WORCESTER, Mass. - On Election Day, Worcester votes approved Question 5, which means a 1.5% surcharge will soon be applied to property taxes to create revenue for certain city projects.

The first $100,000 of residential and commercial property value will be exempt from the surcharge, which goes into effect July 2023. The money will be used for preserving public open spaces, affordable housing and community preservation projects. 

Nearly 200 Massachusetts towns are already participating in the Community Preservation Act, which also serves to strengthen local economies by expanding housing opportunities, adding construction jobs and boosting tourism. Groups like Preservation Worcester believe it will make a big difference in the community. 

"Most of the communities and most people in the state live in CPA communities, and no community has ever backed out of it once it's been established," executive director Deborah Packard said. "There are so many projects and people that will benefit, and it will just make our city a more liveable, better community for everyone."

Those opposed to the change believed there were other ways to get the same projects done without adding new taxes for residents or businesses. 

Earlier this month, Alex Guardiola, VP for government affairs and public policy for the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, spoke out against the changes. 

“This is not a good time to be giving a tax to anybody, whether you’re a resident or a business,” Guardiola said. “We can always circle back to this. There’s no cap on the number of times this initiative can be put on the ballot.” 

The Worcester City Council voted in early April to put the Community Preservation Act on the general election ballot.