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Question #11
An Opportunity to Invest in Reading’s Future
On November 3, Reading voters will decide whether to adopt the Community Preservation Act (CPA)—a proven program that can help our town address some of its most important needs while making local dollars go further.
CPA would create dedicated funding for Affordable Housing, Open Space & Recreation, and Historic Preservation, while giving Reading the opportunity to leverage its investment with state matching funds. It is a way to preserve the places and character that make Reading special, expand opportunities for residents today, and plan responsibly for the generations who will call Reading home tomorrow. After more than two years of careful study and community discussion, Reading has an opportunity to put this important financial tool to work for our town.
This proposal includes these exemptions:
• The first $100,000 of property value for all
• Low-income residents
• Low-or-moderate-income senior residents
• All commercial property
Watch CPA overview presentation
CPA ensures dedicated funds are available to enhance our community.
Only Town Meeting can approve CPA projects.
* Lawn signs are in! * Please sign up on mailing list to have one delivered.
Let’s be Tax Smart: Adopt CPA, get our Share of State $ and Stretch our Local $ Further
Transforming Our Community for Generations
Benefits of the CPA:
Through the CPA, we will foster collaboration among local organizations and citizens to ensure that community needs are met effectively. We'll be able to leverage dollars by partnering with other State & Federal Programs as well as Booster organizations. By working together, we can create a sustainable and vibrant community where everyone benefits from our shared resources.
Sustainable Solutions for Affordable Housing
Reading is steadily becoming less affordable to first time-buyers and to working class families. Housing prices are increasing beyond the means of many seniors and families, and affordable housing is increasingly difficult to find. We don’t have dependable local funding to move the needle. CPA can be a powerful tool for affordable housing. The Town can bond for eligible projects and use future CPA revenues to repay that debt. This allows Reading to leverage a relatively modest annual revenue stream into a much larger investment in housing today. Doors also open for matching grants with CPA.
Reading Housing Authority Building
- Tannerville Housing
A Collaborative Approach to Community Needs
The Community Preservation Act will enable Reading to allocate a 1% property tax surcharge (about $102/yr for average property) towards crucial initiatives including affordable housing, recreational spaces, preservation of open land, and maintaining our historical sites. These protected funds will significantly enhance the quality of life for all Reading residents and help keep home values strong. Give a little - Get a lot!
Preserving Our Heritage and Natural Spaces
The CPA will also focus on preserving Reading’s natural beauty and historical landmarks through acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources. By investing in open spaces and historic preservation, we maintain the character of our town while promoting environmental stewardship.
Joshua Eaton School- Town Owned Historic Property
Community Voices:
Land Conservation
"We can't make more land. Passing CPA would generate funds to help us purchase, as well as preserve more of the remaining open space in Reading."
- Martha Moore
Conservation Commission Chair
Town Meeting member 7 years
Retired RMHS Biology Teacher
Historic Preservation
Reading's 380+ years of history, shape our community's character and future. By adopting the CPA, we can safeguard our historic landmarks and shared heritage.
This is not simply preserving the past; it is a meaningful investment in Reading's future.
- Jonathan Barnes
Reading Historical Commission 12 years
Served on CPDC 17 years
Town Meeting member 31 years
Charter Review Committee
Recreation Committee
"The CPA would serve as a very, meaningful tool to support, improve and expand our outdoor,
recreational facilities with dedicated funds."
- Kate Kaminer
Recreation Commission 38 years
Friends of Reading Tennis
Mission of Deeds Board Member
Reading Housing Authority
"CPA funds are a vital resource for the creation and preservation of affordable housing. Reading needs funding to maintain its existing affordable housing, and look toward building more."
- Margaret Moran Donnelly
Reading Housing Authority
Community Leader
"I grew up in Reading and raised my children here. As a local business owner, longtime Reading Housing Authority and Town Meeting member, and a member of the original CPA Committee representing RHA, I have seen firsthand the opportunities Reading has missed by not adopting CPA.
I understand the value CPA can bring to our community—particularly in preserving and expanding housing opportunities while making thoughtful investments in Reading’s future. I encourage Reading voters to support the Community Preservation Act and give our town the opportunity to make these important investments."
- Tim Kelley
Past Member Town Meeting
Past Member Reading Housing Authority
Reading Rotary
Community Leader
"Reading has already missed opportunities by not adopting the Community Preservation Act in 2002, and we shouldn’t make the same mistake again. CPA would give our town a dedicated source of funding to address important needs—from Open Space, the Pleasant Street Senior Center and truly affordable housing—while also allowing us to pursue creative projects that aren’t part of the Capital Plan.
The argument that “now isn’t the right time” overlooks how much more we could accomplish with CPA funds. It’s time to give Reading the tools and resources to invest in the future of our community—vote YES for CPA."
- Barry Berman
Past Select Board Member
Past Finance Committee Member
The mission of Yes to CPA for Reading is to educate Reading voters about the Community Preservation Act, and advocate to vote for it at the November 3, 2026 election at RMHS.
Together, we can build a community that values sustainability, inclusivity, and progress.
Join us in supporting the CPA and shaping a brighter future for Reading!
Reading residents who support CPA:
Alison Ullman
Amelia Devin Freedman
Andrew Gregory
Anne Mark
Asher Carnahan
Barry Berman
Bethann Matathia
Bob Connor
Brian Bowe
Bruce Mackenzie
Carolyn Whiting
Chirag Sthalekar
Chris Calebrese
Christine Keller
Dave Flynn
David Talbot
Derek Puff
Diane Bonsey
Elizabeth Mackenzie
Emily DiRe
Emily Mackenzie Kulenkamp
Gordon McIntosh
Helena Johnson
Jackie McCarthy
Jaden Wilson
Janee Tichy
Jeff Lamson
Jennifer Hillery
Joe Coughlin
John Cortese
John Lippett
John McKee, Esq
John Sullivan
Jonathan Barnes
Joseph Carnahan
Josh Goldlust
Joy Beaulieu
Judy Coltman
Karen Gately Herrick
Kate Kaminer
Kim Honetschlager
Laura Wilson
Linda King
Linda Snow Dockser
Liz Sullivan
Liz Whitelam
Lorraine Willwerth
Margaret Donnelly Moran
Mark Dockser
Martha Moore
Mary Christine Paxton
Mary Ellen O'Neill
Megan Fidler-Carey
Patricia Takach
Patty O'Leary
Rebecca Bailey
Robert Takach
Salvatore Russo
Sandy Matathia
Sarah H Brukilacchio
Sarah Logsdon
Sharon Fluet
Stephen Herrick
Susan Francis
Takayedza Mashoko
Taylor Gregory
Tom Brukilacchio
Tony D'Arezzo
Travis Estes
Vanessa Alvarado
Virginia Adams
Will Finch
To add your endorsement, email: CPAforReading.com