A potential funding opportunity is now available. The Northbridge Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is accepting Project Pre-Applications for its next round of CPA (Community Preservation Act project initiatives. 

The CPA is a dedicated funding source that may be used for OPEN SPACE & RECREATION; COMMUNITY HOUSING; and HISTORIC RESOURCES. Eligible projects will be reviewed by the CPC for consideration and inclusion at the 2027 Spring Annual Town Meeting. 

The CPA provides project funds through a local surcharge on property tax bills for projects initiated by residents and town organizations that might not otherwise be possible due to budget limitations.  

The Northbridge Community Preservation Committee is a volunteer-appointed committee charged with overseeing local CPA funds and recommending projects for Town Meeting consideration. The Committee is currently soliciting projects for the 2027 Spring Annual Town Meeting. Each fiscal year, the Committee shall announce calls for Project Pre-Applications during the months of August and September, with Project Applications due by October 01 of each year. The Community Preservation Committee invites municipal departments, community organizations & individuals to submit applications for CPA funding on an annual basis.

First-time applicants are advised to attend a public informational meeting hosted by the Community Preservation Committee. The first of which will be held August 04, 2025, in advance of the Committee’s official solicitation for CPA projects for the fiscal year of 2026. Because of the unpredictability of CPA projects involving the purchase of land or historic buildings, the CPC may accept applications on an ongoing basis as needed. However, CPC recommendation and Town Meeting vote are still required to allocate Community Preservation Act funds.

Those interested in submitting a Project Application or learning more about Northbridge’s Community Preservation Act are encouraged to contact the Community Planning & Development Office, R. Gary Bechtholdt II, Planning Director/CPA Administrator at (508) 234-2447 or contact the Community Preservation Committee at [email protected] 

Since local adoption (November 2017), Northbridge’s CPA has helped fund Linwood Basketball Court Improvements, acquisition of Castle Hill Farm, and an Architectural & Structural Assessment of the historic Col. James Fletcher House.   

For information about Community Preservation goals and initiatives, eligible projects, and the application process, please visit Northbridge’s Community Preservation Committee webpage at https://www.northbridgemass.org/community-preservation-committee The Preservation Committee will begin reviewing projects at its scheduled meeting(s) on Monday, October 05, November 02, & December 07, 2026 (6:30 p.m. via Zoom).