HomeMy Public PortalAboutVPC 06/06/22 Meeting Packet
Town of Brewster
Vision Planning Committee
2198 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631
brewplan@brewster-ma.gov
(508) 896-3701
MEETING AGENDA
2198 Main Street, Room A
Monday, June 6, 2022 at 3:30 PM
Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, this meeting will be conducted in person and via remote means, in accordance
with applicable law. This means that members of the public body may access this meeting in person, or via virtual means.
In person attendance will be at the meeting location listed above, and it is possible that any or all members of the public
body may attend remotely. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, and public participation
in any public hearing conducted during this meeting shall be by remote means only.
Members of the public who wish to access the meeting may do so in the following manner:
Meetings may be joined by:
1. Phone: Call (929) 436-2866 or (301) 715-8592. Zoom Meeting ID: 819 3038 8203 and Passcode 317154
To request to speak: Press *9 and wait to be recognized.
2. Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930388203?pwd=VHEvUURMM1ZFdUJNREJIbEN3SFdOZz09 and enter Passcode 317154
To request to speak: Tap Zoom “Raise Hand” button or type “Chat” comment with your name and address, then wait to
be recognized.
Additionally, the meeting will be broadcast live, in real time, via Live broadcast (Brewster Government TV Channel
18), Livestream (livestream.brewster-ma.gov), or Video recording (tv.brewster-ma.gov).
Vision Planning
Committee
Hal Minis
Chair
Sharon Tennstedt
Vice Chair
Amanda Bebrin
Andi Genser
Patricia Hess
Suzanne Kenney
Fran Schofield
Admistrative
Assistant
Ellen Murphy
Select Board
Liaison
Kari Hoffman
Finance Committee
Liaison
Honey Pivirotto
1. Call to Order
2. Declaration of a Quorum
3. Meeting Participation Statement
4. Review and Approval of May 16th meeting minutes
5. Review, finalize and approve Building Block recommendations/actions
a) Local Economy
b) Housing
c) Water Resources
d) Open Space
e) Governance
f) Community Infrastructure
g) Coastal Management
h) Climate Mitigation
i) Community Character
j) Solid Waste
6. Discuss the Action Plan review with Town Staff
7. Update on Summary papers
8. Review Tighe & Bond LCP timeline
9. Discussion of LCP format
10. Communication Update
a) Review Letter of Support for Community One Stop Grant
11. Update on Sea Camps Planning
12. Items for next agenda
13. Review Action items from May 16th meeting
14. Next Meeting: Monday June 27th
15. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
16. Adjournment
Date Posted: Date Revised: Received by Town Clerk:
5/31/2022
Page 1 of 3
TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLANNING COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Monday, May 16, 2022, at 3:30PM
Hybrid Meeting
Hal Minis, Chair, convened the Brewster Vision Planning Committee via remote participation with members: Sharon
Tennstedt, Amanda Bebrin, Suzanne Kenney, and Patricia Hess were present. Paul Wallace, Fran Schofield and Andi
Gesner were absent. A quorum was determined.
Also present: Kari Hoffmann, Jon Idman and Ellen Murphy
The Chair read the Recording or Taping Notification: This meeting will be conducted by remote participation pursuant to
Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, this meeting will be conducted in person and via remote means, in accordance with
applicable law. This means that members of the public body may access this meeting in person, or via virtual means. In
person attendance will be at the meeting location listed above, and it is possible that any or all members of the public body
may attend remotely. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, and public participation in any
public hearing conducted during this meeting shall be by remote means only.
To submit public comment or questions to the Vision Planning Committee, please email: brewplan@brewster-ma.gov.
Review and Approval of May 2nd meeting minutes:
Sharon made a motion to approve the May 2nd meeting minutes, Suzanne seconded the motion, a roll call was
taken, and the May 2nd meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
Review LCP Maps
Sharon Rooney from Tighe & Bond stepped through the LCP maps based on 2016 Massachusetts GIS data, which
is statewide publicly accessible data. She started with the Land Use map, highlighting the existing land use areas
such as open space, residential, commercial, agriculture and tax exempt which is Nickerson Park. Sharon
informed the Committee that the terms used may slightly differ from terms the Committee is familiar with for
Land Use. She went on to discuss water resources showing where the water resources are located in Brewster.
