Community Preservation Act Information Session For District 2 Only

Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn will be hosting a virtual Community Preservation Act (CPA) Information Session for District 2 on:

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

6:00-7:30 PM 

via Zoom

Register

 

The CPA grant fund goes towards supporting affordable housing, open space, recreation, and historic preservation projects. This session is an opportunity to explore how residents can use CPA funds and learn how to preserve or create impactful projects in their communities. Since enacted as Massachusetts state law, the grant fund has raised over $2.5 billion dollars and has supported many important projects across the city.

Please note the deadline to submit an eligibility determination form is Friday, August 29, 2025 at 5pm to be considered for the 2026 funding round. The Eligibility Determination Form is not a final application. Candidates deemed eligible will be invited to submit an application for their proposed projects. With project ideas, please contact CPA Director Thadine Brown and copy Councilor Flynn's office.

This Week About The Neighborhood

updated 9/4/24 with Rodent Control meeting recording.

August 26: PAW Patrol: The Movie (Rain Date: August 27), G. Free. 88 Seaport Blvd. 

August 26: State Primary Vote by Mail Application Deadline

August 29: Inspectional Services Department (ISD)s Rodent Control Information Session from 6pm to 7:30pm.  View meeting recording and enter password 0&YFn?KQ. Questions or concerns contact ISD Environmental Division by email or at phone at 617-635-5300. 

August 29: 10th Annual Illuminate the Harbor Fireworks Celebration starts at 8:30pm and lights up for thirty minutes. The fireworks are made possible by support from Meet Boston and presented by Boston Harbor Now, Atlas PyroVision, and the City of Boston. Fireworks can be viewed from anywhere on the waterfront. Here are suggested public viewing locations along the Boston Harborwalk:

Christopher Columbus Park, North End

Piers Park, East Boston

Fan Pier, Seaport District

The fireworks are free to view . Register to stay informed of any updates. 

August 30: FY25 Community Preservation Act Funding Eligibility Determination Deadline. Don't miss out. In the FY 24, District 2 received $3.2 million in CPA funds that improve our neighborhoods and better the quality of life of all residents. The distribution includes the Christopher Lee/N Street Field in South Boston, Phillips Square Plaza in Chinatown, and League of Women in the South End, among others.   

August 30: Free FPAC Harbor Harmonies Concert from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at Midway Artist Studios, Fort Point Lyric Community Studio,15 Channel Center St. Room 102.

August 30: 14th Boston Jazz Festival by Boss-Ten Productions & Larry J's BBQ from 5pm to 10pm at Maritime Park, 600 D St. Free. 

August 31:14th Boston Jazz Festival by Boss-Ten Productions & Larry J's BBQ from 12pm to 10pm at Maritime Park, 600 D St. Free. 

September 3: State Primary Election Day. Polls are open from 7am to 8pm at One Boston Wharf Road *location change

originally published 8.26.24

Councilors Flynn & Flaherty Urge Southie to Apply for CPA Funds by September 3rd

As the deadline for the 2022 funding round for the Community Preservation Act grants approaches, Councilors Ed Flynn and Michael Flaherty are urging South Boston residents again to consider applying for CPA funding for relevant projects. Interested applicants would need to contact the Community Preservation team regarding their eligibility, then submit the CPA’s rolling eligibility form by Friday, September 3, 2021 at 5pm.

In July, City Councilor Ed Flynn and City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty partnered with the Office of Community Preservation to host an information session for District 2 residents on the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The meeting provided information and resources for South Boston residents, nonprofits, community and youth sports organizations to apply for CPA funding. The Councilors also emphasized that with 16 applications submitted over 4 rounds, and 7 projects subsequently approved, it’s critical for community organizations and neighbors to apply so that we do not lose out on available funding to help improve and preserve our neighborhood. With nearly half of South Boston applications awarded funding, it’s also crucial for those who may have been denied in the past to re-apply and continue to stay engaged with the CPA team.

