HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster Vision Plan Final DraftTown of Brewster Vision Plan • 2018
2 TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLAN • 2018
Introduction
Purpose: The Brewster Vision Plan expresses the community’s preferences
for how it intends to evolve socially, physically, and economically. As
such, the Plan will guide town decisions and serve as a framework for
other future plans, such as a comprehensive plan.
OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS
The Vision Plan results from a series of activities designed to bring
out community values, identify the key issues confronting Brewster
now and into the future, and build consensus around priority
actions to achieve the goals set by the process. The planning
process included four principal steps:
1. Community workshops in June 2017 in which participants indicated
what they value about Brewster, the challenges and opportunities
facing the community, and their vision for the future. From this, the
Brewster Vision Advisory Group (BVAG) was able to identify the key
issues facing the town – the building blocks for the future vision with
goals for each of the building blocks.
2. Community workshops in October 2017 in which participants
identified actions to achieve the goals under each of the building
blocks. From this, the BVAG drew up a list of actions for which there was
the greatest amount of public support.
3. A public survey in February 2018 in which participants were asked
to indicate how important they felt each of the actions was in achiev-
ing the goals for the building blocks.
4. Community workshops in May 2018 in which participants identified
how the community and Town government could most effectively
implement the Vision Plan.
THE RESULTS
From this process of public engagement, the Vision Plan is constructed
on eight building blocks: community character, open space, housing,
local economy, coastal management, water resources, governance, and
community infrastructure. The survey results confirmed the consensus
on the importance of these issues and the actions which are proposed
under each of the building block goals. At the same time each of the
building blocks cannot be treated as a separate, stove-pipe issue and
actions. They are indeed interrelated: action on one will help advance
the goals of other building blocks.
THANKS
The development of this plan was the result of the active participation,
thinking, and efforts of many people. We would like to thank the
hundreds of people who participated in community workshops and
the 1,275 people who took the survey. We would like to thank the
facilitators and recorders whose skills made the workshops succeed.
Thanks to Tonna-Marie Surgeon-Rogers without whom the survey
would not have been possible. Thanks to the Brewster Planning
Department whose support was critical to the fruitful outcome of each
step. And lastly, thanks to Cheryl Doble of Tisbury who guided us
through the planning process.
The Brewster Vision Advisory Group
TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLAN • 2018 3
Brewster’s Vision
Brewster is a welcoming and inclusive community
that celebrates its diversity and special character.
We preserve our historical setting and seek to
protect its contribution to our town’s character.
We work to preserve the rural, small town feel
of Brewster created by low density development
and open space, which contributes to protecting
water resources and providing scenic areas for
recreation and contemplation. In the context
of coastal change, we protect our bayside
coastline, which defines our sense of place
and provides special recreational and economic
opportunities.
We honor our history as a working community and
partner with Brewster businesses that support
residents and visitors by providing unique, high-
quality products, services, and experiences built on
our character and environment.
We support growth that is appropriately scaled
and sited. We seek to offer housing that is
affordable to residents of all ages and economic
standing.
We strive to provide the infrastructure necessary
to ensure that all citizens - particularly elders
and families with children - are safe, healthy and
supported, so they can work, learn, participate,
and give back to the community.
The methods and practices that we set in place
encourage and promote public discourse and
collaboration. We look to successful models in
other communities and organizations as
examples to manage and guide our approach
to change in our Town.
We are committed as we move forward, through
careful planning and coordination, to improve
our community and protect what we value
about Brewster.
Examples of stakeholders
• Old King’s Highway Historic District, Historical Commission,
Brewster Historical Society
• Building Department, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Department
and Planning Board
• Chamber of Commerce
• Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
• Council on Aging, Friends of Brewster Elders, Churches
• Brewster Ladies Library
• Business and community group leaders (hospitality, arts, retail,
aqua and agriculture, Brewster Ponds Coalition, Coastal Committee)
• Brewster Conservation Trust, Conservation Department
• Recreation Department, School Department
Community Character
G OAL: Sustain and foster Brewster’s historic
setting, rural nature, small-town feel, and
socially inclusive spirit.
PURPOSE 1
Provide social opportunities and services for all
1.Provide a Community Center for all ages for social and recreational
activities and include meeting rooms.
2.Create social gathering activities (town suppers, meet and greet) for all
ages; expand recreational activities for all and communicate to all via town
website and social media.
