USS Constitution, JFK Family Center Get $420K For Preservation

CHARLESTOWN, MA — The John F. Kennedy Family Services Center and the USS Constitution Museum are getting a combined $420,000 to go toward preservation, according to the mayor's office.

It's part of a $24 million effort to go to 40 Community Preservation projects across 17 neighborhoods as a way to create and improve public open space, preserve historic resources and increase affordable housing.

“Projects that receive funding from the Community Preservation Act directly reflect our neighborhoods’ needs and priorities. With money going to projects specifically for open space, preserving historic sites, and creating affordable housing, the residents of the City of Boston will benefit directly,” said Mayor Marty Walsh in a statement Wednesday. “Thank you to everyone who submitted project proposals, and I look forward to seeing how the new CPA projects will help our city.”

After Boston adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in 2016, the City created a Community Preservation Fund to fund affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space and public recreation projects. The Community Preservation Fund is capitalized primarily by a one percent property tax-based surcharge on residential and business property tax bills that began in July 2017.

Citywide, $4 million is earmarked to go to the Acquisition Opportunity Program to prevent displacement by purchasing existing private market rental units and making them affordable, both protecting current tenants and safeguarding the City's affordable housing stock. Another $4 million is set to go toward the new ONE+Boston program - income-eligible, first-time Boston homebuyers buying in Boston will receive enhanced downpayment assistance and a permanent reduction in the interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

The two project in Charlestown that were earmarked:

• $400,000 to the John F. Kennedy Family Services Center to restore the slate roof and prevent water damage to the historic school building that provides child care, after school, and senior services.

• $20,000 to the USS Constitution Museum to protect its collections by relocating the sprinkler system at risk of failing due to flooding and sea level rise.