How does the CPA work in Brewster?

The CPA was adopted by Town Meeting, November of 2004 and received ballot approval in May of 2005. This approval results in a 3% surcharge on real estate tax, thereby replacing the Land Bank surcharge.

The Brewster By-law requires that 50% must be spent or reserved for Open Space, 10% must be spent or reserved for Community Housing and 10% must be spent or reserved for Historic Preservation. The balance, 30%, may be spent for Community Housing or Historic Preservation areas plus Recreation purposes. This money is cumulative and can be spent in subsequent years.

This gives Brewster the opportunity to determine its priorities, plan for its future, and generate funds to implement those plans.