Candidates Debate Future of Community Preservation Act
As new tax burdens loom, program's value is weighed against other financial pressures
BRIDGEWATER - March 31, 2025 - The future of Bridgewater's participation in the Community Preservation Act was discussed by candidates for Town Council consider its value amid looming tax increases for Bristol Plymouth High School, a new firehouse, and potential road projects.
The CPA, which has been in place for 25 years, imposes a 2% surcharge on property taxes—approximately $400 to $500 per homeowner annually—and comes with a varying percentage match in state funding.
During a recent candidates forum hosted by BTV, Town Council hopefuls shared their perspectives on whether Bridgewater should continue participating in the program given the town's other financial challenges.
Fred Chase, incumbent District 3 councillor seeking re-election, expressed strong support for maintaining the CPA.
"I believe that the CPA is really an essential component of our local government financial structure," Chase said. "The Community Preservation Committee serves as an important channel for community engagement."
Chase highlighted several successful projects funded through the CPA, including renovations to the old townhouse, preservation of the Congregational Church steeple, and the development of Music Alley.
Sean Kennedy, who is challenging Chase for the District 3 seat, also supported continuing the program but emphasized the need for careful allocation of funds.
"We do have exceptions for low-income families as well as some elderly folks from being excluded from having to pay this tax," Kennedy said. "The state matches it, which makes sense. We're getting free money back from the state for something that does benefit our town."
Kennedy suggested combining CPA funds with other initiatives to address residents' concerns, particularly for historic building restoration in the town center.
"I just want to see that money spent wisely on things that are worthwhile," Kennedy added. "It's very difficult to sell some of this to people in town that are really struggling with their finances and paying their bills that we're spending money on what appear to be some pet projects."
At-large candidate Jim Wilder acknowledged both pros and cons of the CPA.
"The CPA has pros and cons to it. It's a set aside for specific things that are very important to me. I'm an avid outdoorsman. I'm a big history buff as well," Wilder said. "But I don't like the fact that the state didn't hold up its end. It was supposed to be 100% match, and now it isn't."
Wilder emphasized that while the CPA creates a separate fund, it still represents tax dollars that "need to be spent responsibly and be held accountable for."
At-large candidate Marilee Kenny Hunt, who chaired the CPC for its first 10 years in Bridgewater, strongly advocated for continuing participation.
"We've done some really incredible things that wouldn't have happened," Hunt said. "We wouldn't have the girls softball field if it weren't for the CPA. We wouldn't have the lighting down at the Legion Field. We wouldn't have the Academy Building restored."
Hunt noted that while the state match percentage has decreased as more communities joined the program, the benefits still outweigh the costs.
"So many towns and cities have signed onto it that we get less of a percentage. That's why it seems like we get less from the state now because we're sharing it with lots of other towns," Hunt explained. "That's because they've seen the benefit of CPA."
At-large incumbent Kevin Perry also supported maintaining the program, citing its contributions to preserving open space.
"It's contributed in multiple ways to many projects here in town," Perry said. "For open space, for what we've recently done to preserve the Hanson Farm, funds have gone to the Murray Farm, funds have gone to the old College Town mobile to make that a park."
Perry added, "For the few dollars that it does cost a taxpayer, I don't think the benefit is certainly greater than the few dollars that it does cost a taxpayer for the development of the community and maintaining open space."
The CPA debate comes as Bridgewater faces significant financial challenges, including potential tax increases for Bristol Plymouth, a new firehouse, and approximately $70 million in needed road repairs over the next three years.
The Community Preservation Committee makes recommendations to the Town Council for the use of CPA funds, which can only be allocated to open space, historic resources, recreational resources, and housing projects.
The election results will help determine the future direction of Bridgewater's participation in the CPA and other key financial decisions facing the town.
The annual town election is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Bridgewater Middle School.