There being no questions from the Committee, Sharon displayed the Transportation resources map showing bus
stops, public parking areas, bus routes, cape-wide trails, on-road bike routes, and roadways. It was suggested to
take off the road names for more clarity. Jon asked if there was a data layer for sidewalks. Sharon indicated the
Cape Cod Commission was working on a study for additional data layers. They moved on to the priority natural
resources map, which is a combination of several data layers, including well head protection areas, combined
natural landscape, priority habitat for wildlife and rare species, protected open space and flood zones. Hal
commented that the maps reflect the survey results for protecting natural areas and the survey comments
encouraging housing to be located close to activities within the Town. Patricia asked what the term protected
areas means. Sharon Rooney clarified that protected areas could be restricted by conservation and protected
from development, or a deed for natural resources and therefore cannot be developed. The Committee went
on to view the Historic map, which outlines historic sites within the Town. This includes properties that are
registered on the National Register of Historic District. The next map viewed by the Committee was the Coastal
Resources map which displays flood zone areas at risk, changing high water shorelines and impacted hurricane
areas on the coast lines. Sharon confirmed the map is just flood zones. Sharon displayed the posters developed
as part of the town center outreach from the survey. It displays eight choices for a town center including the
choice of no town center. Hal informed Sharon Rooney that the big map is displayed in Town Hall, and it calls
out the percentages of responses for the Town center choices. Sharon will view after the meeting. Kari asked if
the Committee could have access to the maps. Sharon will send to Ellen for distribution. Hal suggested the
Committee review the maps for accuracy.
Page 2 of 3
Review and Discuss Building Block recommendations/actions:
1)Community Infrastructure
Amanda provided an overview of purposes and actions. She discussed ensuring the Sea camps
planning and the LCP be aligned. She highlighted actions such as creating a community center for all
ages, repurposing existing structures, developing sidewalks and bicycle paths. Sharon Tennstedt
suggested wording to include identifying a site for the community center.
2)Coastal Management
Hal provided an overview of the purposes and actions. He indicated the actions were taken from
the framework of the Vision Plan, responses from the survey and the Coastal Management plan that
is before the National Resources Commission for implementation. Hal highlighted actions such as
flood plain bylaw, educating the public on healthy coastal wetlands and the need to protect the
areas. He also discussed engaging the Planning Board and stakeholders to evaluate changes in local
zoning and expanding access such as beach access, parking and monitoring coastal change. Suzanne
suggested adding an action for ADA access.
3)Climate Mitigation
Sharon reviewed the purposes and provided the actions within each purpose. She discussed energy
audits and increasing energy efficiency, alternative town vehicles, public charging stations,
incentives for solar panels for private homes. Jon suggested language for the purposes and actions
for climate change that were aligned with the Town’s contribution to reducing greenhouse gases.
Sharon will make the changes as discussed.
4)Community Character
Suzanne provided the Committee with an overview of the purposes and actions. The highlighted
areas included repurposing existing structures, preserving historic character, investigating areas for
a town center and activity centers and mixed-use areas for parking, walking, and biking. Hal
reinforced that 80% of the survey participants indicated that they wanted a town center and over
40% selected Foster Square. Jon suggested although the Committee discussed a town center it is
also possible to have multiple activity centers throughout the town.
5)Solid Waste
Hal informed the Committee that Solid Waste was not an original Building Block but was added to
the list under the Cape Cod Commission’s guidance. He discussed recycling and educating the public
by conducting a user-wide survey on the use of recycling and how to recycle. Jon suggested adding
composting to the recycling list. Amanda suggested a purpose be added to Solid Waste for
consistency. Hal will make the changes discussed.
6)Review Recommendations for other Building Blocks
Hal asked the Committee if they had any comments on the updated Building Blocks that were
reviewed at the last meeting. Amanda provided input on the Water Resources Building Block
actions. She suggested adding other incentives for alternative septic systems. She informed the
Committee that in general Barnstable County is working towards a process to monitor alternative
septic systems and treat them more like a utility. Amanda commented that the Governance actions
have not been updated from the last meeting. Sharon will provide the updated version. Jon
highlighted under Local Economy the language should be changed from “grow” to “preserve and
enhance”. Hal suggested changes to Housing. All updates will be made for the final actions.
