By Marcia Parnell
Becket’s Community Preservation Committee (CPC) will tee up three CPA proposals for voter approval at the Annual Town Meeting (ATM) on Saturday, May 9th.
Readers may recall that the Beat ran a December 2025 story by CPC Chair Mary Canty seeking proposals from individuals or groups for CPA-eligible projects that would improve town infrastructure and overall quality of life for Becket residents. Three submissions were received, and all were all deemed CPA-eligible.
- Feasibility Study for a Dog Park ($22,000): The study would provide potential locations, requirements, and costs associated for a dog park somewhere in Becket. The group of local residents met with other Berkshire County towns to understand the process they followed for their existing dog parks. The hope is to build an accessible community gathering place for both dogs and their owners.
- Partial funding for a new roof at the Becket Athenaeum ($30,000; portion of total cost): The original slate roof needs replacement. After staff and board research, a lower cost, environmentally friendly roofing material resembling original slate is recommended. The material has been used on other historical buildings in the state. The Athenaeum has some funding from the towns of Becket and Washington as well as self-raised funds. CPA funding would fill the gap needed to complete the project.
- Reallocation of cupola funds ($28,613): Although the funds were approved in the FY 2024 budget for cupola installation at Town Hall, it was learned that additional engineering costs would nearly double the cost of the project. As a result, voters denied the additional funding in the FY 2025 budget. The current proposal is to use the already allocated $28,613 to install the cupola at the North Becket Village Park.
Canty explains that there is considerable funding still available and encourages residents to consider projects for the future. She acknowledges that the proposal process can seem daunting to many, but because it is funded by a 1.5% surcharge on real property tax and distributed by the Massachusetts Community Preservation Trust Fund, it is dictated by state law. The Committee offers guidance and help through the process. Go to townofbecket.org/community-preservation-committee to learn more.
