The West Tisbury Community Preservation Committee has received nine applications that are eligible for funding in the next financial year. These projects will be reviewed and discussed at a public hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 7 to 10 p.m. in Howes House.

The First Congregational Church of West Tisbury is seeking support for restoration of this historic structure; in a separate project, funds are requested for a sidewalk and fence in front of town hall to restore the historic character of the neighborhood. The remaining seven projects involve community housing that would benefit eligible West Tisbury residents, including increased access to affordable housing at 250 State Road, which was approved by voters in April 2008, and in Bridge Commons in Tisbury; rental and mortgage loan assistance; a fund for energy-efficient construction and renovation; and a single-family home proposed by Habitat for Humanity. For more information on these projects, see the West Tisbury community preservation committee Web site, westtisbury-ma.gov/CPC/index_cpc.html.

The funds available to support community preservation projects next year total $1,077,353, and the funds requested total $1,257,000. No more that $671,367 can be allocated to community housing, but funds requested in that category total $952,000. Therefore, public input on overall priorities as well as specific projects is essential to guide the committee as it considers its recommendations for funding to the town, and town residents are urged to attend the hearing on Jan. 14.