Community Preservation Committee — October 28, 2026

The Fairhaven Community Preservation Committee met on October 28 to conduct an initial review of 17 applications received for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding across the categories of historic preservation, open space and recreation, and community housing. The committee reviewed the applications to formulate clarifying questions regarding project scopes, contractor bids, prioritization, and CPA funding eligibility before applicants appear for formal presentations in upcoming meetings. Earlier in the meeting, the committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the August 19 meeting as corrected.

Under historic preservation, the committee reviewed a range of public and private property proposals. Inquiries were raised concerning masonry and drainage at the Academy Building and Washington Street Firehouse, Phase 2 of the town-wide historic survey ($30,000 request), Phase 2 headstone restoration at Riverside Cemetery ($8,000 request), exterior repairs at the George H. Tabor Masonic Building ($37,875 request), masonry and roofing at Fairhaven High School ($140,000 request matching $140,000 from the school), door repairs ($38,000) and handicap ramp restoration ($15,000) at Town Hall, parish house masonry at the Unitarian Memorial Church ($255,000 request), and window restoration at the Bristol County Superior Courthouse in New Bedford ($85,000 request). For the Millicent Library project, members discussed the potential bonding mechanism and estimated annual debt service of approximately $180,000. Members also raised eligibility concerns regarding landscaping and step repairs requested for the Whitfield-Manjiro Carriage House ($25,000 request).

Discussions in open space, recreation, and housing encompassed four additional proposals. For Macomber Pimentel Park, members examined a $40,000 Board of Public Works parking lot proposal and a $23,816 Phase 2 request for the Schoniganack Native Plant Garden to add accessible pathways and benches. A proposal from the Livable Streets committee requesting $180,000 for 10 emergency blue-light call boxes drew skepticism regarding maintenance, necessity given widespread cell phone usage, and lack of consultation with police, fire, or public works. Lastly, after reviewing Dana Farms window replacements for the Housing Authority, committee member Beth Lewis recused herself prior to discussion on the American Legion building application, which requests $150,000 toward a $4 million conversion into 12 residential units (four designated affordable) and commercial space.

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