Question 5, the 1 Percent CPA Tax Surcharge, Passes in Boston
Boston skyline photo by Trenten Kelley on Flickr/Creative Commons
Boston will join the growing number of communities in Massachusetts to adopt a tax surcharge under the Community Preservation Act, as the group supporting the measure is claiming victory Tuesday night.
The CPA will tack on an additional 1 percent in commercial and residential real estate taxes. That extra money will fund projects related to affordable housing, open spaces, and historic preservation.
The average homeowner will pay an estimated additional $24 in taxes each year.
Adopting the CPA will also mean the city will have access to state matching funds—a diminishing pile of money distributed to all the municipalities that participate.
The move comes after voters rejected a similar referendum in 2001 by a margin of 57-43. At that time, the surcharge being proposed was 2 percent.
Yes for a Better Boston, the group that championed the surcharge, was celebrating Tuesday night, saying they are “thrilled” with the result.
The people have spoken … and they said YES for a Better Boston!
We are thrilled that Boston voters have voted yes for this opportunity to fund affordable housing, parks and open space, and historic preservation for our City. We’re grateful for the leadership of Mayor Walsh, Councilors Flaherty and Campbell, and elected officials across Boston who endorsed this mission.
This Coalition has grown to an impressive and committed group of organizations and individuals, to faith leaders and religious organizations, to labor unions, to community activists and civic organizations, to small businesses, to Ward Committees and elected officials. This broad-based support was reflective of Boston’s make-up and geography, and it is our intent to stay together following this election to advocate for equitable distribution of these vital funds.
We look forward to the next steps in this process and making a renewed investment in our neighborhoods through the Community Preservation Act.