The CPA provides funding for initiatives related to affordable housing, historic preservation, open space, and outdoor recreation facilities. From 2018 to 2021, there were 16 applications from South Boston, and the following seven approved for CPA funding:

 

• Martin's Park - $500,000

• St. Augustine Historic Chapel - $499,075

• Barnard Place Park - $150,000 

• Congress St Fire Museum - $150,000

• Harry McDonough Sailing Center - $78,783

• Castle Island Interpretive Signs - $75,000

• Kearsarge Anchor - $75,000 

 

To be considered for CPA’s 2022 funding round, interested applicants need to please contact the Community Preservation team regarding eligibility at 617-635-0545 and thadine.brown@boston.gov before filling out the CPA’s rolling eligibility form by Friday, September 3, 2021 at 5pm. The form can be accessed through the Office of Community Preservation’s website at www.boston.gov/cpa. If CPA staff reviews the project and determines that it can be funded under CPA requirements, the applicant will be invited to complete an application for CPA grants. An outline of the application steps can be found here: https://www.boston.gov/community-preservation/how-apply-community-preservation-funds. For more information, including to request translation or interpretation services, please contact thadine.brown@boston.gov. 

 

“I’m calling on my neighbors to contact CPA and apply for funding by September 3rd so that our community has the chance to receive funding for initiatives on affordable housing, historic preservation, open space, and outdoor recreation,” said Councilor Flynn. “CPA funding is an important resource for our community, and neighbors should take full advantage of this funding opportunity so that we can further strengthen and improve our neighborhoods. “ 

 

"When I worked to get the CPA adopted in Boston, it was because I knew the transformative effects the funds from the program would have across the city," said Councilor Flaherty. "With over $92M authorized for projects across the city already, we are seeing those changes. I want to make sure residents in South Boston have every opportunity to harness the impact of these funds, and I encourage folks to get their applications in."

 

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and ed.flynn@boston.gov.

Community Preservation Act Fall Funding Opportunity

The City of Boston's Community Preservation Committee Fall funding round to support historic preservation, affordable housing, and parks and open space is now open.

The first step is to complete the required Eligibility & Information Form due on September 7, 2018 and may be submitted now. CPA staff will respond within a few weeks to let you know if you will be eligible to complete the full application. It will be similar to the spring pilot application with a bit more specific information. Call or email with questions or to discuss your project. Check below for "Office Hours" where staff will be available to meet and offer assistance. The application will be released Wednesday, August 15 with a hard deadline of Friday, September 28. Application information sessions and deadlines are  listed below:

Wednesday, August 15 Fall CPA application posted on www.boston.gov/cpa Friday, September 7 Required Fall Eligibility & Info Form due Tuesday, September 28 | 12-2pm | 26 Court St, Boston 02108 Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Training How to use CPA funds to bond for greater impact. Friday, September 28 | 5pm Fall CPA applications due - no exceptions * If you are a potential CPA applicant, keep reading below for office hour and application info session dates. Fall Funding Round Priorities The Community Preservation Committee expects to focus on affordable housing projects this fall, but all categories are welcome to apply. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Helpful guidelines: Affordable Housing - all applicants will be expected to complete Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) housing proposal materials. You can find them posted on the DND webpages by August 15. Historic Preservation - the Community Preservation Committee hopes to see a commitment to ongoing stewardship of a historic resource. This includes a "Conditions Needs Assessment" or capital master plan, as well as a history of fundraising and upkeep. Historic houses of worship may apply for funds to do capital work on the exterior of the building that does not include religious imagery. Parks & Open Space - if your project is on public land, make sure you have been in contact with the agency responsible for care and maintenance to discuss project implementation and oversight. No request is too small and applications of up to $1 million will be accepted. Need Help? CPA Office Hours: Staff will be available to answer questions, talk about projects, and offer assistance. Please RSVP so we know when you're coming | 26 Court St, 9th floor, Boston 02108 Monday evening, August 6 from 6-8pm Thursday morning, August 9 from 9-11am Wednesday lunchtime, August 15 from 12-2pm Friday lunchtime, August 17, from 12 - 2 p.m. Application Info Sessions (Bidders' Conference) If you are applying for funds this fall, you are expected to attend an Info Session. The session will go through the application questions so you can learn what we're looking for and how to best describe your project. Please RSVP so we know when you're coming | 26 Court St, 9th floor, Boston 02108 Tuesday morning, August 21 from 9-11am Thursday evening, August 30 from 6-8pm Wednesday afternoon, September 5 from 4-6pm

Community Preservation: Using Funds to Support Historic Preservation, Affordable Housing & Open Space

What does the neighborhood need in terms of historic preservation, affordable housing and open space?

Bring your ideas and needs to the Fort Point Neighborhood Association's Tuesday, April 24, 2018 Neighborhood Gathering from 6 pm to 8 pm at Capital One Cafe located at 57 Seaport Blvd.

