Plymouth Open Space Survey Reveals Community Priorities

Residents Emphasize Environmental Protection and Beach Access

PLYMOUTH, MA - August 20 - A recent survey conducted by the Plymouth Open Space Committee shows residents highly value environmental protection and beach access. The survey, which garnered 459 responses, will inform the town's 2024 Open Space and Recreation Plan and other planning initiatives.

"This has been going on since 2022, when we started back up again," said Deb Iaquinto, representing the Open Space Committee. "I consider it a crowning glory."

Environmental concerns topped the list of priorities for respondents. Water quality protection, natural environment preservation, protecting wildlife habitats, flood control and storm protection, and biodiversity were all rated as extremely important.

Beaches and hiking trails emerged as the most valued recreational resources in Plymouth.

When asked about the single most important issue for open space going forward, 44 percent of respondents cited controlling development as the top priority. Other key issues included acquiring more open space (21 percent), protecting the water supply (13 percent), providing more recreation options (12 percent), and making Plymouth more walkable and bikeable (10 percent).

The Open Space Committee plans to use the survey results to develop recommendations and an agenda for the next seven-year period. The data will also support the town's ongoing Master Plan update and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

"We will be communicating the survey results out more broadly," Iaquinto said. "It will obviously be used to inform the 2024 Open Space and Recreation Plan that we'll submit to the state later this year."

The committee will hold a joint Master Plan listening session focused on open space and recreation on Sept. 12 at the Plymouth Public Library.

Iaquinto highlighted some of the Open Space Committee's accomplishments over the past seven years, including acquiring 488 acres of land via tax title conveyance at no cost to the town and completing over 60 trail maintenance projects.

Select Board member John Mahoney noted the survey results align with the board's recent efforts regarding the Whitehorse Beach area. "I would take this presentation as a de facto endorsement that the board is moving down the correct path in trying to get that structure removed and increasing passive recreational opportunities down on the beach down there," he said.

Town Manager Derek Brindisi commended the Open Space Committee for their work on the survey, noting that approximately eight objectives in the Select Board's goals for the coming year align with the survey results.

"We will continue to work with the committee over the years so that their work can inform our decision making in the future," Brindisi said.

The Plymouth Select Board also approved an ambitious set of goals and objectives for fiscal year 2025, focusing on areas such as public safety, financial planning and environmental protection.

At their Aug. 20 meeting, the board voted unanimously to adopt a plan that includes 53 specific objectives across 11 overarching goals. Brindisi presented the goals, which were developed with input from department heads and the Select Board.

"Everything listed here are new initiatives focused on improving the quality of life in our community," Brindisi said. "This is something new, innovative that we're trying to do to advance those folks that live, work and play in this community."

The goals cover areas including ensuring a safe and healthy community, long-term financial planning, communicating with the public, economic development, infrastructure improvements, environmental protection, workforce strengthening and efficient government.

Select Board member Kevin Canty praised the ambitious targets and proactive approach.

"I think this board and the last board that I served with, because this is my second year, we've been really trying to move this town towards being more proactive and getting ahead of our problems," Canty said. "And I think this continues that effort."

Canty added that addressing issues proactively is often cheaper and more effective than reacting later.

Board member Charlie Bletzer noted that while some projects take longer than expected, several initiatives from previous years are close to fruition.

"Setting these goals are good, because it's something for us to work towards," Bletzer said. "And also, when we put these out here, we can be held accountable."

Brindisi emphasized that the objectives go beyond basic town services.

"It will not say fill potholes. It will not say pave roads or arrest bad guys or put out fires. That's what we do, right? That's why we're here," he said.

The full list of goals and objectives will be posted on the town website once finalized. The board plans to review progress on the goals in June 2025.

The approval of these goals follows a process that began in July with a review of the previous year's objectives. Brindisi and the assistant town manager then met with department heads to draft new goals before holding a workshop with the Select Board two weeks ago.

"This is our annual event. We started this back in 2022, and so this is the third year that we've done this," Brindisi said.