HomeMy Public PortalAboutBHP packet 08.04.21FY21-22 Select Board Strategic Plan
Vision Building Block Goal #Goal Description Higher Priority Timeline Vision Plan FY20-21 SB Plan Primary Responsible Party Other Key Stakeholders
Community Character CC-1 Determine policy position on potential changes to Community Preservation Act fund allocation
formula X FY21 Community Preservation
Committee
Select Board; Finance Committee; Open Space
Committee; Affordable Housing Trust;
Historical Commission; Recreation
Commission
CC-2 Develop plan to identify/address issues of diversity and inclusion, including potential formation of
task force or advisory committee FY21 Select Board & Town
Administration
Affordable Housing Trust; All Citizens Access
Committee; Police Chief
CC-3 Engage stakeholders to determine policy position on residential exemption and other potential
local tax relief policy options FY21-22 X X Tax Relief Working Group
Select Board; Finance Committee; Board of
Assessors; Brewster Association of Part-Time
Residents
CC-4 Continue to implement Age-Friendly Community Action Plan and modify as needed FY21-22 X X Council on Aging Board & Dept Select Board; Town Administration
Open Space OS-1 Complete Drummer Boy Park Master Plan Update in coordination with proposed Wing Island
boardwalk project X FY21-22 X X Drummer Boy Park Advisory
Committee Select Board; Town Administration
OS-2 Develop and execute updated plan for Dog Park project (requires future discussion to determine
whether to include in Strategic Plan)??X X Dog Park Committee
Select Board; Town Administration; Friends of
Brewster Dog Park; Community Preservation
Committee
Housing H-1 Identify Affordable Housing Trust operating/capital needs, develop funding plan, and establish
permanent funding mechanism X FY21 X X Affordable Housing Trust &
Finance Team Select Board; Finance Committee
H-2 Establish housing rehabilitation program and long-term rental assistance program X FY21 X X Affordable Housing Trust Town Administration; Housing Coordinator
H-3 Develop affordable housing off Millstone Road
X FY21-22 X X Affordable Housing Trust
Select Board; Community Preservation
Committee; Town Administration; Housing
Coordinator
Local Economy LE-1 Complete and launch electronic permitting platform, and develop Guide to Doing Business in
Brewster to assist residents, contractors, and businesses in navigating local permitting processes FY21-22 X Town Administration IT Director; Building Dept; Health Dept;
Planning Dept
LE-2 Consider designating Underpass Road as District of Critical Planning Concern with Cape Cod
Commission FY22 X X Town Planner Planning Board; Select Board; Town
Administration
Coastal Management CM-1 Complete gap analysis of local land use regulations along the coastal bank and assess merits of
Cape Cod Commission model bylaw FY21 X Town Planner
Natural Resources Commission & Dept;
Planning Board; Conservation Commission;
Board of Health & Dept
CM-2 Support new Natural Resources Commission in implementing the Coastal Resource Management
Plan and other similar initiatives FY21-22 X Natural Resources Dept Select Board; Town Administration
CM-3 Work with MA Department of Conservation and Recreation on Rail Trail extension across Route 6A
down to Linnell Landing FY21-22 X X Town Administration
Natural Resources Dept; Dept of Public
Works; Legislative Delegation; Cape Cod
Commission
CM-4 Investigate feasibility of new aquaculture program off Wing Island and update related Department
of Natural Resources regulations as necessary FY22 X Natural Resources Dept Select Board; Town Administration
Water Resources WR-1 Develop clear timeline/plan for moving water quality initiatives forward and determine whether to
remain in Cape Cod and Islands Water Quality Protection Fund FY21 X X Water Quality Working Group Select Board
WR-2 Identify preferred approach(es) to best address nitrogen and phosphorus mitigation in
environmentally sensitive areas FY21-22 X X Water Quality Working Group Board of Health; Conservation Commission;
Brewster Ponds Coalition
WR-3 Develop and propose stormwater management bylaw (MS4 permit)FY21-22 X X Stormwater Working Group Planning Board; Select Board
WR-4 Evaluate vulnerable Water Department utility infrastructure, determine possible
improvements/modifications, and implement as possible/applicable FY22 X Water Dept Town Administration
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FY21-22 Select Board Strategic Plan
Vision Building Block Goal #Goal Description Higher Priority Timeline Vision Plan FY20-21 SB Plan Primary Responsible Party Other Key Stakeholders
Governance G-1 Present the annual budget in an easily accessible format and provide detailed review of Town's