Our special guest is Christine Poff, Community Preservation Director, who will be speaking about the Community Preservation Fund and leading a discussion on what the Fund can do to support historic preservation, affordable housing and open space. View meeting announcement. 

A Community Preservation spring pilot funding program is active. Organizations with “shovel-ready” affordable housing, historic preservation, and parks and open space proposals may apply for spring funding. To apply, first review the pilot program application guide. Then, complete the online application. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 27, at 5 p.m.

Background:

In November of 2016, Boston residents voted to adapt the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The Conservation Preservation Act places a 1% surcharge on residential and commercial property taxes to fund affordable housing, parks and open space improvements (including outdoor recreation facilities) and historic preservation.

The City projected that CPA would bring in $16 million to $20 million annually to the Community Preservation Fund.

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is responsible for recommending allocations of expenditures from the Community Preservation Fund. 


Related Posts

Renewal, Possibilities & Preservation Headline April Neighborhood Gathering

Join the Fort Point Neighborhood Association

for 

A Neighborhood Gathering

Tuesday, April 24

6 pm - 8 pm

Capital One Café

57 Seaport Blvd

featuring

Christine Poff, Community Preservation Director
Boston's Community Preservation Act Plan for
Open Space _* Historic Preservation _* Affordable Housing
 A Discussion of Neighborhood Needs

and

Nicholas Armata
 Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission
Fort Point's Historic District, The Commission &
The Role of Commissioners

with the latest on

Love Your Block 2018
Sweeping, Planting & Raking Our Way Into Spring

Gardeners, Sweepers & Outdoor Adventurers


*** Special thanks to Capital One Café  for hosting. ***

Community Preservation Forum Comes To South Boston

Community Preservation Forum South Boston

What: Come learn about the fund created by the Community Preservation Act.  Share your neighborhood’s funding needs and your ideas.

Where: Tierney Center, 125 Mercer St., South Boston (accessible via bus routes 9 & 11)

When: Thursday, February 22nd, 6-8 PM

Format: Welcome/Introductory participant questions, Presentation with Q&A, Breakout Groups on Historic Preservation, Parks and Affordable Housing and Next Steps.
Hosts: City Councilor Ed Flynn & South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation

In November of 2016, Boston residents went to the polls and voted to adapt the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The Conservation Preservation Act places a 1% surcharge on residential and commercial property taxes to fund affordable housing, parks and open space improvements (including outdoor recreation facilities) and historic preservation. CPA exempts the first $100,000 in assessed residential value, and low-income home owners and low- and moderate-income seniors. The City projected that CPA would bring in $16 million to $20 million annually to the Community Preservation Fund.

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is responsible for recommending allocations of expenditures from the Community Preservation Fund. The Committee is composed of Mayor Walsh’s appointees: Chris Cook (Boston Conservation Commission), William Epperson (Parks and Recreation Commission), Felicia Jacques (Boston Landmarks Commission), Carol Downs (Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) Board), and Kate Bennett (Boston Housing Authority), and four individual City Council appointees : Matthew Kiefer for a term of 1 year, Kannan Thiruvengadam for a term of 2 years, Madeligne Tena for a term of 3 years, and Ying Wang for a term of 3 years. Christine Poff serves as the Community Preservation Director. 

In December 2017, Boston City Council voted to approve Mayor Walsh's appropriations order for just over $285,000 for the administrative and operating expenses of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for FY 2018 (July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018). The Council also voted to appropriate $17.9 million from the Community Preservation Fund annual revenues for further appropriation upon the recommendations of the Committee. 

Bring your ideas and neighborhood needs for affordable housing, parks and open space improvements and historic preservation to the Community Preservation Forum on February 22nd.

Related Posts

originally published 2.12.18

Boston City Council Ends Year With Preservation, Acoustic Music, Marijuana Tax, Schools & More

City Council President Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. The Boston City Council considered the following items and more at their December 6, 2017 meeting and at the final meeting of the year on December 13, 2017:

Community Preservation Committee: The Council voted to confirm the Council’s four nominees to the Community Preservation Committee. As previously reported the four individuals are Matthew Kiefer for a term of 1 year, Kannan Thiruvengadam for a term of 2 years, Madeligne Tena for a term of 3 years, and Ying Wang for a term of 3 years. They will join Mayor Walsh’s appointees: Chris Cook (Boston Conservation Commission), William Epperson (Parks and Recreation Commission), Felicia Jacques (Boston Landmarks Commission), Carol Downs (Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) Board), and Kate Bennett (Boston Housing Authority).

