Plymouth Select Board Discusses Community Preservation Articles for Fall Town Meeting
Board unanimously approves open space and beach access projects, narrowly approves affordable housing proposal
PLYMOUTH, MA - September 17 - The Plymouth Select Board voted September 17 on three Community Preservation Committee articles for the upcoming fall town meeting, focusing on affordable housing, open space acquisition, and public beach access.
The board engaged in lengthy debate over Article 9, a $3.2 million request from developer Rick Vayo of MEGRYCO for a 24-unit affordable housing project on South Street. Vayo explained the project had been reduced from an initial $3.6 million ask, with unit affordability levels adjusted.
"This site to me is the perfect site out of all of the ones we've done so far because it is walkable to downtown," Vayo said. "It's walkable to the P&B bus. It is walkable to shopping. It's walkable to medical."
The total project cost is $8.2 million, with MEGRYCO company covering the remainder. Board members expressed concerns about rising CPC debt levels, currently at $13 million with potential to reach $16.5 million if all proposed articles are approved.
"I'm concerned for you know the people I think we need to get our nested I think we need to pay some of the debt down," said Chairman Richard Quintal, who voted against recommending the article.
Despite reservations, the board voted 3-2 to recommend Article 9 to town meeting.
The board unanimously approved Article 10, a $1.15 million request to purchase 93 acres of cranberry bogs for open space preservation. David Gould, Director of Energy and Environment, explained the town could receive 90% reimbursement through a state grant if the bogs are taken out of production.
"The ultimate goal of the project would be not only to acquire those cranberry bogs but restore those as we've done on several sites," Gould said.
Article 11, an $875,000 request to purchase land for public access to White Horse Beach, also received unanimous support. The project includes demolishing an existing building and creating parking and beach amenities.
"It's a great project," said board member Charlie Bletzer. "They're going to see that you've done a lot of work on it and one of the concerns was the money."
The board's recommendations will now go to the fall Town Meeting for final approval by Town Meeting Members in October.
Finance Director Lynne Barrett addressed concerns about CPC debt levels, stating the town is currently in a sustainable position even if all proposed projects are approved. She noted the CPC tries to minimize borrowing and use annual revenues to pay down authorizations when possible.
In other business, the board unanimously approved naming the playground at Stevens Field after former Park Superintendent Douglass Gray, recognizing his 26 years of service to the town.
The meeting also included updates on ongoing road work, construction projects, and the town's response to the recent EEE case in Plymouth. Officials are working closely with the state Department of Public Health to monitor the situation and determine when risk levels can be lowered.
The Select Board also met briefly via Zoom on September 18. The board finalized the warrant for the October 19 Town Meeting, and emphasized the inclusion of four citizen petitions. By law, a citizen petition must be included.