Newton was one of the first communities in the Commonwealth to adopt the Community Preservation Act (CPA), and this year marks its 10th anniversary. Newton has used CPA funds to acquire about thirty acres of open space and recreation land. Without the CPA, Newton’s high land costs would make it impossible to acquire and improve open space for both recreation and conservation, to create affordable housing and to save historic structures and landscapes, such as the 1732 Durant Homestead. Open-space acquisitions alone include Kesseler Woods, the Angino Farm, parkland on Crystal Lake, and conservation land around Dolan Pond—all for only about $60/year for a midrange single-family house in Newton.
The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) wants to know what residents feel is important to their villages in terms of open space, historic preservation and affordable housing in the future. Are there important green spaces near your home that might be preserved either by acquisition or a conservation restriction?
Are there historic landscapes that could be preserved? Is the place where you take your contemplative walks possibly threatened by loss of access or development? The CPC needs to hear from you, either at one of the neighborhood meetings or through their online survey site.
The CPC is celebrating the CPA’s 10th anniversary by holding neighborhood meetings to provide input for determining funding priorities for the next 10 years. The first meeting for Wards 1-2 was held on November 15 at Newton North High. Times and places for the gatherings for other wards are given below.
–Mike Clarke
Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 7-9 pm
For West Newton, Auburndale, Lower Falls (Wards 3 & 4)
Warren House, 1600 Washington Street, West Newton
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
For Waban, Newton Upper Falls, & Newton Highlands (Ward 5)
Location TBA
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
For Newton Centre, Thompsonville, Chestnut Hill (Wards 6 & 7)
Location TBA
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
For the South Side, including Oak Hill & Oak Hill Park (Ward 8)
Location TBA