Review action ideas with Town staff and Stakeholders June 13 & 14
Hal is meeting with Town Administration on Wednesday to discuss the schedule. The next VPC meeting is June
6th. Hal asked if the Committee could have all actions finalized by the next meeting on June 6th. It was decided
all revised versions of the actions sent to Sharon by Tuesday, May 24th, Sharon will ensure they are all in the
same format. Meeting packets will be sent out on June 2nd for the June 6th meeting. Hal indicated once a
confirmed schedule is in place it will be sent out. Building Block teams will meet with the assigned Town staff
and will be responsible for finalizing any comments. The schedule has been agreed as follows:
Page 3 of 3
1)Revised versions of actions sent to Sharon by Tuesday, May 24
2)June 6th meeting packets sent out Thursday, June 2
3)Review and approve Building Block actions on June 6th meeting
4)Meetings with Town Staff June 13 &14
5)Building Block teams responsible for updating actions after Town Staff meeting
6)VPC meeting scheduled for Monday, June 27 to review and approve final actions with Town Staff
7)July 5th meeting will be canceled
Communication – review current and future actions:
Hal highlighted the Cape Codder publication on the survey results. Hal will give an update to the Select Board on
June 6th. He stepped through a draft of the presentation with the Committee. Ellen informed the Committee
the cost of sending out postcards to thank survey participants is very expensive, and the Committee may want
to reconsider. Hal presented at the Department Head meeting the previous week alerting them of the coming
discussions.
Update on Sea Camps Planning:
Amanda provided an update on the Sea Camps Bay property. She indicated there have begun discussions on
scope of work and a detailed tour was conducted. Next month election leadership will be discussed.
Hal informed the Committee background on the property was discussed and a more comprehensive tour will be
conducted at the next meeting. It was decided that Sea Camps updates will be a regular agenda item.
Update on LCP roadmap and status report on Tighe and Bond tasks:
Summary papers are close to being finalized. Once completed they will be sent to Tighe & Bond. Sharon R
suggested Cape Cod Commission review. Sharon R informed the Committee the Land Use summary revisions
have been completed.
Items for next agenda:
Review of the draft actions for all Building Blocks
Review Action Items from May 2nd meeting:
Patricia informed the Committee that the action items have been covered.
Next Meeting: Monday, June 6th Room A person to person for Committee members
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair:
None
Suzanne made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Amanda seconded the motion, the meeting was unanimously
adjourned at 6:03 pm.
1 | P a g e
LOCAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
DRAFT ACTIONS BY BUILDING BLOCK
MAY 2022
The Vision Planning Committee has drafted the following set of recommended actions for the
building blocks of the Local Comprehensive Plan. The building blocks include the original eight
from the 2018 Vision Plan and two newly created ones for Solid Waste and Climate Mitigation
These actions are based on multiple sources including the Vision Plan, the 2021 review of
implemented actions proposed in that Plan, results of stakeholder interviews conducted in
2021, Summary Papers developed and updated in 2022 for each Building Block, and the results
of the 2022 Town-wide Brewster’s Next Steps survey. Once finalized, these Actions will be
included in Brewster’s Local Comprehensive Plan.
2 | P a g e
COMMUNITY CHARACTER
GOAL: Sustain and foster Brewster's historic and archeological values, rural nature, small town
feel, and socially inclusive spirit
Purpose 1: Provide social opportunities and services for all
Consider the repurposing of existing buildings at identified sites (Eddy School and Sea Camps)
and allocate capital funds for a multigenerational community center.
Promote age-friendly ADA requirements for infrastructure.
Purpose 2: Maintain the Town’s historic heritage and style
Reinforce building design along Rt. 6A to preserve historic character and review regulations
accordingly.
Purpose 3: Maintain the Town’s small-town feel and scale through appropriate development
Investigate establishment of a Town Center and/or activity centers and potential uses.
Consider land use tools to manage the development of a Town Center and activity centers.
Review mixed use potential in Town Center with parking considerations and a plan for walkable
and bikeable use.
OPEN SPACE
GOAL: Maintain and expand open space assets to provide public recreation, protect fragile plant
and wildlife habitat, protect water resources, and contribute to carbon sequestration
PURPOSE 1: Improve public access to and expand the use of recreational areas
Actively pursue the development, including final design, permitting, and construction, of the
Cape Cod Rail Trail extension from Nickerson State Park to the State beach property, in
collaboration with the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Increase the importance of recreation and the positive effect of woodlands in climate mitigation
as criteria for land acquisition.