financial status on regular basis X FY21 X X Finance Team Select Board; Finance Committee
G-2 Complete design/launch of new, more user friendly Town website and optimize BGTV’s potential as
communication tool X FY21 X X Website Working Group Town Administration
G-3 Adopt financial policies that are in accordance with 2019 MA Department of Revenue report and
best practices, and implement short- and medium-term recommendations of DOR report as
applicable
X FY21-22 X Finance Team Select Board; Finance Committee
G-4 Continue to implement Vision Plan and develop Local Comprehensive Plan that addresses the
following key policy issues: 1. Develop a high-level growth policy 2. Identify and evaluate policies /
zoning bylaws that recognize and take advantage of potential synergies between affordable
housing development and open space preservation 3. Perform a comprehensive review of zoning
bylaws, with particular attention to ones that support more housing choice
X FY21-22 X X Vision Planning Committee
Planning Board; Town Planner; Select Board;
Affordable Housing Trust; Open Space
Committee
G-5 Update Select Board Policy on Board and Committee meetings to improve transparency and
provide better access to information FY21 X X Town Administration Select Board; IT Director; BGTV
G-6 Identify funding to support creation of new Human Resource Department to focus on the following
key initiatives: 1. Implement findings from HR audit 2. Develop succession plans for key staff
positions 3. Complete compensation and classification study and related staffing analysis of all
union and non-union Town personnel, and implement recommended changes 4. Foster a culture
that views residents as customers and Town services as the product - be proactive, transparent,
and engaged
FY21-22 X Town Administration Select Board
G-7 Develop and seek adoption of Town Charter and associated bylaw changes FY21-22 X Charter Committee Select Board; Town Counsel;
Boards/Committees & Town Depts
G-8 Foster stronger relationships with Nauset School District officials, especially regarding finances
FY21-22 Town Administration
Select Board; Finance Committee; Nauset
Regional School Committee; Brewster School
Committee; Nauset School Administration
G-9 Actively recruit residents to fill vacancies and provide training/ guidance to volunteers serving on
Town Boards and Committees FY21-22 X X Select Board & Town
Administration Town Counsel
G-10 Determine merits of making longer-term changes to traditional municipal service models – applying
lessons learned from pandemic response FY21-22 Town Administration Select Board; Dept Heads
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FY21-22 Select Board Strategic Plan
Vision Building Block Goal #Goal Description Higher Priority Timeline Vision Plan FY20-21 SB Plan Primary Responsible Party Other Key Stakeholders
Community Infrastructure CI-1 Complete School Consolidation and Community Center Feasibility Studies via a transparent and
engaging public process and work with key stakeholders to determine appropriate next steps X FY21-22 X X
Community Center Planning
Committee; Nauset School
Officials
Council on Aging & Dept; Recreation
Commission & Dept; Brewster Elementary
Schools; Local/Regional Social Service
Agencies (Veterans, etc)
CI-2 Determine support for the Brewster Ladies Library renovation project
FY21 Select Board
Brewster Ladies Library Association Board and
Dept; Town Administration; Capital Planning
Committee; Finance Committee
CI-3 Complete comprehensive assessment of Captains Golf operations, finances, and capital needs, and
determine feasibility of transitioning to enterprise fund FY21-22 Golf Dept & Finance Team Golf Commission; Select Board; Finance
Committee
CI-4 Implement 5 Year Green Community Energy Reduction Plan, manage ongoing solar projects with
assistance from new Energy Manager, and reduce greenhouse emissions whenever possible FY21-22 Town Administration Select Board; Energy Committee; Facilities
Manager
CI-5 Complete Hazard Mitigation Plan and seek to implement Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness
projects that support climate change adaptation FY21-22 X Town Planner & Town
Administration
Dept of Public Works; Natural Resources
Dept; Water Dept; Fire Dept
CI-6 Continue to invest in road infrastructure in the following key areas: 1. Complete design and
construction of Millstone Road 2. Develop Complete Streets Prioritization Plan and seek project
grant funding 3. Complete update to Pavement Management Plan 4. Develop comprehensive Road
Capital Plan & consider merits of seeking 2nd major road bond
FY21-22 X X Town Administration & Dept of
Public Works Select Board; Capital Planning Committee
Pandemic Response &
Recovery
