Committee to determine how to spend CPA funds
By Ken Powers Contributing Writer

Southborough - The Community Preservation Committee is in the process of deciding how to spend the money it has received from the Community Preservation Act (CPA).

The town adopted the CPA at Town Meeting 2003. The move added 1 percent to property tax bills with the money collected being matched by the state. CPA guidelines dictate that the money can only be spent to preserve open space, preserve historic buildings or create aff ordable housing.

The CPC, led by Chair Andrew Mills, held an informational meeting in mid- September, inviting in town residents and employees interested in submitting a proposal suggesting a possible use for the money.

The CPC, which accepted applications until Oct. 12, has about $772,000 at its disposal, but isn't expected to approve proposals that would deplete the fund.

Proposals the committee expected to be reviewing for possible funding included renovating the DeClinton Nichols House, on MWRA property. The building is on the town's demolition schedule, but the CPC would like to preserve the historic property, which includes a two-story house and two-story barn. Both are believed to have been built around 1870.

The MWRA wants to raze the buildings because it has no use for them and believes they are targets for vandalism and create public safety concerns.

The plan for the buildings would include complete restoration of both and the creation of an exhibit on Buff alo Soldiers - African-Americans who served in the U.S. Army following the Civil War.