'Bring the Community Preservation Act to Watertown,' Activists Say

WATERTOWN, MA - A local group is calling for the city to re-examine its dismissal of the Community Preservation Act, which would allow residents to fund environmental and recreational programs through a surcharge on their real estate tax.

"Invest in Watertown" is asking officials to reconsider the law it rejected in 2005, arguing it could net the city $1.9 million a year to be used on community development. Under the CPA, the annual amount raised is partially matched by the state.

Average homeowners would see a 2 percent increase on their real estate tax, which adds up to about an additional $109 annually; low-income homeowners can receive an exemption from the CPA, according to "Invest in Watertown."

Funding can only be used for three types of municipal projects - open space and recreational facilities, affordable housing and historic preservation.

In Massachusetts 160 towns have adopted the CPA, including nearby communities Newton, Waltham and Belmont.