More CPA Funds Should Go to Housing
I am writing to address the management, transparency, and statutory compliance regarding Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds in Fairhaven, with the goal of ensuring we optimize taxpayer dollars to fulfill the critical needs of our community.
Because these funds consist entirely of taxpayer contributions, it is vital that the town improves public awareness and conducts the community outreach and resident participation required by law. While past fiscal management has contributed to our current deficit, the recent leadership changes in Town Hall — including Rick Trapelo and key members of our Finance Committee — provide an important opportunity to better leverage our municipal assets and take corrective action.
A primary concern is the Community Preservation Committee’s (CPC) reactive approach to funding, which consistently overlooks Fairhaven’s primary need: Affordable Homeownership. Despite the goals outlined in the 2018 Master Plan, our town faces a critical shortage of affordable family homes. Families and vital service providers earning between $68,000 and $150,000 can no longer afford to live here, denying them the opportunity to build equity. Furthermore, the CPC needs assessment study mandated under Chapter 44B, Section 5(b)(1) does not appear to have followed the required statutory process. Rather than proactively utilizing land to develop housing opportunities, the CPC has allocated funds to non-essential projects, such as historical restorations for funded religious institutions and antique vehicles.
Additionally, during the Select Board meeting on July 13, there was a proposal to use CPA funds over a 12-year period to pay a bond bill with a 4.5% interest rate for work on the Millicent Library. While the Millicent Library is entitled to receive its 10% statutory allocation of CPA funds for historical purposes, committing additional funds beyond that threshold should not be locked into a 12-year commitment. To cover costs exceeding this 10% allocation, the library should utilize annual fundraising efforts rather than relying further on tax dollars.
To ensure and rebuild public trust, the town must provide complete financial transparency. Every dollar spent and received should be clearly visible to the public, including full disclosure regarding the exact allocation and amounts of stipends provided to town officials and volunteers. Fairhaven must optimize its CPA funds to benefit our residents’ primary needs and generate the revenue necessary to help move the town out of its current deficit.
I trust that our newly elected officials have the capability to lead this effort. I look forward to hearing how the town intends to address these statutory requirements and critical affordable homeownership needs moving forward.
Last but not least, I would like to mention here that The 21st Century ROAD to Affordable Homes Act passed on July 11, 2026. It was a bipartisan vote!
Local towns across the Nation truly do have an obligation to work on providing Affordable Home Ownership. And to bring back the American dream for our younger hard working generation. The people who went to school, got an education and did all the right things. They should have the same opportunities many of us had growing up. Right?
Michelle Costen, Fairhaven
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