SOUTHWICK – The CPC (Community Preservation Committee) had their Annual Informational Meeting on Wednesday night in the auditorium of the Southwick Town Hall.
The purpose of the event was for the committee to go over all of the projects that they are currently involved with as well as the process and procedure that the committee uses and to have make the community more aware of what the CPC is doing.
“I thought it was very beneficial,” said CPC Chairperson John Whalley.
With the annual town meeting coming up on May 16, the CPC discussed one of the town warrant articles that they will have present at the meeting.
As the CPC voted in favor of a $1 million land grant in March to go towards saving North Pond, the $1 million will go to a vote at the annual town meeting.
Alain Peteroy of the Franklin Land Trust was present at the meeting on Wednesday night to give those in attendance more information on the North Pond project.
The CPC held their annual informational meeting open to the public on Wednesday night. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
The other town warrant article that the CPC will bring forth to voters is the request of $73,000 for an Agricultural Preservation Restriction on the corner of North Longyard Road and Laro Road.
Aside from the warrant articles, potential projects were brought up that were not scheduled on the agenda. Resident and Select Board Chairman Russ Fox noted two issues in town that he feels could be projects for the CPC to take on.
There have been preliminary talks between the school district and the town for replacing or repairing the playground at Powder Mill School. Nevertheless, Fox felt that the CPC should keep an open mind with this project.
“I think it’s an issue that needs to be addressed soon,” said Fox. “I would ask the committee to strongly consider that.”
The second proposal that Fox mentioned was for the CPC to fund dredging the canal on South Pond. Fox felt that dredging the canal would be necessary in order to keep Congamond Lake at its best.
Just last month, the CPC voted 7-1 in favor of rejecting the proposal to take $150,000 out of their fund to pay for the engineering and design permitting for the dredging.
