On March 6, after a five-month review process, Boston City Council authorized $34 million in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for dozens of projects across the city, including the Speedway Headquarters. The vote aids 56 historic preservation, open space, and affordable housing projects that the Community Preservation Committee recommended for funding approval. The Architectural Heritage Foundation was awarded $200,000 to install ramps and decks throughout the Speedway complex to bring the site up to code and ensure that it is accessible and welcoming to all.
In November 2016, Boston voters passed the Community Preservation Act to finance initiatives that preserve historic structures, create open space, increase affordable housing stock, and promote recreation throughout the city’s neighborhoods. The law adds a surcharge to residential and commercial property tax bills to finance a city Community Preservation Fund, which is then matched by the state’s Community Preservation Trust Fund. Since a Spring 2018 pilot program, CPA has provided more than $42 million to projects in Boston. Among this year’s historic preservation awardees, in addition to the Speedway, are the St. James African Orthodox Church in Roxbury, Memorial Hall in Charlestown, and the Old State House.
AHF is grateful to Boston City Council, the Community Preservation Committee, our City and State partners, and the Allston-Brighton community for their support. We look forward to beginning restoration work on the Speedway in a few months.