Complete the permitting, funding, and construction of the Wing Island boardwalk.
Develop an integrated trail system for the Long Pond Woodlands and former Sea Camps Long
Pond property.
PURPOSE 2: Prioritize environmentally sensitive areas for preservation
Continue to prioritize land acquisition in drinking water supply areas.
PURPOSE 3: Maintain open space through density and development standards
Revise the Zoning by-law to direct growth away from priority natural resource areas while
directing development to areas of public services, economic activities, and transport where it is
appropriate.
Develop design standards for environmentally sensitive areas.
3 | P a g e
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 goal of 10% affordable housing by 2025.
PURPOSE 1: Promote housing choices to allow families, older adults, and seasonal workers to live,
work, and prosper
Study possibility of establishing multiuse zoning incorporating mixed uses in high density
commercial sections of town and village business areas.
Evaluate ADU bylaw, explore incentives for a greater number of ADUs, and connect owners to
community resources
Identify and review existing non-conforming lots that might be eligible for development of
affordable housing
Leverage existing local and regional groups to conduct public forums to educate the general
public on what affordable housing is and why it is important in the Town of Brewster
Support creative funding and collaborative partnerships (public/private) in the development of
needed affordable housing, including incentives for year-round rentals
Work collaboratively with other towns to increase opportunities for affordable housing
Review and evaluate the residential zoning by-law with the aim of promoting more
opportunities for various types of housing
Prioritize the adaptive re-use of existing buildings for affordable housing
Encourage housing in areas near transport, public services, and economic activities.
PURPOSE 2: Provide housing opportunities for the Town’s aging population
Explore solutions to allow residents to age in place including subsidizing physical adaptations,
co-housing, and a review of co-pairing situations.
PURPOSE 3: Address housing needs of year-round and seasonal workers
Review zoning restrictions and propose creative solutions including use of Sea Camps
dormitories and other non-traditional designs.
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: Preserve and enhance Brewster’s economy based on the Town’s natural beauty and
resources
Work proactively with the Brewster Chamber of Commerce to develop a brand and provide
incentives to promote new and existing businesses which build on the Town’s rural character
and natural resources including, but not limited to, the Cape Cod Bay and beaches, ponds, parks,
open space, and Rail Trail.
4 | P a g e
PURPOSE 2: Foster small businesses compatible with the Town’s character and promote year-round
employment
Review, change and expand zoning to allow different types of small business and allow in home
businesses compatible with the town’s character.
Consider form-based zoning as a way to focus on the physical form of development rather than
the type of business. Build public awareness/understanding of the concept of form-based
zoning.
Modify/simplify the business permitting process for new businesses and start-ups in order to
attract small businesses to the town.
COASTAL MANAGEMENT
GOAL: In the context of coastal change, preserve and protect Brewster’s coastal resources,
expand public access, and minimize the vulnerabilities from coastal hazards
due to climate change
PURPOSE 1: Protect coastal resources in ways that preserve coastal ecosystems and the character of
the Town and coastal neighborhoods
Evaluate the potential for implementing a flood plain bylaw to, among other things, “restrict or
prohibit development and uses on Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage (i.e., 100-year coastal
floodplain) and its buffer zones.
Increase public awareness of the importance of healthy coastal wetlands and natural processes,
and of the need to protect these resource areas.
Work with the Planning Board and stakeholders to evaluate changes to local zoning and
regulations to preserve scale, character and resources in the coastal planning area.
PURPOSE 2: Maintain and expand public access for all through public consensus and explore alternate
modes of transport and access points
Explore alternative transport options for beach access from remote locations.
Identify options for off-site parking and potential parking retreat locations.
Maintain and, where feasible, enhance peak seasonal parking demand/capacity at beaches and
landings.
Complete the permitting and construction of the Wing Island Boardwalk.
Complete the planning and implement beach access at the former Cape Cod Sea Camps Bayside
property.
Continue to ensure and expand ADA-compliant access.
PURPOSE 3: Adapt to climate change projections and advance adaptation and resiliency techniques
that are financially and environmentally sustainable
Monitor and assess coastal change, including a 5 -year update of projections of sea level rise and
storm surge, modeled impacts of these forces on public beaches and landings, infrastructure,
private property, and coastal resources.