Acoustic Live Entertainment:  The Council voted to remove the sunset clause from the ordinance passed last year that eliminated the permit requirement, hearing, and fees for small businesses in business districts to host acoustic live entertainment acts with up to five performers between the hours of 10AM-10PM. The goal was to formally extend a tool to small business owners throughout the city to increase foot traffic and create more opportunities for artists in Boston, and the ordinance included a provision that it would expire at the end of 2017, in order to require review and discussion. At our hearing last week, small businesses and residents reported overwhelming support for the program, citing that it has helped bring in more customers and community members to their businesses.

Recreational Marijuana Tax: The Council voted to approve an order submitted by the Mayor to opt into a local recreational marijuana sales tax at the maximum 3%. At the hearing the Committee discussed ways to allocate the funds collected under this ordinance to a specific purpose at a future time, but which at this time will be allocated to general funds. Councilors Pressley and Jackson urged that the funds should be directed to restorative justice, workforce development, and other areas to help those that have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.

Community Preservation Committee Funding: The Council voted to approve an appropriations order for just over $285,000 for the administrative and operating expenses of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for FY 2018 (July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018). The Council also voted to appropriate $17.9M from the Community Preservation Fund annual revenues for further appropriation upon the recommendations of the Committee. By statute, the administrative and operating expenses cannot exceed 5% of the CPA funds. This appropriation makes up approximately 1.6% of the current fiscal year funds.

BPS Start Times: Councilors McCarthy, Flaherty, Campbell, and Ciommo introduced a hearing order to discuss the proposed start time changes for the 2018-2019 schoolyear. Several Councilors noted that the lottery begins in January and at the very least, the plan should be pushed back. Councilors noted that the goal of later start times for high schoolers is laudable, and we understand the complexity of the BPS system as a whole, but 7:15am-1:15pm schedules do not work for working families. Many Councilors also emphasized the need for communication with much to be improved. Councilors O’Malley and Essaibi-George noted that they will present a letter to the School Committee at their meeting tonight. Councilor Jackson also introduced a resolution expressing disapproval of the new start times and calling for a special meeting of the School Committee to reconsider. Because there was not unanimous consent to act on this matter (Council rules require unanimous consent to act on a matter on the same day on which it was introduced),the Council did not take a vote.

Funding Orders from the Mayor: The Council voted to approve the Mayor’s orders authorizing the City to accept and expend the following grants:

• $17,000 grant from various donors for the Climate Ready Boston Leaders Program. This grant, to be administered by the Environment Department, will fund increased community education, translation of educational materials, and awareness of climate impacts and possible solutions.
• Nearly $4,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to reimburse four police officers on the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force who are traveling to the 2017 ICAC Conference in December.
• $2,000 grant from the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program. This grant, to be administered by the Environment Department, will fund existing waste reduction program or facilitate new low cost initiatives including purchasing items such as backyard composting bins which are sold to Boston residents at a discounted price.
• $45,000 grant from Harvard Business School for the Office of Neighborhood Development to shape housing policies and real estate projects that will improve the lives of Bostonians.
• A $151,100 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to be administered by the Fair Housing and Equity Commission in order to fund the processing of housing discrimination complaints.
• $170,000 grant from MassDOT, to be administered by Elderly Commission, to fund mobility management software and hardware to improve efficiency of Boston’s Senior Shuttle operations.
• $440,000 grant from MassDOT, to be administered by the Boston Fire Department, which would reimburse the BFD for maintenance and upkeep of foam capability for firefighting equipment in the highway tunnels throughout the City.
• $50,193 grant from the Friends of Puddingstone Park, Inc. (Kevin W. Fitzgerald Park) to be administered by the Boston Police Department to fund an electronic security project to enhance public safety in Mission Hill.

Next meeting: The next scheduled Council meeting will be January 1, 2018, right after the inauguration!

For complete notes on Boston City Council meetings, visit MichelleForBoston.com or sign up to receive these notes automatically each week by email. 

Boston City Council Looks At CPA, Marine Park, Plastic Bag Ban, Marijuana Tax & More

City Council President Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. The Boston City Council considered the following items and more at their November meetings:

Appointments: Mayor Walsh made the following appointments, subject to Council confirmation:

• Lynn Smiledge and David Berarducci, reappointed as members of the Boston Landmarks Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2020*.
• Kirsten Hoffman and Felicia Jacques, reappointed as members of the Bosotn Landmarks Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2019.
• Diana Parcon, reappointed as an alternate member of the Boston Landmarks Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2019.
• John Karoff, reappointed as member of the Fort Point Channel Landmark District Commission for a term expiring May 1, 2020.

