Dear Representative:

Massachusetts is at risk of falling victim to its own success. The economic boom of the 1990s, while providing jobs and prosperity to many is producing other effects that threaten our economy and quality of life. On the surface this is a wonderful boon to our economy. If one looks below the surface, this unmanaged planned growth we have experienced is also leading to a variety of negative effects on our community. For example [insert example from your organization’s region].

The Community Preservation Act that will soon come before the House can provide an answer to some of the problems of haphazard growth, but will only do so if communities use it. This is why giving communities a choice of funding mechanism in the Community Preservation Act is of paramount importance to the [insert name of your organization]. Without the real estate transfer fee option, it is unlikely that towns in your area will establish a Community Preservation Fund. Two years ago, the legislature gave Cape Cod voters the right to adopt the real estate transfer fee mechanism: voters around the state deserve the same opportunity.

Without a new funding tool in place, we will lose forever a number of opportunities to preserve our communities’ character. [Give examples of projects that will not likely occur i.e. parcels of land that will not be purchased, historic sites that will not be preserved, affordable housing that will not be provided].

When the Community Preservation Act comes before the House, we urge you to vote favorably on the amendment that will be offered to reinstate the real estate transfer fee option. The vote on this amendment, not the vote on the bill, will be the true test of one’s commitment to effective preservation of our state’s communities. Please do not miss this opportunity to promote, protect, and preserve our quality of life in Massachusetts.

Sincerely,