5 | P a g e
Update the 2015 Sediment Budget analysis in tandem with the sea level rise projections to
assess trends in sediment movement along Brewster’s shoreline, in collaboration with Dennis,
Orleans and Eastham.
Protect and maintain coastal landforms and vegetation that provide buffers to erosion caused
by storm surge.
Explore options for the retreat of threatened development from coastal areas.
WATER RESOURCES
GOAL: Protect Brewster's fresh water system to preserve high quality drinking water and maintain
or improve the health of our ponds, wetlands and their buffers, and marine watersheds
PURPOSE 1: Protect town wellfields by expanding open space acquisition and other measures
Continue land purchases--in critical and contiguous areas-- to protect the drinking water and
limit further development around land that protects the aquifer, in particular around wells and
ponds
Strengthen groundwater protection in industrial zones
PURPOSE 2: Improve pond water quality through public education, regulation, and mitigation
activities
Promote and research use of innovative septic systems and other waste management
alternative models, and develop financial management assistance programs and/or non-
financial incentives.
Explore cluster sewage treatment systems for multifamily and neighborhoods in areas of town
impacted by individual septic systems.
Fully implement storm water bylaw and share information with the public.
Educate the public on water quality issues and what people can do to make a difference in their
own homes including fertilizer use, installing a rain barrel, cleaning septic system every 3 years.
PURPOSE 3: Protect water quality in marine watersheds
Promote and research the use of innovative septic systems and other waste management
alternative models, and develop financial management assistance programs and/or non-
financial incentives.
Explore cluster sewage treatment systems for multifamily and neighborhoods in areas of town
impacted by individual septic systems.
Conduct dialogues with private golf courses on nutrient reduction modeled after the approach
at Captains Golf Course.
6 | P a g e
GOVERNANCE
GOAL: Create a more open an inclusive town government that encourages participation by all
residents 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
Develop a written Communications Plan that informs Town residents about how to find relevant
information on the Town website concerning the affairs of the Town, including:
updates regarding membership of Boards and Committees,
meeting agendas and minutes,
parties responsible for posting and updating information, and required timeframe for
posting (e.g., number of days after a meeting must minutes be posted).
Include the status (appointed vs elected) of each Town Board and Committee on their
respective Town website page in order to improve transparency and consistency.
Include a resource section on the Town website that includes educational materials including
videos (e.g., by link to Vimeo, BGTV or LCTV files) and fact sheets on topics such as zoning,
permitting, ADUs, and other matters of high interest.
PURPOSE 2: Expand the volunteer base to increase the use of citizen expertise and build diversity n –
making
Continue the use of Town-wide activities and ad hoc committees to engage residents in Town
affairs.
Reduce Committee and Board term limits (i.e., from 5 years to 3 years) to address the challenge
of recruiting volunteer members.
Develop a central database of volunteers to assist with recruitment of qualified volunteers
across all Town Departments and appointed Committees.
Post volunteer openings on the Town website for Town Departments and appointed
Committees as well as for community organizations that support Town functions and activities
in order to enhance resident access to volunteer opportunities.
Acknowledge contributions of active volunteers and recognize volunteers when they complete
their commitment in order to improve volunteer retention.
PURPOSE 3: Strengthen the customer service approach to Town services
Consider ways to consolidate inspectional functions of the Building and Health Departments
that would offer the following advantages: increased communication among staff, increased
coordination regarding one structure and the required inspections, increased planning for the
future of the department, consistency of messaging, increased accessibility for residents, and
possible ease of scheduling.
7 | P a g e
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 safe and reliable transportation, including multimodal forms of
transport
OVERARCHING ACTION:
Complete and begin implementation of comprehensive planning for the former Cape Cod Sea
Camps properties including integrating Vision Plan elements.
PURPOSE 1: Create a Community Center for people of all ages
Move forward on identifying the site for the multi-generational community center. Determine
appropriate next steps related to results of the School Consolidation Feasibility Study in
coordination with the Bay Property comprehensive planning process.
PURPOSE 2: Expand bike and pedestrian trails and paths for recreation and transportation
throughout town
Develop a town-wide plan for expanding bike and pedestrian paths and sidewalks, possibly
including road improvement priorities, reducing speed limits, Brewster-branded rest stops on
the CCRT, a continuous sidewalk from Orleans to Drummer Boy Park, a complete Streets design
which is compatible with Brewster’s character, and non-road-based path opportunities.
