CPA Projects Database

Purchase of conservation restriction on two parcels of land located off River Road

Purchase of an agricultural preservation restriction and/or conservation restriction on a parcel of land known as "Brown Spring Farm" located at 866 Main Street, West Newbury

The project consists of a historical marker in the same shape and design as others in town to preserve the history of Julian Denegal Steele, the first African-American town moderator in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The marker, located in the garden to the left of the Town Hall’s front door, reads, “At this site in 1952 Julian D. Steele was unanimously elected town moderator, becoming the first African-American in the Commonwealth to hold this position.”

Reconstruction of and accessibility improvements to the Page School playground.

Conduct a historic sites survey

Purchases of a conservation restriction on approximately 30 acres of real estate located to the rear of property located at 28 Coffin Street, and a conservation restriction in conjunction with Essex County Greenbelt Association on two parcels of real estate located to the rear at 28 Coffin Street

Repair, Restoration and Preservation of the West Newbury Town Hall. Work was put out to bid, and a contractor hired. The work was substantially underway by the end of FY23.

The project will be the third Property Survey that will take place in the Town of West Newbury. It would build upon the first two surveys and look to document the remaining properties in West Newbury of 100 years of age or older. The survey would be an intensive survey of the cultural and architectural resources in West Newbury, identify historic resources, complete inventory forms for each property and prepare a final report and map which would include further recommendations for properties for the National Historic Register and areas to be considered as National Historic Districts. The first two surveys produced a robust list of recommendations, as well as captured the history of our Town through the stories of the properties.

The Town’s acquisition of the two parcels of land comprising the Sawmill Brook Conservation Project, with assistance from Essex County Greenbelt Assn., Inc., will permanently preserve 32 acres of important open space and wildlife habitat on the western side of the Town’s Mill Pond / Pipestave Hill Conservation and Recreation Area. CPA funds will be 100% matched by either a state grant and/or fundraising by Greenbelt. Greenbelt will facilitate the real estate portion of the transaction, including holding the Purchase & Sale Agreement, and conducting due diligence (appraisal, title exam, and environmental site assessment). Greenbelt would hold the conservation restriction on the property as is required for municipal lands acquired with CPA funds. The acquisition would be for passive recreational use, expanding the Town’s Pipestave Hill / Mill Pond conservation area, and allowing for trail expansion and the opportunity to enhance public access from Archelaus Place.

Replacement of the old chain link fence on one side of the 300 year old historical Union/Church Street Cemetery. The replacement fence will match the exisiting fencing on Union and Church Streets

Restore and preserve the Civil War Memorial Monument located in the White Church Cemetery on Meeting House Hill in one of the Town's Historic Districts. The damaged surfaces must be reparied and stablized to prevent further deterioration.

Project completed.

Install a new roof on the Town's oldest residential dwelling.

Acquisition of a 43.5 acre parcel of land within Zone II of West Springfield's four drining water wells located in Southwick, MA. Currently a majority of our residents receive their water supply from these well fields. This acreage will insure our continued water supply independance. Seller: Popowich Realty Trust. Map: Map 6R/15, 6R/24 and Map 24/3 Parcels are in Westfield and in Southwick

The historic Carnegie Wing will be renovated as a part of the full renovation and expansion of the Town's Library.

The structural integrity of a Community Housing Development was seriously deteriorated. Approximately 960 +/- feet of brick masonry and one stone sill will be replaced.

This project will construct a 3/4 mile accessible interpretive trail, construct a new entrance, parking, and restore/create wetlands and improved drainage. The parcel is to be dedicated as permanently protected open space and parkland under the care and control of the Park Dept.

CPA funds will be used to create a 36 unit affordable housing project at 2112 Riverdale Street in West Springfield. This will be a development of a comprehensive housing and service campus of elders. The project will be deed-restricted to individuals sixty five years of age or older earning less than 50% of the Area Median Income.

The project will update the last historic property survey list for the Town dated 1987. At that time the list included 300 individual buildings and 14 sites dating from 1700 to 1987. Over 25 years has passed and many noteworthy changes have occured. An additional matching grant National Park Service Grant ($10,000.) was applied for and received to offset the total cost of $20,000..

Acquisition of a Conservation Restriction over Birchwood's 4.5 acre wildlife habitat, located near Squassick Brook. This area is used by wildlife that travel between Bear Hole Watershed and Mittineague Park and the adjacent Westfield River riparian habitat.

Project know as the POHL project is a purchase of about 60 acres of old farm land to be used for open space/ passive recreation. This land will most likely be added to the Bear Hole reserve.

Funds for this project will be used to construct 3/4's of a mile of accessible interpretive trail, construct a new entrance, provide dedicated parking, restore and create wetlands and improved drainage using low impact development techniques. This will take place on the original 20.72 acre former Elks property.

Sign that explains project and states that project was funded with CPA Funds

Historic looking fence was damage by an vehicle accident. A section of fence was replaced.