By Carol Britton Meyer

Even as the Community Preservation Committee prepares its presentation of recommended projects for this year’s annual town meeting, plans are under way for an annual community forum in early June to encourage citizens to start thinking about potential projects for the next round of Community Preservation Act funding.

The CPC is recommending $1.85 million in historic preservation and open space/recreation projects, along with funding for the community housing reserve, for several projects:

- Hampton Circle playground supplementary funding, $99,000;

- Design and engineering work associated with the redevelopment of the L Street playground and tennis courts, $55,000;

- L Street field shade structures, to be installed near the intersection of Nantasket Avenue and N Street, $30,000;

- A consultant to study waterfront access points around town, $28,000;

- Restoration of the Paragon Carousel’s windows, $70,000;

- Village Fire Station preservation: Phase 3 of the plan to rehabilitate and restore the building in an historically accurate way and to bring the mechanical systems up to code, $1.5 million, including $1 million in bonding;

- Community Housing reserve $69,965.

The CPC is waiting to hear back from Stuart Saginor, executive director of the overarching state Community Preservation Coalition regarding some questions concerning the fire station project – specifically, what is and isn’t eligible for CPA funding within the historic building.

The Hull Historical Commission and the Hull Historic District Commission also will weigh in regarding the proposed warrant article.

CPA funding comes from a 1.5 percent property tax surcharge approved by town meeting in 2016 and may only be used for open space/recreation, community housing, and historic preservation purposes.

The state provides a partial match for these funds, which pave the way for the realization of numerous projects that improve the quality of life for Hull residents that the town would otherwise not be able to afford.

Chair Rachel Gilroy presented the CPC’s recommendations to the advisory board recently; the board’s recommendations appear in the town meeting warrant that is mailed to every Hull household. Voters who attend the May 1 town meeting will have the final say.

The annual CPC forum is planned for Monday, June 5, at 7 p.m. via Zoom, with the purpose of providing an overview of the CPA, the process for applying for grants from Hull’s CPA fund, and what types of projects are eligible for funding.

Citizens will also have an opportunity to suggest ways in which CPA dollars might be spent to benefit the community, and to learn more about the funding process. Widespread community participation is encouraged. More details will be available closer to the date.

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