 am

    Not one mention of low income housing in your article… This is a scam tax for the trail bosses in Natick who spent millions on bridges and parking lots for the Cochituate rail trail net work… Then line their pockets with their so-called nonprofit companies who actually make much profit… Lol

    Reply
    • Bob Brown says

      November 6, 2022 at 10:02 am

      We do mention affordable housing, though I do think cpa funds in Wellesley, if that’s a relevant comparison, have front to a pretty good mix of outdoors, affordable housing, and historical uses

      Reply
    • Jay Ball says

      November 6, 2022 at 2:12 pm

      John —

      What are you smoking, and can I have a drag?
      • Affordable housing IS low-income housing.
      • Scam tax? Trail bosses? REALLY?
      • The volunteers who worked tirelessly for years to make the Cochituate Rail Trail a reality lined their pockets with snacks to eat while they worked. You imply that they profited somehow, and I CHALLENGE YOU TO PROVE ONE WORD OF THAT BS! You seem to have caught the ‘I’m-angry-so-I’ll make-up-a-lie bug’, and I hope you get over it soon.

      Reply
  2. Domenico Manago says

    November 8, 2022 at 8:23 am

    Vote No on this one. We have enough taxes in Natick

    Reply
  3. Ella S says

    November 8, 2022 at 10:14 pm

    This article is great, and thanks so much for linking my article! 🙂

    Reply

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