3. Provide services and infrastructure for an “age friendly” community
including transportation especially for the elderly and those living alone.
PURPOSE 2
Maintain the Town’s historic heritage and style
1.Review, strengthen and enforce zoning for 6A to ensure historic
preservation and standards; define “appropriate development” with
input by all.
2. Create more opportunities (historic markers, walking trails,
Brewster history app) for current and new residents and tourists to
learn about the history of Brewster.
3. Explore ways to maintain and improve the appearance of properties
along Route 6A.
PURPOSE 3
Maintain the Town’s small-town feel and scale through appropriate
development
1.Create a "town center" including housing (for example, apartments
above businesses), businesses and recreational outdoor space.
2. Allow for the building of intergenerational co-housing that includes
social activities.
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TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLAN • 2018 5
Water Resources
GOAL: Protect Brewster’s fresh water system to preserve high quality drinking
water and maintain or improve the health of our ponds and marine watersheds.
PURPOSE 1
Protect town wellfields by expanding
open space acquisition and other measures
1. Identify and purchase more open space in critical areas
around town wellfields and pursue other land preservation
actions, such as promoting conservation restrictions and tax
incentives for individual property owners and placing conser-
vation restriction protections on town-owned land such as the
golf course, to protect groundwater.
2. Develop and/or expand public education and outreach by the
town and by individual town boards and committees regarding
threats to drinking water supplies, such as hazardous materials,
“contaminants of emerging concern”and other pollutants.
3. Pursue improvements to residential and industrial zon-
ing/regulations in Zone II areas that will strengthen groundwater
protection.
4. Examine and, where needed, improve coordination between
town committees on water quality protection issues and actions.
PURPOSE 2
Improve pond water quality through public education, regulation,
and mitigation activities
1. Encourage and promote a comprehensive public education program targeting
homeowners, schoolchildren and visitors. This pond protection program would
address issues such as fertilizer use, landscaping best practices, septic systems,
storm water management and contaminants of emerging concern.
2. Implement existing town stormwater management requirements and up-date
the stormwater management program to mandated standards to eliminate road
runoff to ponds.
3.Consider adopting more effective septic regulations around ponds. Explore fund-
ing options for individual property owners for more restrictive and costly regulatory
requirements for septic treatment/placement due to their proximity to ponds.
PURPOSE 3
Protect the water quality of the town’s marine watersheds
1.Expand requirements for advanced wastewater treatment systems for commer-
cial and residential development in sensitive marine watersheds; the town should
set an example by proactively upgrading all municipally-owned structures/proper-
ties to include advanced wastewater treatment systems.
2.Identify and preserve land within marine watersheds as well as protect/restore
beneficial coastal resource areas such as salt marshes in order to protect marine
water resources.
3.Study possible improvements to existing regulations, such as stormwater
regulations, and adopt and enforce stricter regulations on coastal development
that will help reduce impacts to marine water quality.
Examples of stakeholders
• Water Department and Board of Health
• Conservation Commission and Department of Natural Resources
• Department of Public Works
• Planning Department and Town Planner • Brewster Ponds Coalition
• Pleasant Bay Alliance • Brewster Conservation Trust
• Barnstable County Health Dept. and Cooperative Extension
• Neighborhood Associations • Brewster Assoc. of Part Time Residents
• Protect Our Cape Cod Aquifer
Open Space
GOAL: Maintain and expand open space assets
to provide public recreation, protect fragile
natural habitat, and protect water resources
PURPOSE 1
Improve public access to and expand the use of recreational
areas
1. Work in collaboration with the state’s Division of Conservation and
Recreation to develop better public access to state-owned beach property.
2.Look at existing town properties to create recreational opportunities
such as walking trails, bike paths and a dog park, and encourage
expanded utilization of Drummer Boy Park for recreational uses,
including the possible development of a walkway to Wing Island.
3. Pursue land acquisition opportunities for additional recreational areas.
PURPOSE 2
Prioritize environmentally sensitive areas for preservation
1.Use available mapping technology and town/outside collaborations
to identify and protect priority parcels in sensitive natural resource areas,
particularly in designated Zone II drinking water supply areas.
2. Ensure that existing funding continues and additional funding sources
are made available to acquire priority open space parcels.
3. Properly manage existing open space assets and ensure that adequate
funding is available to maintain their protection.
