Last modified: Monday, June 30, 2008 2:38 AM EDT Attleboro tax hike to face scrutiny BY GEORGE W. RHODES SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - Two hot-button topics will soon be facing public scrutiny. The first is a plan to have the city accept the state's Community Preservation Act, which would raise property taxes to allow Attleboro to preserve open space and historical sites and to create affordable housing. The second is a proposal to open Manchester Reservoir to canoes and kayaks. The reservoir has long been free of any kind of boats, and even fishing is restricted there. Both are being pushed by the city's open space and recreation committee. City Councilor Bill Bowles and Robert Mangiaratti, chairman of the open space committee, agree that the proposals should be the subject of multiple public forums before any action is taken. The committee is working on a five-year update of the plan as required by state law and may be including the two proposals. Regular plan updates are required so the city remains eligible to get state grants to help pay for various open space projects. The more controversial of the two proposals is likely to be acceptance of the Community Preservation Act. Acceptance of the law is required by voters. It would qualify the city for matching state money. An attempt to stir up support for the preservation act in 2003 failed. "These are very substantive things, and before we embark on anything like that, there should be an opportunity for significant public input," Bowles said. "I think we ought to have two or three public forums." Open space committee member Rick Conti said each issue evokes strong opinions, which means that forums will likely be well attended. "Some are really in favor, and some are really opposed," he said about people who know of the suggestions. "Both are very polarizing." Bowles said the council and citizens should try to learn as much about the preservation act as possible before making a decision about putting it on the ballot.