PR-1 Continue to deliver essential services to residents while reducing risk of coronavirus transmission in
all municipal activities, properties, and facilities X FY21-22 Town Administration Select Board; Town Depts
PR-2 Communicate effectively with the public, town employees/volunteers, business community, and
visitors about town policies/actions related to the pandemic X FY21-22 Town Administration & Health
Dept Select Board; Town Depts
PR-3 Encourage and facilitate voting by mail for upcoming elections, and implement pandemic safety
measures for in-person voting at elections and Town Meeting FY21 Town Administration & Town
Clerk Town Depts
PR-4 Determine and implement best approach to Board/Committee meetings FY21 Select Board & Town
Administration BGTV; Facilities Manager
PR-5 Communicate and coordinate local response/recovery efforts with regional partners FY21-22 Town Administration Select Board
PR-6 Continue to monitor and support employee wellness FY21-22 Town Administration Select Board; Dept Heads
3
Town of Brewster Vision Plan • 2018
BREWSTER’S
2018 VISION PLAN
How the Community’s
Vision for the Future
is Taking Shape
Prepared by the
Brewster Vision Planning Committee
June, 2021
INTRODUCTION
Brewster’s Vision Plan is the expression of community
preferences for the Town’s social, physical, and economic
evolution. Approved by the Select Board in July 2018, the
Plan provides a vision for the future and includes goals and
actions to guide decision making of Town government,
community organizations, and citizens. The Vision Planning
Committee was established by the Select Board in late
2019 to “foster public outreach and communication around
the implementation of the 2018 Vision Plan and work with
Town staff and the community to develop a Local
Comprehensive Plan (LCP) based on the Vision Plan goals.”
This is the first Annual Report to the community on Vision
Plan implementation.
THE VISION PLAN
Over 18 months in 2017 and 2018, Brewster residents
engaged in a series of workshops and a public survey to
identify key issues facing the community, goals for the future,
and actions to achieve the goals. These activities were
designed to identify community values and build consensus
around priorities.
Through this process, the community identified eight key
issues facing Brewster which became the ‘building blocks’
for the Vision Plan: community character, open space, hous-
ing, local economy, coastal management, water resources,
governance, and community infrastructure. For each of these
building blocks, the Plan identifies a goal with related purpos-
es and actions to achieve the purpose. In many cases,
actions on one building block will help advance the goals
of other building blocks.
This first Annual Report is structured around the building
blocks, reporting on actions that have been taken or are
underway to achieve Vision Plan goals. It draws on over 50
interviews with Town boards, committees, and depart-
ments and with not-for-profit
organizations and businesses in
town, all selected because of their
role in implementing elements of
the Vision Plan.
IMPLEMENTING THE VISION PLAN
Vision Plan implementation has faced challenges and change, including
a financial management crisis that forced the Town to freeze spending
and programming; a change in leadership with a new Town
Administrator and a new approach to strategy and operations; and
finally the effects of the COVID pandemic on every facet of community
life and Town operations.
Despite these conditions, there has been surprising progress in implementing
the Vision Plan. Those interviewed credit dedicated staff and volunteers, the
commitment and character of citizens, and the leadership of the Town
administration. The Select Board now uses the Vision Plan framework to
guide its two-year strategic planning. Many felt that the Vision Plan rein-
forces their charge and direction, a fortunate alignment of citizens’ priorities
with the direction of Town government and community organizations.
At the same time, the interviews revealed many barriers to implemen-
tation. Not surprisingly, a major barrier has been the COVID pandemic
which closed facilities, prevented face to face contacts, and slowed the
pace of operations. In addition, the current zoning and permitting
process are constraints to many of the innovative development ideas
expressed in the Vision Plan and to growing small, local businesses.
Others identified small staff and reliance on volunteers as a constraint on
their capacity to undertake new programs. Similarly, the lack of facilities
has constrained programming, particularly for youth and older residents.
Finally, the rising cost of land represents a serious brake on the acquisition
of land for housing and open space in Town.