 * Also serve on the Fort Point Channl Landmark District Commission. 

Community Preservation Committee: The Mayor submitted an order to appropriate just over $285,000 for the administrative and operating expenses of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for FY 2018 (July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018). The order also included appropriations of $17.9M from the Community Preservation Fund annual revenues for appropriation upon the recommendations of the CPC. The order was assigned to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Boston Arts Academy:  The Council voted unanimously to support a $123M appropriation for the construction of a new facility for the Boston Arts Academy, located on the existing site at 174 Ipswich. Because this is a capital appropriation, there are two votes required at least two weeks apart with a 2/3 majority. The matter is now assigned for further action.

Raymond Flynn Marine Park PILOT Agreement: The Mayor gave notice to the Council of a PILOT agreement that the City reached with the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation of Boston (EDIC), the owners of Parcel R in the Raymond Flynn Industrial Park. Instead of being subject to taxes between now and Fiscal Year 2025, the developers will pay $100,000 for FY 2018, $400,000 for FY 2019, and thereafter a rate per square foot on the construction that has been completed, starting with $6 in 2020 and increasing to $10 in 2024. If construction has not begun by FY 2020, the site will be subject to taxes.

Funding Orders: The Council voted to approve the Mayor’s orders to authorize accepting and expending the following grants:

• A $13.8M grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, passed through the MA Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, to be administered by the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management. The grant will fund the continued support of planning, exercises, trainings, and operational needs, that will assist in building enhanced and sustainable security capacities to help prevent, respond to and recover from threats or acts of terrorism, including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive incidents.
• A $628,365 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Boston Fire Department to fund pre-fabricated fire props to train firefights on wind-driven fires; mid and hi-rise operations; plus expenses for a 4 day driver training program that will bring the BFD into compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards.
• A $200,000 grant for the Beta Blocks grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to be administered by the Mayor’s office for experiments that support Boston’s efforts to create a process for deploying sensors in urban environments.
• A $179,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for the FY18 Local Culture Council program, administered by the Office of Arts and Culture. The grants fund sub-awards for arts, humanities and science related programming.
• A $100,000 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation to be administered by the Mayor’s Office to fund the cost of researching and planning an Economic Mobility Lab to advance economic mobility and security for lower and lower-middle class Bostonians.
• A $69,975 grant from FEMA to fund a consultant to update the functional needs of specific populations and neighborhoods into all aspects of the City of Boston Emergency Management Program.
• A donation of 3 bicycles for use by the District C-6 of the Boston Police Department.

Plastic Bag Ban: The Council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance sponsored by Councilor O’Malley and me to reduce plastic bag waste in Boston (Councilor Jackson was not at the meeting and therefore couldn’t vote, but he did send in a letter of support that was read into the record). This legislation would ban single-use plastic checkout bags; retail establishments in the City would be required to offer only recyclable, reusable, or compostable bags at checkout with a minimum 5-cent fee that would incentivize customers to bring their own reusable bags. Plastic bags are created using petroleum, increasing our dependence on fossil fuels. As Councilor O’Malley noted in his remarks, approximately 370 million single-use plastic bags will be used in Boston this year alone, most for a matter of seconds before ending up as litter in countless parks, streets, and neighborhoods. Taxpayers are already paying for these bags, from cleanup costs and the price of our recycling contractor removing 20 tons of plastic bags each month from their equipment all of which are paid for with taxpayer dollars, to the long-term costs of climate change and degradation that we are paying and our children will pay for years to come. The measure now goes to Mayor Walsh for his signature or veto.

Recreational Marijuana Tax: The Mayor submitted an order for Boston to opt into the municipal sales tax on recreational marijuana at the maximum amount allowed by state law. The order would have the City of Boston accept the provision of Section 3 of Chapter 64N of the General Laws – allowing us to impose the sales tax – and it would set that sales tax at the maximum of 3 percent. The matter was assigned to the Government Operations Committee for a hearing.

