Plymouth Select Board to Consider Oak Street Funding, Debates Friday Night Football

$140,000 from ARPA on next agenda for Oak Street project amid cost concerns; Plymouth North team pushes back on EEE restrictions

PLYMOUTH, MA - September 4 - The Plymouth Select Board will consider an additional $140,000 in funding for a controversial subsidized housing project on Oak Street, bringing the total cost to over $1 million for just three units.

The project, which has faced multiple delays and budget increases since its inception, will likely use federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the latest allocation. A formal vote on using ARPA money is expected at next week's meeting.

"We are where we are, and there's no going back," said Phyllis Ferrara, a neighbor of the project who spoke in support of completion. "I hope that you will find a way to complete this project at this point."

Housing Authority officials defended the high per-unit cost, citing a waiting list of 1,327 local elders and 187 veterans in need of subsidized housing.

"The need for housing is there. And that's what we're providing," said Chris Plourde, Assistant Executive Director of the Plymouth Housing Authority.

Several board members expressed reluctance about the additional funding but felt the project needed to be finished.

"I'm all for the ARPA money. We get it done quickly. That's what that money is for," said board member Charlie Bletzer. "We're going to be helping people. And that's what our job is here."

Board member John Mahoney made the motion to add an agenda item for next week to vote on using ARPA funds, contingent on continued oversight from the town's building committee and a full audit once the project is complete.

Board member Kevin Canty opposed the funding, arguing that using ARPA money would take away from other town needs.

In other business, the board heard from supporters of the Plymouth North High School football team, who are pushing to maintain their Friday night game schedule despite town officials' decision to limit evening activities due to Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) risk.

Scott Hokanson, speaking as a team parent, said canceling night games would deprive students and families of important experiences.

"Friday Night Lights has been taken away," Hokanson said. "It's the one time that the kids come together in the fall, including homecoming, where they're together for a super positive reason."

Town Manager Derek Brindisi explained the decision was made based on the identification of one human case and two horse cases of EEE in Plymouth, as well as ongoing mosquito surveillance.

"We do know, based upon those three cases and mosquito surveillance that's been conducted all summer long, that there are mosquitoes in this community that are carrying the deadly disease," Brindisi said.

Brindisi committed to meeting with state officials on Sept. 16 to review data and potentially adjust restrictions. However, he said the Sept. 13 game would definitely not be played at night.

The football team presented a petition with 500 signatures supporting the return of night games. Hokanson suggested having participants and spectators sign waivers, but Brindisi said that approach could create inequities in youth sports programs.

No formal action was taken on the football schedule, but town officials agreed to continue monitoring the situation and consider adjustments based on updated data from state health officials.