NEXT STEPS
While this Report documents the many actions that have been taken or are
underway, much more remains to be done to achieve the goals in the
Vision Plan. Some actions have been started but need more time for
completion, others remain to be started, and still others require further
design to adapt to evolving conditions in Town, including climate change.
The community, and particularly Town government, will have to remain
focused on the Vision Plan goals if its real impact is to be achieved.
The Town is starting the development of a Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP)
following the guidelines of the Cape Cod Commission. The LCP will be built
on the framework of the Vision Plan, and it will further detail actions to
achieve those goals. Particularly related to Brewster’s physical development,
the LCP will provide guidance for regulatory change and further housing
and open space development. Once certified by the Cape Cod Commission,
the LCP also will provide access to resources and technical assistance
from the Commission. Work on the LCP will begin in the fall of 2021.
THE VISION PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Vision Planning Committee was appointed by the Select Board in
December 2019, but its start was delayed because of COVID. Current
members of the committee include Hal Minis (chair), Sharon Tennstedt
(vice chair), Amanda Bebrin, Andi Genser, Patricia Hess, Garran Peterson,
Fran Schofield, and Paul Wallace. Ryan Bennett, Town Planner, assists the
Committee. Previous members include Kari Hoffmann and Sue Searles.
Support is provided by the Planning Department.
COMMUNITY CHARACTER
Purpose 1: Provide social opportunities and services for all
• Town Meeting approved a feasibility study for a community center (need, site options,
programming), but start-up delayed by COVID.
• “Age friendliness” is part of decision making (Council of Aging-COA).
• Intergenerational lunches and ice cream socials have been held (COA).
• Farmers market was started as a community-wide event (Brewster Historical Society-BHS).
Purpose 2: Maintain the Town’s historic heritage and style
• Town Planning Board (PB) considers how proposals fit Brewster’s community character.
• Conservation properties with scenic value are managed for scenic vistas and rural character
(Brewster Conservation Trust-BCT).
• Trails have been expanded for varying population needs (BCT).
• Inn keepers maintain historic properties to contribute to Town character (Chamber of
Commerce-CoC).
• 300 houses were documented as “Historic Houses” to help homeowners preserve historic
structures (Brewster Historic Commission-BHC).
•BHC worked with Ocean Edge to save Nickerson House on the original Rte. 6A property.
• A display of historic East Brewster was mounted at the Brewster Ladies Library; articles
on historic Brewster have been published in the Cape Codder (BHC).
•Tours of Main Street historic houses, area farms and cemeteries were created (BHS).
• Virtual tours of historic properties were created for schools and the website (BHS).
Purpose 3: Maintain the Town’s small-town feel and scale through appropriate
development
• Town Meeting approved an accessory dwelling unit by-law, expanding housing opportunities
without impacting community character (PB).
WATER RESOURCES
Purpose 1: Protect Town wellfields by expanding open space acquisition
and other measures
• Between 2018-2020, 13 parcels totaling 113 acres within Zone II drinking water supply areas
have been protected (Open Space Committee-OSC & BCT).
• “Drink Brewster Tap” campaign was developed and hydrations stations installed at Town
offices and recreation facilities to decrease use of plastic bottles.
Purpose 2: Improve pond water quality through public education, regulation
and mitigation activities
• Weed harvesting was conducted at Walkers Pond (Brewster Ponds Coalition-BPC &
Department of Natural Resources-DNR).
• Sediment analysis was studied at Walkers Pond to better understand poor water quality (DNR).
• Permitting criteria was developed for rain gardens (Conservation Commission-CC).
• Upper Mill Pond was treated with allum (DNR).
• Brewster Ponds Overview was published (BPC).
Purpose 3: Protect water quality of marine watersheds
•Fertilizer use at Captains Golf Course was monitored and reduced to mitigate nitrogen
loading to Pleasant Bay.
• State DEP Watershed Permit was obtained for Pleasant Bay (Pleasant Bay Alliance-PBA,
Town Planner, & DNR).
• State Grant was obtained for alternatives analyses in the Pleasant Bay watershed management
plans for Orleans, Brewster, Harwich and Chatham (Pleasant Bay Alliance-PBA).
OPEN SPACE
Purpose 1: Improve public access to and expand the use of recreational areas
• Parking capacity at Crosby landing was expanded (Department of Public Works-DPW).
