WORCESTER—Nearly two years after voters approved a property tax surcharge to support local preservation efforts, the city awarded $4.4 million in its first round of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding.
The 18 funded projects span historic landmarks, open space, outdoor recreation, and affordable housing—core areas supported under the CPA law. City officials announced the awardees following a pilot application process that drew 28 submissions.
“Each of these projects reflects the CPA’s mission to preserve and enhance Worcester’s historic character, green spaces, and livability,” according to the city’s announcement.
The largest individual awards include $1.25 million to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help create up to 30 new rental and homeownership units, and more than $1.2 million for the first phase of improvements to Great Brook Valley’s Roberto Clemente Park, which includes upgraded lighting, walkways, and security.
Other grant recipients include:
- Worcester Historical Museum, receiving nearly $274,000 to replace a decades-old HVAC system critical for preserving its archives;
- Veterans Inc., awarded $273,025 for masonry restoration at its historic armory facility;
- The Worcester Art Museum, receiving $200,000 to restore large arched windows from its 1898 building;
- Schwartz Baseball, awarded $82,914 for improvements at Kendrick Field;
- Worcester Common Ground, receiving $250,000 to renovate the “Fatty Jenkins Cage” basketball court in Piedmont.
The CPA was adopted by Worcester voters in 2022, creating a dedicated fund for local preservation initiatives. It’s financed by a 1.5 percent surcharge on property tax bills, with additional support from the state. City officials expect to raise more than $4 million annually.
Funds are overseen by the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), which scored this year’s proposals based on alignment with the city’s preservation plan and project feasibility.
