These Braintree projects are being funded by Community Preservation Act money

Fred Hanson, The Patriot Ledger
·2 min read

BRAINTREE – From creating affordable housing to building new pickleball courts, the town has committed $4.5 million to projects paid for with Community Preservation Act money.

The money can only be spent on projects involving historical preservation, affordable housing, acquiring open space and recreation improvements.

The projects are reviewed by the community preservation committee, which makes recommendations to the town council for approval. The money comes from a surcharge on town property taxes, plus state matching funds.

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Peter Kurzberg, the chair of the community preservation committee, said members  were "pleased to recommend some wonderful projects this year for the betterment of the whole Braintree community."

The largest of the projects was $1.15 million for the conversion of 19 apartments at the Windjammer Cove apartments to affordable housing for lower-income and working families.

Community preservation money also paid for the development of new pickleball and basketball courts behind the Daughraty Gym. The courts, which opened in June, cost $443,000.

Paul Petrone, of Braintree, center, returns a shot during a pickleball game during the dedication of the new pickleball courts at Hollis School in Braintree, Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
Paul Petrone, of Braintree, center, returns a shot during a pickleball game during the dedication of the new pickleball courts at Hollis School in Braintree, Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

The town used $300,000 in community preservation money along with $750,000 in state grants to protect Watson Park against the effects of climate change.

Currently underway is restoration work at the Elm Street Cemetery.

Projects under design include playing fields at Hollis Field and Watson Park, reconstruction of the Nathan Buliga street hockey rink and Smelt Brook fish passage improvements.

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Committee seeks ideas for future CPA projects

In 2002, Braintree became one of the first communities in the state to adopt the Community Preservation Act. In the two decades that followed, the town has raised $16 million through the law, funding more than 70 projects.

The community preservation committee will hold its annual meeting at 5 p.m. Monday  at town hall. It will seek ideas from residents on future projects, discuss progress on those already approved and review two new proposals.

The town is seeking $55,000 to cover part of the $220,000 cost of replacing the town hall wheelchair ramp. Another request is $300,000 for the development of a walking trail in the woods off Middle Street along the Monatiquot River.

Mayor Charles Kokoros thanked the committee for its hard work on the projects.

"These great projects in our community include open space and recreation projects, sustainability projects, combatting climate change and increasing the number of affordable housing units in our community," the mayor said.

Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Braintree uses $4.5 million for Community Preservation Act projects