• CCRT extension to Linnell Landing is at final design; funding not yet identified (DNR).
• New public trails were opened at Bakers Pond and No Bottom Pond (DNR & BCT).
• A new version of the Guide to Brewster Walking Trails was distributed (DNR & BCT).
• Land purchases at Long Pond Woodlands and McGuerty Road offer future trail networks (Town).
• State Oliver/GIS system has been used to identify areas of high environmental sensitivity-
habitat and drinking water supply (Town & BCT).
• Update of the Drummer Boy Park Master Plan is underway (DNR).
•Update of the Open Space and Recreation Plan is underway (OSC & DNR).
• ‘Walking Wednesday’ series were started to familiarize people with Brewster trails (BCT).
• Eddy School classes use Vernal Pool trail for science study (Eddy School & BCT).
Purpose 2: Prioritize environmentally sensitive areas for preservation
• Between 2018-2020, 13 parcels totaling 113 acres within the drinking water supply areas
(Zone II) have been protected (Town & BCT).
•Areas of highest priority for natural resource protection (habitat and drinking water
supply) and housing have been mapped, with Brewster as a pilot community
(Association to Preserve Cape Cod-APCC & Housing Assistance Corporation-HAC).
• Funding partnerships for acquisitions have included Community Preservation Committee (CPC),
State grants, individual donations, foundations, and conservation tax credits (Town & BCT).
• Brewster Water Department (BWD) created funding within its tariff structure for land
protection in the drinking water supply areas.
•Identification of encroachments and redress actions on conservation lands has been increased
(Town & BCT).
• Trail marking, signage, and stewardship of conservation lands has been increased (DNR & BCT).
Purpose 3: Maintain open space through density and development standards
• Coastal Management Plan identifies need to reduce coastal threats through zoning and
other regulations.
• Application of Natural Resource Protection Bylaw made acquisition of Long Pond Woodlands
affordable for conservation.
HOUSING
Purpose 1: Promote Housing Choices to allow families to live, work, prosper.
• CPC funded Housing Coordinator position.
• Town Meeting adopted (2018) an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw; 20 units (both ADU
and “in-law”) approved as of 2021.
• Municipal Affordable Housing Trust was established in 2018.
•Millstone Road housing development feasibility study is in progress.
• Home ownership buy-down assistance program was established in 2018; Rental & Home Repair
assistance program funding through CPC and HAC; $250,000 in short-term rental tax funds to
Housing Trust.
• Education forums for the public are on-going through BHP, CPC, HAC, CDP, AHT, and
include annual Housing Institute.
• CPC supported housing projects, including Paul Hush Way, Brewster Woods, Red Top Road,
Veteran’s Housing.
Purpose 2: Provide opportunities for an aging population
•Former Wingate property is being redeveloped as Serenity Brewster, with 131 units of
55+ Senior Housing and 20% deed restricted affordable, as a public/private partnership
(no public funds, but local guidance and permitting support).
Purpose 3: Address housing needs of year-round and seasonal workforce
• Ocean Edge workforce housing was developed as a public/private partnership.
COASTAL MANAGEMENT
Purpose 1: Protect Coastal Resources
• The Natural Resources Advisory Commission was formed in 2020 to implement Coastal
Resources Management Plan (SB).
• The Town partnered on a Cape Cod Commission and State EEA grant to develop a model
coastal resiliency bylaw (Town Planner).
• Partnerships with non-profits on coastal resiliency demonstration projects include Crosby
Landing culvert replacement (DNR & DPW); Pleasant Bay Watershed Permit for nitrogen
mitigation and watershed restoration (PBA, Town Planner, DNR, & Health Agent)
• Stormwater Management zoning bylaw, consistent with State MS4 permit requirements,
will be presented at Fall 2021Town Meeting (PB & Town Planner).
Purpose 2: Maintain and expand public access for all through public consen-
sus and explore alternative modes of transportation and access points
•CCRT extension to Linnell Landing is at final design; funding not yet identified (DNR & PB).
Purpose 3: Adapt to Climate Change
• Model Coastal Resiliency bylaw, including zoning amendments to minimize development
scale, is under development with assistance from the Cape Cod Commission (Town
Planner, PB, & CC).
