Community Preservation Committee 09-15-2025

An Application has been received from Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) requesting $307,500 in Community Preservation Open Space funds to preserve an ecologically important retired cranberry bog property consisting of 25.74 acres within the Great Marsh and Barnstable Harbor watershed addressed 301 Parker Road, West Barnstable, map 176, parcel 019. The total purchase price is $615,000 and BLT applied for an MA Conservation Partnership Grant in June 2025 to help fund the acquisition. BLT will grant a conservation restriction to the Town of Barnstable to ensure the land is preserved in perpetuity.

An Application has been received from the Department of Public Works (DPW) through the Town Manager’s Office requesting additional funds in the amount of $400,000 to cover the full projected cost of the Osterville Playground Project. Initial funding for the Osterville Playground was approved in 2023 and subsequently was advanced through the design phase with input from the community, facilitated by the steering group overseeing design development. Playground equipment has been selected, and construction documents are currently being prepared for the bidding process. Based on recent cost estimates, the project is projected to exceed the original budget.

The Transfer of $2.5M CPA funds to the Affordable Housing Trust was approved at the September 4, 2025, Town Council Public Hearing. • The Department of Public Works’ request for CPA funds in the amount of $2.9M for rehabilitation of the Armory building was approved at the September 4, 2025, Town Council Public Hearing. • Town Council Public Hearing is scheduled for September 18, 2025 for the Department of Public Works’ request for CPA funds for rehabilitation of Cotuit Memorial Park. • CPC member site visit with DPW to the Osterville and Centerville Recreation sites was held September 3, 2025. • Barnstable Land Trust proposal - A full appraisal of Woodland Bog has been received. An appraisal for the Conservation Restriction for Woodland Bog is anticipated to be received. • Conservation Restrictions for the Harju and Prince Avenue properties are being reviewed and will be placed on an upcoming Town Council agenda for approval. • The draft Conservation Restriction for the Mill Pond project is in progress. The project will be referred for Public Hearing at Town Council once the draft Conservation Restriction is finalized. • The closing for Smith’s Creek Conservation Restriction will be scheduled once the Land Court provides required documents. • The final draft of the Conservation Restriction for the Cotuit Highground project is in progress. • An updated Letter of Intent is anticipated from Oddfellow Lodge based upon the building assessment completed by the consultant. Confirmation of non-profit status is required. • The Preservation Restriction consultant has begun work on the South Congregational Church Burial Ground Preservation Restriction. • Applications for the Centerville Recreation Ballfield and the Osterville Recreation Rest Facility are anticipated to be received for the October 20, 2025, CPC meeting.