PURPOSE 3
Maintain open space through density and development standards
1. Utilize zoning and other regulatory options as alternatives to land
purchases in order to protect open space in environmentally sensitive
areas, including improved use of cluster development and natural
resource protection zoning.
2. Zone strategically to direct growth away from natural resource areas
while at the same time change zoning elsewhere to accommodate greater
density in areas where it is appropriate.
3. Build public awareness about regulatory (zoning) methods to protect
open space.
Examples of stakeholders
• Open Space Committee • Department of Natural Resources
• Brewster Conservation Trust • Conservation Commission
• Cape Cod Commission • Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts
• Association to Preserve Cape Cod
• Abutters/Neighboring Communities to Open Space (potential/existing)
• Planning Department • Brewster Ponds Coalition
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Housing
GOAL: Provide more affordable, safe, and accessible rental
and ownership housing options at different price points,
particularly for single people, young families, and our older
population. Achieve the state’s 10% affordable goal by 2025.
PURPOSE 1
Promote housing choices to allow families to
live, work, and prosper
1. Review current zoning with key emphasis on
Accessory Dwelling unit bylaw which would allow
an additional smaller unit to be built on an existing
home lot; consider multifamily zoning and housing
above existing businesses.
2.Review current housing stock and town owned
land, identify needs, promote existing programs and
create innovative new programs.
3. Create a Municipal Housing Trust which will
allow the Town to develop more flexible programs
such as Buy Down assistance for homeowners,
rental vouchers, rehabilitation and acquisition of
land for Town-led, friendly 40B affordable develop-
ment.
4. Research and develop creative public and private
sources of funding and partnerships for housing.
5. Educate the public about affordable housing
by holding educational forums and creating a
marketing/awareness campaign about the need for
affordable and community housing options.
PURPOSE 2
Provide opportunities to address the varied housing needs of Brewster’s aging population
1. Create more ways for seniors to age in place through zoning changes, tax incentives,
home sharing programs and elderly support services.
2. Develop more elderly housing options that are focused on inclusion, not isolation, and
that are near public transportation routes.
PURPOSE 3
Address the housing needs of the Town’s year-round and seasonal workforce
1. Develop relationships between businesses, homeowners and Town to identify and
locate rooms for seasonal workers in safe and well managed locations, preferably near
transportation centers. Review zoning that would allow more housing units to be built
above existing businesses.
2. Develop more year round work force affordable rental stock and affordable first time home-
ownership opportunities through, for example, smaller lot sizes and non-traditional housing designs.
Examples of stakeholders
• Low/Middle Income Residents (Young Families, Older Fixed Income Families & Seasonal Workforce)
• Brewster Housing Coordinator • Brewster Housing Trust • Housing Partnerships (Brewster & MA)
• Brewster Housing Authority • Chambers of Commerce (Cape and Brewster)
• Local Builders Associations, Contractors, MA Architects
• Community Development Partnership • Housing Assistance Corporation • Lenders/Financing
TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLAN • 2018 7
Coastal Management
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GOAL: In the context of coastal change, preserve
and protect Brewster‘s coastal resources and
expand public access
PURPOSE 1
Protect coastal resources in ways that preserve coastal ecosystems and
habitats and the character of the town and coastal neighborhoods
1.Develop a town-wide Coastal Resource Management Plan based on science
and best practices, with a focus on soft solutions, protecting habitat, and
managing stormwater run-off.
2.Consider best practices for minimally invasive infrastructure such as
boardwalks, parking set back from sensitive areas, and the use of permeable
materials for parking areas.
3. Implement the Brewster Coastal Adaptation Strategy for the Town’s public
beaches and landings, including engaging citizens before coming up with
specific plans.
PURPOSE 2
Maintain and expand public access for all through public consensus and
explore alternate modes of transport and access points
1.Explore alternate transport methods including shuttles or trolleys from
remote parking areas, and additional bike and walking paths.
2. Expand beach access to new areas such as Wing Island and the state beach
between Linnell and Crosby landings. Investigate purchasing or developing
agreements to use other areas.
PURPOSE 3
Adapt to climate change projections and advance
adap tation and resiliency techniques that are financially
and environmentally sustainable
1.Identify techniques such as living shorelines, nourishment
from dredged material, and land acquisition for retreat locations
to adapt to coastal change.
2. Provide outreach and education (signs, field trips, publica-
tions) to build awareness of citizens and decision makers about
the nature of coastal change.
