CPA Advocacy - The Status Quo

• Since 1945, 1.3 million acres of farmland have been lost.
• Between 1985 and 1996,13,000 acres were converted from agriculture or open space to residential use.
• Between 1950 and 1990,
  • Massachusetts population grew 28%.
  • the amount of developed land increased by 188% (6 times the population growth) .
  • population in every city in the Commonwealth decreased.
• Since 1950, the Boston metropolitan area has lost almost ½ its open space.
• Most land parcels of over 25 acres belong to people over age 60. This land is frequently broken up to pass on to children and often subsequently sold for development.
• Unplanned development costs more in services than the tax revenue it provides.
• Every day, 44 acres are lost to development, causing:
  • increased water pollution
  • increased air pollution
  • fewer recreational opportunities
  • loss of historic character
  • overburdening of infrastructure and public services
  • loss of personal privacy
  • loss of native wildlife
• Housing prices continue to escalate faster than income. Since 1996, housing costs state-wide have increased by 42% while incomes are up only 21%.
• Nearly 250,000 households in the Commonwealth pay more than 50% of their income for shelter costs.
• The lack of affordable housing is not only a social problem, but also an economic problem that is affecting business expansion and retention.
• Reducing sprawl by protecting open space and public land, protecting historic buildings and sites, and providing affordable housing preserves the fabric of our communities.

(Statistics gathered from sources including The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Law Foundation, Blue Ribbon Panel on Land Protection [EOEA], American Farmland Trust)