Councilors Flynn & Flaherty Urge Southie Neighbors: Apply for CPA Funds

See Press Release Below

BOSTON, MA – Last week, City Councilor Ed Flynn and City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty partnered with the Office of Community Preservation to host an information session for District 2 residents on the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The meeting aimed at providing information and resources for South Boston residents, nonprofits, community and youth sports organizations to apply for CPA funding. Topics included the funding application process, timeline, eligibility and other pertinent information.

The Councilors also emphasized that with 16 applications submitted over 4 rounds, yet seven projects subsequently approved, it’s critical for community organizations and neighbors to apply so that we do not lose out on available funding to help improve and preserve our neighborhood. With nearly half of South Boston applications awarded funding, it’s also crucial for those who may have been denied in the past to re-apply and continue to stay engaged with the CPA team

The CPA provides funding for initiatives related to affordable housing, historic preservation, open space, and outdoor recreation facilities. From 2018 to 2021, there were 16 applications from South Boston projects with the following seven approved for CPA funding:

• Martin’s Park – $500,000

• St. Augustine Historic Chapel – $499,075

• Barnard Place Park – $150,000

• Congress St Fire Museum – $150,000

• Harry McDonough Sailing Center – $78,783

• Castle Island Interpretive Signs – $75,000

• Kearsarge Anchor – $75,000

To be considered for CPA’s 2022 funding round, interested applicants need to please contact the Community Preservation team regarding eligibility at 617-635-0545 and [email protected] before filling out the CPA’s rolling eligibility form by Friday, September 3, 2021 at 5pm. The form can be accessed through the Office of Community Preservation’s website at www.boston.gov/cpa. If CPA staff reviews the project and determines that it can be funded under CPA requirements, the applicant will be invited to complete an application for CPA grants. An outline of the application steps can be found here: https://www.boston.gov/community-preservation/how-apply-community-preservation-funds. For more information, including to request translation or interpretation services, please contact [email protected].

“With the new round of CPA funding available and the deadline on September 3rd, it’s critical that our neighbors, nonprofits, and youth sports groups have the resources to take full advantage of this opportunity to improve and preserve South Boston,” said Councilor Flynn. “I’m calling on my neighbors to contact CPA and apply for this funding so that our community has the chance to receive funding for initiatives on affordable housing, historic preservation, open space, and outdoor recreation.”

“When I worked to get the CPA adopted in Boston, it was because I knew the transformative effects the funds from the program would have across the city,” said Councilor Flaherty. “With over $92M authorized for projects across the city already, we are seeing those changes. I want to make sure residents in South Boston have every opportunity to harness the impact of these funds, and I encourage folks to get their applications in.”

 For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and [email protected].