| Nonantum Parks Lose Funding |
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The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts has ruled against the City of Newton, agreeing with lower courts that about $800,000 of money provided by The Community Preservation Act cannot be used to improve Stearns Park and Pellegrini Park, as the city had intended to do. This does not mean that our parks shouldn't be or won't be improved, only that this source of funds can't be used. The suit had been brought by a group of Newton residents, alleging misuse of community preservation money. This money had been collected from a local property tax surcharge, matched by state funds. State law says the money can be spent only for historical preservation, creation of affordable housing, or open space and recreational land. At Pellegrini Park, the City planned to add a new basketball half-court, upgrade the water-play area, and install new fencing and a pavillion. At Stearns, the plan included more picnic tables, security lighting, and resurfacing the play area. There are many projects that confirm to the spirit of the Community Preservation Act that may not be getting done because some of the Act's wording is unclear. This is one of those cases. Other communities are also struggling with the language of the Act. The City does not plan to spend the money on anything else just yet. It hopes that state legislators and officials will take action to loosen the CPA rules. |
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