• Town has obtained grant funds (MVP, Hazard Mitigation, Model Resiliency Bylaw, etc.)
to further climate adaptation efforts (TA, Town Planner, & DNR).
• NRAC has been tasked with viewing all actions through a Climate Change lens.
LOCAL ECONOMY
Purpose 1: Build a “green” economy based on the town’s natural beauty
and resources
• Brewster was designated a “Green Community” (Town).
• New Cultural Trail was introduced in April 2021 to highlight cultural amenities of
Brewster (CoC).
• Recycling has been actively promoted to all summer rentals (CoC).
• Brewster businesses, departments, non-profits and committees collaborated to promote
Brewster in Bloom, Conservation Day, Beach Clean-up and Brewster for the Holidays (CoC).
• Two solar panel arrays have been installed at the Captain’s Golf Course (Town & PB).
• Importance of the local marine economy, particularly the shellfish grants at Ellis and
Mant’s Landings, was communicated as part of the “Blue Economy” (Town & DNR).
Purpose 2: Foster small businesses compatible with the town’s character
and promote year-round employment
• “Small Business Saturday” was promoted with small businesses (CoC).
• Small businesses were supported to lengthen their season from early spring through
autumn (CoC).
•Town worked to help Ocean Edge stay open year-round (Town & Ocean Edge).
• Work was started on an on-line permitting platform to improve timeliness of issuance
and for a guide to “Doing Business in Brewster” (Town).
GOVERNANCE
Purpose 1: Expand and improve communication to citizens about Town
plans and activities.
• Town Meeting approved the Town Charter (SB, Town Administration-TA).
• A new user-friendly Town website was developed; rollout is expected soon. (TA, IT
Director, & COA Director).
• Announcements about Town affairs are now cross-posted on the Town website
through social media (TA, IT Director, & Channel 18).
•PBGTV and LCTV programming for older residents was increased (COA).
•A new “Citizens Forum” was added to many Town Committee’s standing meeting
agendas.
•Select Board’s improved communications policies include “Public Engagement Policy”
(2019), “Responding to Public Comment Policy” (2019), and “Rules of Order Policy” (2020).
• Town and CoC have enhanced communication with business owners and customer
service (TA & CoC).
Purpose 2: Expand the volunteer base to increase the use of citizen
expertise and build diversity in decision-making.
•COA Volunteer Coordinator program has been expanded (COA).
•“Serve Your Community” form is used for open volunteer positions (TA & Town Clerk).
•“Citizens Leadership Academy” is in planning stages (TA).
Purpose 3: Strengthen the customer service approach to Town services.
• Customer service training is provided to staff. The Town Administrator holds quarterly
meetings with staff; monthly meetings with Department Heads.
• Town Hall “Greeter” position was created during summer of 2019 (TA).
•E-permitting for building, health and planning departments is soon to launch.
(TA, IT Director, & Dept. Heads).
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Purpose 1: Create a community center to house activities and interaction
for people of all ages
• Town Meeting approved feasibility study for a community center (need, site options,
programming) but start up delayed by COVID.
• Town Meeting approved a feasibility study of school consolidation; Request for Proposals
has been issued for a consultant (TA).
Purpose 2: Expand bike and pedestrian trails and paths for recreation and
transport throughout town
•Complete Streets approach was adopted; public outreach to determine priorities will
start in Fall 2021 (SB).
•Re-paving of Rte. 137 between Rte. 6A and Rte. 124 was designed according to
Complete Streets guidelines [sidewalk, bike access] (DPW).
• Extension of the CC Rail Trail from Nickerson State Park to Linnell Landing is at 75%
design, but funding is not yet identified (DNR).
• Flashing lights were installed on CC Rail Trial crossings (DPW & Bikeways Committee-BC).
• Bike safety cards are being distributed at Town Information Center (CoC & BC).
• Bike safety information is provided on website and in Best of Brewster magazine (CoC).
•Mapping bike routes across town has started (BC & CoC).
• Brewster Bike Day was held with bike rodeo and bike education activities (BC &
Recreation Dept-RD).
• Resurfacing the gravel path between Stony Brook and Eddy Schools is under study
(DPW & BC).
• Outdoor Club at Eddy School held bike ride of the CC Rail Trail (RD).
