Great Barrington Community Preservation Committee Step Two CPA Hearing – December 9, 2025

The Great Barrington Community Preservation Committee met on December 9, 2025, to hear step-two Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding applications. The November meeting minutes were not approved because they had not been received due to a technical glitch. The committee heard four presentations and took no votes; members will vote only after all presentations are complete, with the final application scheduled for December 18 and the next open committee date on January 13.

Discussion Items

Affordable Housing Trust request

• The Affordable Housing Trust, presented by Ms. Tampaine, requested the maximum amount available for affordable housing, a total ask of approximately $675,000 across five program areas: housing stabilization, down payment loans, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), affordable housing development via RFP, and property acquisition. Specific requests included $75,000 for housing stabilization (with an additional $25,000 anticipated from short-term rental tax), $100,000 for the ADU program, and $275,000 for the development RFP.
• She described the housing market as a new norm, citing a $700,000 median home sale price; 45% of current renters cost-burdened or severely cost-burdened; 20% of homeowners cost-burdened or severely cost-burdened; and 68% of South County renters and 47% of South County homeowners eligible for affordable housing.
• Committee members responded that the total step-two ask is about $4 million while only roughly a quarter of that is available. Ms. Vick said the Trust should identify its most important priorities; Jeremy noted the affordable housing ask is about 60% of available funds and suggested roughly 30% would be a more reasonable category share. Ms. Tampaine maintained that the Trust’s role is to advocate for the emergency need and that it will fine-tune its budget after the committee and town meeting set a funding level.
• Discussion of past spending showed most lines were spent down slowly. The Trust explained that Construct uses private funds before town CPA funds, but Construct expects to exhaust its remaining balance and will need renewed funding in FY27.
• On Prosperity Way, the Trust reported 261 initial applicants, 76 invited to submit full applications, a 12% response rate (9 of 76 submitted), and 3 of those known to live or work in Great Barrington. Pat asked Habitat for Humanity to provide more information on marketing and outreach, and requested better applicant residency and work data.
• The Trust said property acquisition is a unique tool because it lets the town move quickly, creates permanently affordable restriction, and is exempt from Chapter 30B bidding.

Bubriski Park playground and court improvements

• Joe Aberdale presented on behalf of the Parks Commission, seeking funding to level and reline the basketball courts at Bubriski Park, add two pickleball courts, and make related court improvements. The park is one of the most heavily used in town, and summer pickleball demand increases because the community center is too hot.
• He explained that town procurement and prevailing wage requirements raise project costs. He also said he did not resubmit the Olympian Meadows fence replacement after hearing the Parks Commission’s priorities.
• Members discussed possible grant funding after the town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan is completed, expected by June 2026; many grants require about 50% local match. Mr. Aberdale noted use of state-approved contractors could reduce procurement costs.

Shade structures at the skate park and Bubriski Park

• Mr. Aberdale requested shade structures at the skate park and Bubriski Park because the areas have no shade and become dangerously hot. The application could be split to fund one structure; bundling both in one bid would reduce per-unit cost. Members expressed support but noted overall park funding must be prioritized alongside other town asks.

Old Maids Park design and engineering

• Mr. Remble requested $50,000 for design and engineering at Old Maids Park, not construction. The funds would complement an $86,000 MVP community engagement grant that is ongoing through June 2027. The engineering work would provide baseline surveys, elevations, high-water marks, permitting information, and ballpark cost estimates for potential improvements.
• He noted Mass Wildlife has about $1 million in federal funding for Williams River watershed habitat work, and any dam removal or stream restoration would depend on community engagement and feasibility. The current request was described as an early phase to open the door to future larger design and construction grants.
• Committee members asked about access and signage, the possibility of connecting to the Prosperity Way sidewalk, and whether dam removal would follow; Mr. Remble said all options remain on the table pending the community process.

Ramsdale Library scheduling concern

• Pat expressed concern that the Ramsdale Library public presentation is scheduled for tomorrow at 6 p.m., conflicting with this committee’s work, and felt the library has not fully engaged with the committee. Ms. Van Alst said the session was set around architect availability, and the chair said the committee schedule could not be moved. No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken on any application. Voting will occur after the final step-two presentation on December 18; the next open date after that is January 13.
• November meeting minutes were deferred until members receive and review them.
• The Affordable Housing Trust was told to return with prioritized, realistic funding requests because total asks exceed available CPA funds.
• The committee requested better outreach and applicant data from Habitat for Humanity regarding Prosperity Way.
• Old Maids Park next steps depend on the ongoing community engagement process and this design and engineering funding.