Great Barrington Community Preservation Committee Meeting – August 11, 2026

The Great Barrington Community Preservation Committee (CPC) met on August 11, 2026, to elect a new chair and vice chair, approve minutes and dues, conduct a detailed review of outstanding CPA-funded projects from fiscal years 2016 through 2027, discuss the CPA surtax rate and abatement process, and set a date for a public hearing on the updated CPA plan. The meeting included public comment and planning for the FY28 grant cycle.

Consent Calendar

• Payment of Dues: A motion to pay dues in the amount of $2,850 (corrected from $2,875) passed unanimously by roll call (all members present voted yes).
• Minutes Approval: Minutes from March 31, 2026, were approved as amended, with no objections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lauren Clark (address: 18 Play Road, Great Barrington) asked about the status of the clamshell project funded by CPA, noting it had not been completed. She expressed concern that the project might be closed without being finished. Committee members assured her the project is on the town manager's to-do list and that more information would be available after the town manager's wedding (within six weeks).

Discussion Items

• Election of Officers:
  • Chair: Karen Smith was nominated and elected by roll call (all members present voted yes).
  • Vice Chair: Jeremy (last name not stated) was nominated and elected unanimously by voice vote.
• Review of Outstanding CPA Projects (FY16–FY27):
  • Led by Chris Rembrandt (staff). The review covered each fiscal year, identifying completed projects and funds returned to the pool.
  • FY16–FY19: All projects completed or funds returned. FY20: Only active project is the Taconic Historic District survey (extended to June 2027). FY21: One outstanding project (another historic commission survey for the same district, also extended to June 2027). FY22: Only remaining project is the third historic commission survey (also extended).
  • FY23: All projects completed or expired, including a large CDC grant for the Bridge Street brownfield (cottages) that ran into DEP delays. Approximately $267,000 from that grant will be returned to the CPA fund. Another $46,200 from the McAllister project was also returned.
  • FY24: Active projects include the bowling alley roof (extended to end of 2026) and BNRC work (still pending). $20,000 returned from the Brown Mausoleum project.
  • FY25: Several projects active; housing trust funds being drawn down steadily; Mason Library steps completed with $18,000 potentially subject to audit.
  • FY26: Housing trust and Marble Block have spent funds; Unitarian Church roof completed. Parks and DPW projects lagging due to staffing shortages.
  • FY27: Grants just became available; housing trust has begun prioritizing. Discussion about the need to accelerate project starts to avoid falling behind.
  • Committee agreed to ask town staff (Steve and Liz) to prioritize projects and work with DPW.
• CPA Revenue and Budget Outlook:
  • Presented by staff. FY28 local revenue estimate was conservative (based on median of previous five years). Members noted actual revenue is likely higher given rising assessments. State trust fund match is projected at 15.5% for 3% surtax towns, but additional chunks are uncertain. Outstanding project funds returning will boost available awards for FY28 to over $900,000.
• Discussion on CPA Surtax Rate and Abatements:
  • Member Phil Ornstein raised the question of whether the committee periodically reviews the 3% surtax rate and the abatement process (for low-income and low-value property exemptions). He noted receiving public comments about the overall tax burden.
  • Several members expressed that reviewing the surtax rate is outside the committee's purview and could undermine CPA funding. However, there was consensus to improve awareness and accessibility of the abatement program.
  • A motion was made and seconded to ask the assessor for data on how many taxpayers have applied for CPA abatements and the dollar amount not collected. The motion passed. Staff (Steve) and Phil were asked to work with the select board to simplify the application process and publicize it.
• CPA Plan Update and Public Hearing Date:
  • The committee discussed updating the CPA plan, including a new open space preservation section. They agreed to set a public hearing for September 2, 2026, at 5:15 PM. Members were asked to notify their respective boards/commissions and solicit input.
• FY28 Grant Cycle Schedule:
  • Staff proposed a tentative schedule similar to last year: step one applications in early November, step two in early December. Final dates will be set at the September 2 meeting after staff meet with the town manager to align with town budgeting.

Key Outcomes

• Elected Officers: Karen Smith as Chair, Jeremy (last name not stated) as Vice Chair.
• Approved: Dues payment ($2,850) and minutes from March 31, 2026.
• Project Review: Committee acknowledged status of all outstanding projects and directed staff to prioritize DPW-led projects and work with the town manager to accelerate starts.
• Abatement Inquiry: Motion passed to request abatement usage data from the assessor; Steve and Phil will coordinate with the select board to simplify and publicize the abatement process.
• Public Hearing Scheduled: September 2, 2026, at 5:15 PM, for the CPA plan update.
• Next Steps: Staff will meet with the town manager to align FY28 grant cycle dates; committee will finalize the schedule at the September 2 meeting.