Purpose 3: Provide active recreation opportunities and facilities, including
those for youth
• Eddy School gym has been used for senior activities (COA & RD).
• Town 5-Year Capital Plan includes expanded recreation facilities such as playground
and ADA access at Freeman’s Way ballfields (RD).
• Update of the Drummer Boy Master Plan is underway (DNR).
• RD uses were examined to determine summer camp and other programming needs.
ACTIONS BY BUILDING BLOCK
Aug. 2021 BHP Strategic Plan Recommendations Page 1 of 1
Select Board Goals & Priorities: Recommendations from Jillian Douglas for Discussion by BHP
• Present an article to the 2022 Annual Town Meeting to amend the Town’s Community
Preservation Act (CPA) formula to adjust the percentage allocation of funds, so that a greater
percentage (preferably 50%) of those funds collected by the Town are automatically allocated
for Affordable Housing purposes.
• Incorporate the costs required to employ a professional Housing Coordinator into the Town’s
annual budget (as opposed to funding the position annually via CPA funds) for FY 2023
• Commit to incorporating an affordable housing component in the acquisition and development
of the Cape Cod Sea Camp’s bayside and Long Pond properties
• Re-commit to using public funds to alleviate the economic stress and suffering of the poorest of
our poor.
• Continue to explore ways to better address the housing and human service needs of our elderly
and mentally- and/or physically-challenged citizens.
• Commit to welcome and encourage the development of more small-scale, scattered-site
managed group-homes, dormitories, supportive housing, and in-patient treatment beds by
making strategic amendments to the Town’s Zoning Code.
• Ensure that properties on the Town’s SHI remain occupied by low to moderate income
occupants.
• Expand on the Town’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw by developing programs to assist
Brewster resident property owners to design, build or rehabilitate year-round ADUs in return for
restricting the future rents for said ADUs to be affordable to tenants earning no more than 80%
of median income.
• Commit to allocating more public land to or leveraging more private land to be developed for
affordable rental housing
• Continue to support the Town’s Buy-Down program to make it possible for low- and moderate-
income persons to purchase and deed-restrict their Brewster homes for affordability.
Investigate higher subsidies and incentives for deed-restrictions of longer terms for affordability
(up-to 99 years, renewable upon re-sale).
• Explore incentive and assurance programs to encourage owners of vacant residential property
to rent that property on a year-round basis, ideally at rents affordable to persons earning less
than 80% of median income or working to provide essential community services.
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
August 4, 2021
Jennifer Maddox, Undersecretary
Department of Housing and Community Development
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300
Boston, MA 02114
Re: CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Application for FY21
Dear Ms. Maddox,
The Brewster Housing Partnership sends this letter to you in support of the FY21 Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) application to the MA Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the
Brewster Regional Housing Rehab Grant. This grant will allow the town to continue meeting the housing rehab
and childcare voucher needs of LMI (low-moderate income) residents of Brewster, Dennis, and Wellfleet and will
provide $1.3 million for approximately 25 homes to be rehabbed and childcare vouchers for 35 families.
The affordable housing and economic development challenges of the Cape are historically well documented; our
current economic and health crisis has only exacerbated those challenges. Now, more than ever, CDBG funding
is a vital resource for stabilizing and preserving existing homes in our region and ensuring that working families
have affordable childcare. The Housing Rehab Programs provide homeowners earning less than 80% of the area
median income with an opportunity to address the safety and energy upgrades to their homes. For FY20, The
Resource Inc. is expected to work on 75 rehab projects for the following grants:
• Dennis Regional Grant, serving Brewster, Dennis, and Wellfleet.
• Martha’s Vineyard serving the Towns of Edgartown, Aquinnah, Tisbury, West Tisbury, and Oak Bluffs.
