Raise on City Property Taxes Considered

BOSTON-This November, voters here may be asked whether they are willing to face higher property taxes to fund a number of projects including affordable housing, acquiring additional open space and historic preservation.

A coalition of local activist groups including various housing organizations, the Conservation Law Foundation, the Boston Preservation Alliance and the Trustfor Public Land have reportedly expressed interested in placing the initiative on the ballot, and some polling indicates that the movement has public support. The initiative, which would impose a 3% surcharge on Boston property tax bills, falls under the Community Preservation Act passed by the state legislature last year. Reportedly, $21 million could be raised annually, enabling the city to become eligible for an additional $10 million in state matching funds.

A 30% share of the money raised would be divided equally among affordable housing, acquisition of open space and historic preservation projects. A panel constituted largely of city department heads would recommend how the remaining 70% of the funds should be divvied up within these three categories.