Upcoming Hearings/Working Sessions (Watch at www.cityofboston.gov/citycouncil/live.asp)

• Tuesday 12/5 at 6:00PM: Hearing on Docket #0293 - re: BPS Student Assignment Process (Education) [Ianella Chamber, 5^th Floor City Hall]
• Thursday 12/7 at 10:00AM: Hearing on Docket #0196 - re: the Regulations & Enforcement of the Residency Policy for BPS Students (Education) [Ianella Chamber, 5^th Floor City Hall]
• Thursday 12/7 at 4:00PM: Hearing on Docket #1099, Early Education and Childcare Briefing Series on the topic of expanding childcare access (Healthy Women, Families, and Communities) [Codman Square Library, 690 Washington St, Boston, MA 02124]
• Monday 12/11 at 10:00AM: Hearing on Docket #1399 – re: the FY18 Boston Public Schools Transportation Budget (Joint Committee on Ways and Means & Committee on Education) [Ianella Chamber, 5^th Floor City Hall]
• Monday 12/11 at 2:00PM: Hearing on Docket #1062 - re: the benefits of net-zero carbon requirements & incentives for future construction in the City of Boston (Environment & Sustainability) [Ianella Chamber, 5^th Floor City Hall]
• Tuesday 12/12 at 1:00PM: Hearing on Docket #1427 - re: Jitney/Star Shuttle, Inc. (Parks, Recreation & Transportation) [Ianella Chamber, 5^th Floor City Hall]

For complete notes on Boston City Council meetings, visit MichelleForBoston.com or sign up to receive these notes automatically each week by email. 

Boston City Council Looks At South Boston Funding, Right To Charge & To Purchase, CPA & More

City Council President Michelle Wu publishes notes from Boston City Council meetings. The Boston City Council considered the following items and more at their October 18, 2017 meeting:

Yesterday (October 18, 2017) was Councilor Bill Linehan’s final Council meeting, as he submitted a letter of resignation and we thanked him for his combined 43 years of service to the city. Mayor Walsh joined us to present Councilor Linehan with a silver Revere Bowl, and in line with Council tradition I presented him with a crystal gavel given to outgoing Councilors who have served as Council President.

South Boston Community Funding: The Council voted to pass Mayor Walsh’s order to accept additional funding from Massport for the South Boston Foundation. This $1.5 million is pursuant to the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) agreement, and will be paid in ten annual payments of up to $150,000. Councilor Linehan urged support of this as his final item he wanted to accomplish for his district.

Right to Charge: The Council voted unanimously to advance the right-to-charge legislation that I introduced which would codify the right of condominium and homeowners to install personal electric vehicle charging stations in or near their dedicated parking spots. In Boston, we have many multi-family homes that have been converted to condos, sometimes with just 2 or 3 condos in the association, and the governing documents require unanimous consent for any changes to the property. That means one owner could prevent another from switching to an electric vehicle by blocking installation of charging infrastructure for any reason. Given that 30% of greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation, we want residents in any living situation to be able to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles, and we want to set the stage for charging infrastructure now since the costs of electric vehicles are quickly becoming more affordable. Other states and jurisdictions have passed similar right-to-charge laws that prevent condo associations from being able to block homeowners from installing charging infrastructure at the owner’s expense; associations may still add reasonable conditions or restrictions on the location and other features. At last week’s hearing, representatives from the Environment department and Transportation department expressed support for the content but passed along concerns from the law department that the City would be more vulnerable to litigation by passing this in the form of an ordinance rather than a home-rule petition. Although I am generally skeptical of filing home-rule petitions since we have no control over the pace and likelihood of state approvals, I have already spoken with state colleagues who are optimistic about passage on a reasonable timeline. With passage of the home-rule petition at the Council, we begin the process of advocating on Beacon Hill. More to come!

Tenant's Right to Purchase: The Council voted to adopt Councilor Pressley’s resolution urging the State Legislature to pass H.3017, An Act to Preserve Affordable Housing Through A Local Option Tenant’s Right to Purchase. This bill would allow tenants, or a non-profit on their behalf, the opportunity to match the fair market value offered by a prospective buyer for a building with three or more units. This would provide an important tool for Boston to fight the displacement and affordable housing crises.

NOTE on Community Preservation Act: The CPA committee and working group met last week to develop the application for the CPC and the guidelines for evaluation. The approved application should be up on the City website soon. We also discussed the fact that since passing the relevant orders and ordinances, we discovered a mismatch in timeline. The original order required that nominations be finalized within 90 days of passage, instead of within 90 days of the relevant committee being formed. In order to line up those timelines and give the City Council’s CPA committee 90 days to complete their work, we will be filing an amendment to the law at next week’s meeting.

For complete notes on Boston City Council meetings, visit MichelleForBoston.com or sign up to receive these notes automatically each week by email.