Plymouth Select Board Tackles Climate Action, Downtown Revitalization

Town officials provide updates on ongoing projects and community initiatives

PLYMOUTH, MA - November 19 - The Plymouth Select Board addressed key issues including climate action, downtown revitalization, and election logistics in their recent meeting. Town Manager Derek Brindisi provided updates on several ongoing projects and community initiatives.

The town's Climate Action Net Zero (CANZ) committee welcomed a new member, Cameron Kackley, who was appointed to a two-year term. Kackley, a recent Plymouth resident with a background in residential energy efficiency and solar, expressed his eagerness to contribute to the committee's efforts.

"Look, I think generally I would see my role if I were selected to get there and learn and listen and try to see where I can be helpful," Kackley said. He emphasized the importance of leveraging community involvement to implement the town's comprehensive Climate Action Adaptation Plan.

Downtown revitalization efforts were also discussed, with Select Board member Charlie Bletzer raising concerns about cleanliness in the area. Bletzer reported instances of vomit on sidewalks and urged businesses to take responsibility for maintaining their storefronts.

"We are a tourist town, and if you see something like that... take a couple of buckets of water, throw it on the sidewalk, get it off the sidewalk," Bletzer said. He also advocated for the purchase of a sidewalk cleaning machine to maintain the downtown area, especially during busy periods.

Brindisi acknowledged the issue, stating, "I don't disagree. As you pointed out, businesses need to take some ownership and some responsibility to at least keep the area in front of their stores clean."

The town manager also provided updates on several ongoing projects. The Memorial Hall study, which will assess the building's condition and renovation needs, is set to begin in January. The project, funded by ARPA dollars, is expected to take at least nine months to complete.

"Right now we have budgeted in the capital improvement plan $10 million for this building," Brindisi said. "We're thinking that the total cost for renovations could be upwards of $15 to $20 million."

Election logistics were also discussed, with Brindisi reporting that 57% of voters in the recent election utilized early voting or mail-in options. This trend has prompted consideration of consolidating polling locations for future elections.

"The Town Clerk knows that this is a goal of the Select Board," Brindisi said. "She's working on a presentation, hopefully by December, maybe January, where we can come back with a couple different options for the board to consider to consolidate polling locations for the May election."

Other updates included the installation of new digital signs at the Center for Active Living as part of the town's age and dementia-friendly program, and progress on road improvement projects in South Plymouth.

The meeting also touched on the ongoing drought conditions affecting the region. Brindisi reported that Plymouth's water levels remain adequate, but the town has been elevated to a critical drought level.

"We will be working both with the DPW director and the fire chief on issuing a statement to the community because of the fire hazards that are posed and then the new drought level status we're in," Brindisi said.

As the holiday season approaches, the board reminded residents of upcoming events, including a Christmas tree lighting at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Cedarville on Dec. 7 from 4 to 6 p.m.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, as board members wished the community a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.