Committee told portable ADA mats at Clearpond Park are not CPA-eligible

The committee reviewed a Step 1 request to acquire portable ADA mats (commonly called Mobi mats) for Clearpond Park and was advised that the Community Preservation Act does not authorize CPA funds for portable, removable equipment.

A presenter described portable rolled mats designed to provide wheelchair access across sand to the pond and bathhouse. Committee staff explained CPA eligibility requires a capital improvement that materially adds to the value of real property, becomes part of the real property or is permanently affixed, and is intended to remain in place. Because portable mats are removable equipment and not a permanent capital installation, staff told the committee CPA funds could not be used for them.

Committee members expressed sympathy for the accessibility goal and encouraged the applicant to seek other funding, including town capital, grants, donations or fundraising that could fund a permanent, CPA‑eligible capital improvement if that approach is feasible. The committee did not advance the Step 1 application for CPA funding.