Reading and the Community Preservation Act: A History
The Community Preservation Act is not a new idea in Reading. In fact, residents came within just 73 votes of adopting it more than two decades ago.
2002: Reading comes within 73 votes
In 2002, the Citizens for the Community Preservation Act was formed to support adoption of the CPA at the April 2 election. Kim Honetschlager served as chairman, with Virginia Adams, Tim Kelley and Jack Downing as officers.
The group studied the newly enacted Community Preservation Act and met with leaders in surrounding communities that were also considering adoption.
The proposal presented to Reading voters called for a 1% surcharge on the local real estate tax. At the time, adopting CPA early would have positioned Reading to receive a relatively strong match from the state Community Preservation Trust Fund. The estimated cost to the average Reading homeowner was approximately $27 per year.
The question was narrowly defeated:
2,930 Yes — 3,003 No
Just 73 votes separated the two sides.
"The CPA is a powerful tool that Reading has yet to take advantage of. Let’s join so many of our neighbors in providing dedicated funding for open space, recreation, historic preservation, and affordable housing. We’re leaving state funding on the table. Think how much we’d have received in state matching funds if the CPA had passed when it was on the ballot in 2002." - Kim Honetschlager, Conservation Commission Member & Ipswich River Watershed Association board member, 10/12/2026
2024–2026: Reading takes another look
More than 20 years later, the Community Preservation Act returned to the conversation.
In April 2024, the Select Board initiated the formation of a Community Preservation Act Study Committee. The committee brought together residents with expertise and experience in Affordable Housing, Historic Preservation, Open Space & Recreation, along with a Select Board representative and an at-large member.
The committee held its first meeting in May 2024 and embarked on an extensive two-year study.
Rather than simply revisit the proposal from 2002, the committee examined how CPA works for communities today. Members met with leaders from other Massachusetts communities that have adopted CPA, consulted with the Community Preservation Coalition, and met with Reading boards and commissions whose work could potentially benefit from CPA funding.
The committee ultimately presented its findings and recommendations to the Select Board and subsequently to Town Meeting. After this extensive review, Town Meeting voted to place adoption of the Community Preservation Act before Reading voters on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
2026: A new opportunity for Reading
Much has changed since 2002.
The needs facing Reading have evolved, the cost of projects has increased, and the potential state matching funds available through CPA provide an opportunity to leverage local dollars with additional funding.
The question before voters on November 3 is therefore not simply whether Reading should revisit a proposal that narrowly failed 24 years ago. It is whether CPA is the right financial tool for Reading today—and for the Reading we want to preserve and build for the future.
After two years of study, consultation and discussion, the Community Preservation Act Study Committee recommended that Reading adopt CPA.
Adoption would establish dedicated funding for Affordable Housing, Open Space & Recreation, and Historic Preservation, while giving Reading the opportunity to leverage its local investment with funds from the statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund.
In 2002, Reading came within 73 votes of adopting CPA.
In 2026, voters will have another opportunity to decide whether the time has come for Reading to make the Community Preservation Act part of its future.
