07/02/2025
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June 27, 2025 β After 11 years of dedicated service, Kimberly French, Chair of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), has announced she will not seek reappointment for her term, which concludes on June 30, 2025. French's departure marks the end of an era for the committee, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the town's preservation and community development efforts.
"Middleborough is truly grateful for Kimberly French's decade-plus of exceptional service on the Community Preservation Committee. Her vision and hard work have enriched our town immeasurably,β said Town Manager James McGrail.
French's tenure on the CPC was extensive, serving as a member for 11 years, as treasurer from 2014-2017, and as chair since 2017. Under her leadership, the committee vetted and funded dozens of projects that have significantly benefited the Middleborough community.
In her announcement, French highlighted some of her proudest accomplishments, including her contributions to the acquisition and conservation of Picone Farm and the Oliver Estate. She also emphasized the committee's success in ensuring permanent preservation restrictions on 250 riverfront acres, a requirement of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) statute. She credited town employees for their hard work in securing funding and managing these complex real estate transactions.
French leaves the CPC in a strong position, noting that the committee is composed of members who trust one another, collaborate effectively, ask insightful questions, and are not afraid to respectfully disagree. She also pointed to improvements in the application and grant cycle process, including the delegation of liaisons for each project. In 2019-2020, French worked with a consultant to produce a 50-page document intended to serve as a lasting resource for learning about the town's open space, recreation, historic, and housing assets.
While stepping away from the CPC, French will continue her commitment to the community. She plans to focus her time and attention on her role as board president of the nonprofit Sustainable Middleborough. In this capacity, she will manage employees and grants, and lead a campaign to weatherize older housing stock in town, aiming to save residents energy and money.
French has offered to work with the CPC to ensure a smooth transition to its next leadership.
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