Got a Preservation Project in Mind? Submit Your Application
The house that stands at 1 Elm Place today was built in 1770 by Colonel James Fletcher. He was a blacksmith, a patriot, and a man who married well. Fletcher was also part of the team that established the first cotton mill here.
It’s time to get your act in gear if you want to get in on preservation grants now available for Fiscal Year 2025.
The Northbridge Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is accepting Project Pre-Applications for its next round of Community Preservation Act initiatives.
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a smart growth tool that helps communities preserve open space and historic sites, create affordable housing, and develop outdoor recreational facilities. The CPA also helps strengthen the state and local economies by expanding housing opportunities and construction jobs for the Commonwealth’s workforce, and by supporting the tourism industry through preservation of the Commonwealth’s historic and natural resources.
It is a dedicated local funding source that may be used for Open Space & Recreation; Community Housing; and Historic Resources. Eligible projects shall be reviewed by the Northbridge Community Preservation Committee for consideration and inclusion at the Spring Annual Town Meeting.
The CPA provides funds through a local surcharge on property tax bills for projects initiated by residents and town organizations that might not otherwise be possible due to budget limitations. The Northbridge Community Preservation Committee is a volunteer-appointed committee charged with overseeing local CPA funds and recommending projects for Town Meeting consideration.
The Committee is currently soliciting projects for consideration at the Annual Town Meeting in May 2025.
Each fiscal year, the Committee calls for Project Pre-Applications during the months of August and September. The applications are due by October 1 of each year. Municipal departments, community organizations and individuals are invited to submit applications for CPA funding on an annual basis.
First time applicants are advised to attend a public informational meeting hosted by the Community Preservation Committee on September 9, 2025 via Zoom.
Because of the unpredictability of CPA projects involving the purchase of land or historic buildings, the Community Preservation Committee may accept applications on an on-going basis. However, the Committee’s recommendation and Town Meeting vote are still required to allocate Community Preservation Act funds.
Those interested in submitting application or learning more about Northbridge’s Community Preservation Act are encouraged to contact the Community Planning and Development Office, R. Gary Bechtholdt II, Planning Director/CPA Administrator at (508) 234-2447 or contact the Community Preservation Committee at cpc@northbridgemass.org.
Since the Community Preservation Act was adopted in November 2017, the town has helped fund the following projects: Linwood Basketball Court Improvements, acquisition of the historic Castle Hill Farm property, Architectural & Structural Assessment of the Col. James Fletcher House (circa 1770) and replacement of boiler at this historic property located at 1 Elm Place.
For information about Community Preservation goals and initiatives, eligible projects, and the application process please visit Northbridge’s Community Preservation Committee web page at www.northbridgemass.org/community-preservation-committee.