Examples of stakeholders
• Conservation Commission • Coastal Committee
• Department of Natural Resources, Department of Public Works
• Coastal property owners, Brewster Assoc. of Part-Time Residents
• Town Planner, Planning Board
• Police, Fire Departments
• Business leaders, Chamber of Commerce, Aquaculture grant holders
• Other Cape and coastal towns
• State and Federal agencies: Environmental Protection Agency,
Department of Environmental Protection
• Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
Local Economy
GOAL: Promote a sustainable economy
that builds on Brewster’s natural and
human assets, addresses the needs of
small businesses, and provides year-round
employment for Brewster’s young families.
PURPOSE 1
Build a “green” economy based on the Town’s natural beauty
and resources
1. Develop a brand and market Brewster as a green community.
2. Provide incentives for “green” businesses to locate and grow in
Brewster.
3. Sponsor/support outreach activities (forums, walks, festivals) that
celebrate the Town’s natural resources and green businesses.
PURPOSE 2
Foster small businesses compatible with the Town’s character
and promote year-round employment
1.Develop a community consensus regarding the types of businesses
and design standards that are appropriate for Brewster.
2. Modify zoning to make it less restrictive and to streamline the
permitting process, especially for small businesses, and revise the use
table to allow businesses, including home occupations that are
compatible with town character.
3. Modify zoning to encourage a small downtown area of mixed
uses that is walking- and biking-friendly.
4.Make the town more business-friendly by actions such as providing
a liaison in Town Hall, supporting a mentoring program, and creating
an innovation center for start-up businesses.
Examples of stakeholders
• Town Planner, Planning Board, Housing Coordinator
• Chambers of Commerce (Cape and Brewster)
• Small and large business leaders
• Old King’s Highway Historic District • Historical Commission
• Department of Natural Resources
• Conservation Department
• Brewster Conservation Trust
• Building Department, Zoning Board of Appeals, Health Department
• Consumers
• Select Board, Board of Health, Finance Committee
TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLAN • 2018 9
10 TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLAN • 2018
PURPOSE 2
Expand the volunteer base to increase the use of citizen
expertise and build diversity in decision-making
1.Create a volunteer clearinghouse to identify opportuni-
ties,reach newcomers and partner with diverse groups
like retirees and young people. Establish a volunteer
coordinator and/or a citizen advisory board. Survey available
skills and match to needs.
2. Create shorter term, more flexible, task force oppor-
tunities to use vital citizen expertise. Establish term limits
for boards and committees to encourage new ideas and
new committee members. Establish a regular (annual or
semi-annual) open house during which town departments
and boards can share what they do and what qualifica-
tions are needed to participate. Invite citizen involvement.
continued on page 11
Governance
GOAL: Create a more open and inclusive town government
that encourages participation by all citizens by improving
two-way communication, expanding volunteer opportunities,
and encouraging customer friendly service.
PURPOSE 1
Expand and improve communication to citizens about Town plans and activities
1. Improve the Town web site both to add more timely and complete content and
to make that content easily searchable and accessible.
2. Improve the town meeting process to reach a wider community audience
through, for example, changing the day of the week, the time of day, or the manner
in which citizens participate.
3. Expand Town email to a larger audience. Offer email sign-up more widely for
example at voter registration, the library, and the Council on Aging. Consider opt out
rather than opt in sign-up.
4.Strengthen and expand the Town’s social media presence. Use platforms that
reach younger citizens like Instagram.
5. Share more information on warrant articles prior to Town Meeting through
groups like Brewster Community Network, homeowner associations, special inter-
est groups and the Chamber of Commerce. Mail the warrant to every household.
6.Improve the working relationship between town government and citizens: expand
opportunities for governing bodies to hear citizens’ concerns, establish Select Board
open office hours and other opportunities for dialog, expand opportunities for input
from part-time residents, create a “What’s Happening in Town Hall”newsletter or similar
communication, and provide information in tax bills about how taxes are spent.
Governance
continued
PURPOSE 3
Strengthen the customer service approach to Town services
1.Create a welcome packet for new citizens and business owners
with complete and easy to follow instructions on how to get
things done.
2.Make customer service a priority by providing employee
training and assessing employee performance using customer
service as a criterion.
3.Establish an ombudsman and greeter in Town Hall to facilitate
citizen interaction with town departments and get things done
simply and quickly.
