Description The Sheffield Land Trust 26th Winter Lecture, "History, Housing, Open Space & Recreation -- How the Community Preservation Act can benefit Sheffield," a panel discussion, March 10, 2024, at Dewey Hall, Sheffield, Massachusetts. = = = = = = = = = = = = The Sheffield Land Trust 26th Winter Lecture, "A Panel Discussion presented by the Sheffield Land Trust, with Ron Yaple, Chase Mack, Sally Underwood-Miller, Patrick White, Rita Furlong, Rene Wood," March 10, 2024, at Dewey Hall, Sheffield, Massachusetts. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = The Sheffield Land Trust’s 26th Winter Lecture HISTORY, HOUSING, OPEN SPACE & RECREATION How the Community Preservation Act can benefit Sheffield A panel discussion Massachusetts’ Community Preservation Act is a tool for smart growth and economic development that helps communities restore historic sites and buildings (like Sheffield’s Town Hall and police station) and create affordable housing like (by having funds to partner with Construct or Habitat for Humanity) as well as protect open spaces (like parks, wildlife areas or farms) and develop outdoor recreational facilities (like improvements at the Town Park or the Library). The state passed legislation in 2000 that allows communities to adopt this resource. More than half the towns in Massachusetts have done so. The funds come from a small surcharge on property tax bills, with exemptions allowed for seniors and those with low incomes. Every year, additional state funds are also distributed to towns that have adopted the Community Preservation Act. Come hear a panel discussing what adopting this act can do for Sheffield. There will be plenty of time for questions. A representative from the Community Preservation Coalition will explain how the act works and the process for adopting it, then representatives from Becket and Stockbridge will explain how their towns are benefiting from this legislation. Rene Wood from Sheffield’s Select Board will provide an update on what is being proposed for Sheffield. The Sheffield Land Trust’s 26th annual Winter Lecture Join us for panel discussion and questions on Sunday, March 10, 2:30pm in person at Dewey Hall and by Zoom! Everyone is welcome • Admission is free Come early, seating in Dewey Hall is limited. In place of our famous Afternoon Tea and Refreshments, we’ll give out to-go bags of homemade cookies after the panel discussion. For people who want to view the lecture on Zoom, register at www.sheffieldland.org or email us at shefland@bcn.net so we can send you a link or dial-in number. You can sign on 5 or 10 minutes before the presentation if you want to familiarize yourself with the setup. Dewey Hall is at 91 Main St. (Route 7) in the center of Sheffield, next to the Post Office