Braintree CPC reports $8.24 million year-end balance, approves $3,500 coalition dues

The Town of Braintree Community Preservation Committee opened its annual public hearing Sept. 29 to present fiscal year 2025 financial results, review completed and ongoing projects funded under the Community Preservation Act and take several administrative votes, including approval of a $3,500 annual membership fee to the Community Preservation Coalition.

The committee reported a beginning FY25 fund balance of about $7.9 million (as of July 1, 2024), total FY25 revenue of $1.25 million (local surcharge plus the state match), FY25 expenditures of $904,632.64, administrative expenditures of $35,095.54, and a fund balance on June 30, 2025, of $8,235,101.63. Committee staff said prior appropriations/encumbrances totaled $2,684,109, leaving roughly $5.5 million available for appropriation as of July 1, 2025.

"I thought that [the Armstrong Dam Trail photo] was really fitting," said Liz Manning, Planning and Community Development staff who presented the report. "I saw a family enjoying the new boardwalk — it's incredible how quickly the natural environment just kind of populates and comes back." Manning, who delivered the financial overview and project updates, also noted that the town has now collected just over $20 million in CPA funds since adoption in February 2003.

Projects completed and updates The committee reported two projects that reached completion in FY25: historic newspaper digitization (now searchable on the library website) and replacement of the fire alarm panel at the Sylvanus Thayer Birthplace. Ongoing or in-progress projects the presentation highlighted included: - Armstrong Dam Trail (boardwalk and trail improvements; shown in presentation photos); - Delory Field construction and finishing work: the East Braintree Little League played on the new field in summer 2025 while the contractor is scheduled to rework sod and subsurface material to address drainage concerns; staff said several hundred thousand dollars remain under contract until the work meets specifications; Delory Field construction was listed at $841,700 in FY25 expenditures; - Smelt Brook restoration: the feasibility phase was complete and the Town Council appropriated $175,000 for Braintree's share of final design, bidding and construction; - Historic inventory: consultant deliverables and photos were received and will be distributed to the Historic Society, the Historic Commission and the public library; Elm Street Cemetery repairs included a stone restored at the cemetery entrance; - Independence Manor: staff reported affordability-restriction language under development to confirm CPA eligibility; the presenter said the project is roughly 80% complete and may be nearer to finished.

Manning also said some small remaining items — landscaping, signage and minor finishes tied to the River Herring celebration and related restoration work — are still being resolved and that there remains a small pool of CPC funds that could be used for outstanding items.

Votes at a glance - Open annual public hearing: Motion to open moved by Mark Preziosi, seconded by Ron Frasier; roll-call vote: Chairman Kurzberg, Vice Chair Mark Preziosi, Member Ron Frasier, Member Marta Guggins, Member Makami, Member Bonfigliole — all "yes." Outcome: passed. - Approve minutes, May 19, 2025: Motion moved by Ron Frasier, seconded by Marta Guggins; roll-call vote: unanimous yes. Outcome: passed. - Approve minutes, June 9, 2025: Motion moved by Ron Frasier, seconded by Mark Preziosi; roll-call vote: unanimous yes. Outcome: passed. - Approve payment of $3,500 to the Community Preservation Coalition (annual dues): Motion moved by Mark Preziosi, seconded by Ron Frasier; roll-call vote: unanimous yes. Outcome: passed. - Close annual public hearing: Motion moved by Ron Frasier, seconded by Mark Preziosi; roll-call vote: unanimous yes. Outcome: passed. - Adjourn meeting: Motion moved by Ron Frasier, seconded by Mark Preziosi; roll-call vote: unanimous yes. Outcome: passed.

Process and next steps Committee members asked no substantive policy changes during the hearing; the session functioned primarily as an annual report to the public and to record votes on routine administrative items. Staff indicated available funds and encumbrances; the committee did not approve new project appropriations during the meeting. Manning and staff said they will continue to monitor Delory Field drainage work with Weston & Sampson and the Department of Public Works until contract work is complete.

Personnel note Chairman Kurzberg and committee members publicly thanked Liz Manning; the chair announced that Manning will leave the Town of Braintree to accept the director of planning position with the Town of Milton. "Liz, we wish you the very best in your new position," Chairman Kurzberg said. Manning responded that her nearly four years in the role had been "really, really great" and said she was grateful for the opportunity to work on projects ranging from baseball fields to historic preservation.

For more information or to submit comments, the committee said members of the public should contact the Town of Braintree Office of Planning and Community Development.