Preservation advocates urge CPA support for Governor Bellingham Cary House; council refers appropriations to Ways and Means

Matt Frank, president of the Governor Bellingham Cary House and chair of the Chelsea Historical Commission, urged the City Council to approve Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding for repairs to the historic house and to support broader preservation projects across the city.

Frank told the council the house—he said it has been part of the community "for over 350 years"—needs work including repainting, door replacement and repairs to rotting elements so it can be opened more often to residents and school groups. He said the repairs would allow the house to welcome children and families and help the organization include Latino history in exhibits. Frank relayed a child’s reaction after a recent visit, quoting an 11‑year‑old who said, "This is my favorite place in the city." Frank identified himself as the house’s president and as chair of the historical commission.

Separately, the council received a communication from the chairperson of the Community Preservation Committee forwarding eight recommendations for fall 2024 CPA grant funding. Councilor Taylor introduced an order to appropriate CPA funds for FY2025 projects under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 44B, § 5(3)(d) and moved to waive the remainder of the reading and refer the appropriation to the Ways and Means Committee. The motion was adopted under suspension with no recorded objections.

City documents cited in the meeting note that one goal of the proposed grant to the Governor Bellingham Cary House is to improve accessibility and allow more frequent public access; the council did not vote on the specific grant award at the meeting and formal appropriations will be considered by Ways and Means and later by the full council.

The Community Preservation Committee’s recommendations and the council’s referral begin the formal appropriation process for CPA-funded preservation, recreation and affordable‑housing projects in Chelsea.