The childcare component of these grants provides financial assistance for the cost of childcare for LMI families
who rely on local, licensed childcare providers to care for their children while they are at work. Given the current
economic situation in our region, the FY21 programs are expected to be at full capacity by the third quarter of
2021. Both programs are playing a vital role in stabilizing the year-round families living in these towns.
We urge you to provide the funds requested. Brewster’s approved Housing Production Plan identified a key
housing goal as “Create and provide programs to support struggling homeowners, such as a housing rehabilitation
program to help lower-income homeowners and seniors with extraordinary maintenance and repairs.” The need
in Brewster has been repeatedly shared by residents as well as documented in reports. These funds will make a
real difference enabling LMI families and seniors to afford to remain in Brewster and support the Town’s
community development efforts. Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully yours,
Jillian Douglass, Chair Brewster Housing Partnership
Office of:
Brewster Housing Partnership
Brewster Housing Coordinator Update June 2021
Jill Scalise
Ongoing Activities/ Projects
1. Community Outreach and Education (Housing Production Plan (HPP) Strategy #13)
• Responded to email and phone requests for information and assistance, 50 total requests for housing
information (31) or assistance (19). Office hours held on Thursdays from 10-12.
2. Millstone Parcel (Select Board Strategic Plan Goal H-3, HPP Strategy #15)
• The drafting of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the property has been taking place at public Housing Trust
meetings over the past 6 months. With the guidance and assistance of Laura Shufelt, Mass Housing
Partnership (MHP), an initial draft of an RFP was shared and discussed. Process will continue.
3. Brewster Affordable Housing Trust Fund (BAHT) (HPP Strategy #7)
• Brewster Rental Assistance Program (B-RAP) is managed by Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC).
Residents are referred to HAC for assistance. Quarterly report: 11 Brewster households received $60,916,
mainly from available state and federal funds. Met with HAC about program efficacy.
4. Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) (HPP Strategy #10)
• Follow-up continued regarding several affordable homes that are out of compliance.
5. Preservation of Housing and Related Support of Brewster Residents
• Brewster COVID-19 Relief Fund: Provided staff support for housing requests, one request approved.
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding: Childcare applications open for assistance, still
waiting for housing rehabilitation applications to open.
6. Redevelop Existing Properties for Affordable Housing (HPP Strategy #6)
• Serenity Brewster (55+ rental housing), Phase 1 of 41 studio units ready to open in July. Phase 2= 91 units,
studio & one-bedroom, expected to open in Spring 2022. Met with DHCD, Elevation Financial, and legal
counsel about Local Action Unit (LAU) application, fair housing marketing plan, and affordable unit lottery.
DHCD will allow one lottery for 27 affordable units in Phase 2. Presentation to Select Board about Serenity,
LAU process, and decision points, including local preference. Select Board had a site visit to Serenity.
7. Brewster Housing Partnership (BHP) (HPP Strategy #16)
• Partnership met and continue to work on housing advocacy, outreach, collaboration, and coordination.
• Discussed Serenity Brewster, recommended a request of 50% local preference for affordable units.
8.Comprehensive Permit Projects (HPP Strategy #14)
• Brewster Woods (30 affordable rental units): Groundbreaking Ceremony held Tuesday June 22nd. Speakers
included Congressman Keating, Senator Cyr, Representative Whalen and Select Chair Bingham.
• Habitat for Humanity Red Top Road (2 affordable homes, ownership)- Project Eligibility Letter (PEL)
received from DHCD. Next step, Habitat to apply for a (friendly) 40B, Comprehensive Permit.
9. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) (HPP Strategies #1 &2)
• Met with Building Dept. about ADU identification, streamlining of process and ongoing follow-up.
10. Housing Production Plan (HPP)
• Researched, wrote, and submitted CPC application for funding of Housing Production Plan update.
11.Collaboration (HPP Strategy #9)
• Participated in HOME Consortium meeting and provided Housing update at Community Preservation
Committee (CPC) meeting.
Personnel
• Worked with: Assessor, Building Dept., CPC, Council on Aging, Health Dept., Housing Partnership,
Housing Trust, Planning Dept., Select Board and Town Administration.
• Attended CPC, Housing Partnership, Housing Trust, & Select Board meetings.
• Trainings: MHP Housing Institute, Zoning under Housing Choice.
Serenity Apartments at Brewster
Affordable and Elegant 55+ Independent Senior Living
Serenity Apartments at Brewster is pleased to announce
our Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting event! Come take a
tour of the property to see what it has become! We will be
providing snacks, beverages and entertainment.
August 25th, 2021, 6 to 8 p.m.
873 Harwich Road, Brewster, MA 02631
RSVP to dhoward@elevationpropertymanagement.com
www.serenitybrewster.com
GRAND OPENING -RIBBON
CUTTING CEREMONY