Pepperell CPC pulls community garden bid, doubles housing request

Community Preservation Committee · Meeting of January 8, 2026

Pepperell Community Preservation Committee doubles an affordable housing funding request to $120,000 and drops a community garden bid. Meeting with four members present, the committee's chair confirmed the housing request grew from an initial $60,000 ask after the applicant returned with a revised figure. A proposed community garden was withdrawn after the town determined the parcel lacks permanent protection under Article 97 and cannot receive Community Preservation Act funds; organizers will instead pursue private donations and other grants.

An Eagle Scout sand volleyball court application advanced with its site confirmed at Town Field, needing only scouting-organization approval. During public comment, Paula Tarassi of the Conservation Commission asked, "Do you get up at town meeting and say, this one had this many letters of support?" The committee set formal funding votes for February 5, with February 12 in reserve, and said support letters will be accepted up to the Friday before that vote.

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Source: the Community Preservation Committee meeting of January 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.