4.Consolidate and simplify the permitting processes for busi-
nesses and homeowners; create administrative approvals for simple
requests.
TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLAN • 2018 11
Examples of stakeholders
• Select Board and Town Administration
• Citizens and Town Meeting
• Town Employees
• Town Planner and Planning Board
• Information Technology Department
• Public Relations
• Zoning Board of Appeals
• Council on Aging
• Schools and school organizations
• Local Homeowners associations, clubs, groups and committees
12 TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLAN • 2018
Community Infrastructure
GOAL: Maintain and expand town infrastructure in ways that expand
opportunities for community interaction, support the development
of a “green” economy, expand recreation opportunities, and promote
public safety.
PURPOSE 3
Provide active recreation opportunities and
facilities including those for youth
1.Sur vey the community (all ages) to identify
desired activities and programming.
2. Inventory existing facilities and identify potential
locations for new facilities such as a community
pool, pickleball, volleyball and basketball courts.
3. Expand and promote existing and future active
recreational (seasonal and year-round) programs.
4.Research potential ways to provide transportation
to recreation areas.
PURPOSE 1
Create a community center to house activities and interaction for people of all ages
1. Form a committee to facilitate the process and hold public meetings for community input.
2. Conduct a feasibility/location study to identify the best location for a community center.
3. Repurpose an existing facility (such as Eddy School). Utilize neighboring town
experience (such as Harwich) as a model.
4. Develop uses and programming, with activities for all ages, for the proposed facility.
PURPOSE 2
Expand the bike and pedestrian trails and paths for recreation and transportation
throughout town
1. Develop a town wide plan that includes all existing trails and sidewalks, potential
areas for expansion, trail connections and links to key recreation areas, bay beaches and
west Brewster.
2.Identify areas of improvement for existing trails and sidewalks such as signage, safety,
and lighting and provide more bicycle safety information.
3.Make the town more bicycle/pedestrian friendly by providing information on the
trail system.
4.Review and modify existing policies and development guidelines to require (where
possible) sidewalks and bike lanes on new roads and re-pavement projects.
Examples of stakeholders
• Planning Department, Planners, Architects
• Building Department, Department of Public Works
• Water Dept., Recreation Dept., School Dept.
• Historical Commission
• Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority
• School Committee, parents and students
• All Citizens Access Committee
• Bikeways Committee, Bike Shops
• Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Brewster Ladies Library, Churches, Council on Aging
Taking Action Turning the Plan into action
The Vision Plan is intended to be a living document, guiding the near- and long-term decisions
on which our community’s future is built. Therefore, it is imperative that the goals guide
actions of Town government and community organizations and that the relevant stakeholders
play their part in implementing the actions presented in the Plan. Implementation will involve
figuring out the details and making the actions work in the context of town capacity, financial
and fiscal constraints, and the legal framework for town action. Overall, the Select Board,
Town Boards and Committees, and citizens through Town Meeting will oversee turning the Plan
into action. Implementation will be most effective if there is a true partnership between town
government and the community to assure that the goals laid out in the Plan are reached.
What the community can do to promote the implementation of the Vision Plan.
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Adopt the Vision Plan as a formal action of the Select Board
and assign responsibility for implementation.
Communicate the Vision Plan, including important milestones
and progress towards implementation through a variety of
traditional and innovative vehicles.
Make the Vision Plan a guide for policymaking and town decisions
(budgeting, town warrant articles, town mission statement).
Engage Town department heads and town staff to take owner-
ship of the Vision Plan and integrate it into their daily work and
future plans; restructure and reorganize staffing as needed.
Create a Vision Implementation Committee to shepherd and
oversee implementation and to keep the Vision Plan in the
forefront of Town priorities, including ongoing stakeholder
involvement.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Embrace the Vision Plan, organize meetings and other communications
to build awareness and understanding about the Vision Plan.
Use the Vision Plan to guide organizational plans, take on Vision Plan
projects related to organizational mission for implementation or
collaboration with Town.
Help foster two-way communication with the Town, organize meetings
and other forms of communication to educate people about issues and
provide feedback.
CITIZENS
Work together to create a culture of engagement, talk with friends and
neighbors, make a difference.
Act, vote, attend meetings.
Get involved in a Vision Plan issue, volunteer.
TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLAN • 2018 13
A Publication of the Town of Brewster, Massachusetts
June 2018