Pursue the development of the CCRT extension from Nickerson State Park to Cape Cod Bay
including the consideration of alternatives for crossing Rte 6A.
PURPOSE 3: Provide active recreation opportunities and facilities including those for youth
Implement the Master Plan for Drummer Boy Park.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
GOAL: To promote a solid waste management system that protects public health, safety, and the
environment and supports the economy
PURPOSE 1: Reduce the waste stream and improve waste and recycling handling at the Recycling
Center
Conduct a Recycling Center user-wide survey of residents, visitors, and property managers to
determine the most effective method of communication so that changes in procedures can take
quickly place when most economically advantageous to the Town.
Prepare a local on-going multi-media campaign to reduce the waste stream covering what, why
and how to recycle, re-use or re-purpose typical household materials.
Since the transfer station building is no longer used for its originally designed purpose, conduct
an analysis of the transfer station site, including traffic circulation, with the objective of meeting
current disposal and recycling needs through a combination of re-arranging the current site and
potentially building a new facility.
8 | P a g e
CLIMATE MITIGATION
GOAL: Support and advance the Commonwealth’s gas reduction goals, including promoting
sustainable energy use and renewable energy that protects the Town’s natural resources
PURPOSE 1: Reduce the Town’s contribution to and vulnerability to climate change
Develop and implement a Net Zero Energy Plan.
Implement the MEMA/FEMA approved 2021 Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Complete energy audits in all Town buildings and specify actions regarding increased energy
efficiency in existing and newly constructed Town buildings.
Encourage solar panels on Town, commercial and residential buildings or parking lot
canopies/carports that do not negatively impact the Town character.
Purchase alternative fuel Town vehicles when existing vehicles are at end of their safe, useable
life.
Work with private entities to install public charging stations at appropriate publicly accessible
locations.
Consider provision of financial incentives for installation of solar panels on private homes.
PURPOSE 2: Review and update Town bylaws and regulations to mitigate projected climate change
impacts
Review zoning bylaw amendments for consistency with this goal.
Review Historic District regulations regarding residential solar panels for consistency with this
goal.
Foster carbon sequestration by amending Town bylaw to limit clear cutting of forested land for
solar farms.
Promote efficient development patterns that reduce reliance on individual vehicles.
PURPOSE 3: Build awareness of the public and decision makers about the nature of climate change
and Town mitigation efforts
Develop a Preparedness Campaign for the general public (i.e., residents and seasonal guests)
and the private sector that includes guidance and checklists for reducing fossil fuel use, as well
as recommendations to increase community resilience to the impacts of climate change.
BVPC Action Plan Review – June 2022 rev
Theme/Building Block VPC Team Action Item Workshop Members Monday
June 13
Tuesday
June 14
Community character Patricia Hess
Sue Kenney
Peter Lombardi, Denise Rego, Mike Gradone, Davis Walters, Jill
Scalise, Cindy Bingham
3PM (B)
Open space Hal Minis
Sharon Tennstedt
Chris Miller, Mike Gradone, Mary Chaffee, Elizabeth Taylor,
Amy Henderson 12PM (B)
Housing Andi Genser
Sue Kenney
Donna Kalinick, Jill Scalise, Ned Chatelain 12PM (A)
Economy Patricia Hess
Paul Wallace
Peter Lombardi, Davis Walters, Kyle Hinkle, Ned Chatelain 1PM (A)
Water resources Andi Genser
Sue Kenney
Peter Lombardi, Chris Miller, Amy von Hone, Paul Anderson,
Griffin Ryder, Cindy Bingham, Kim Pearson, Susan Bridges
2PM (B)
Coastal management Fran Schofield
Hal Minis
Peter Lombardi, Chris Miller, Noelle Aguiar, Kari Hoffmann, Kim Pearson 1PM (B)
Governance Sharon Tennstedt
Amanda Bebrin
Peter Lombardi, Colette Williams, Dave Whitney, (Donna Kalinick) 2PM (B)
Community
infrastructure
Hal Minis
Amanda Bebrin
Donna Kalinick, Griffin Ryder, Mike Gradone, Denise Rego, Chris
Miller, Dave Whitney, (Peter Lombardi)
1PM (B)
Climate mitigation Sharon Tennstedt
Fran Schofield
Cait Cantella, Chuck Hanson, Kari Hoffmann, (Peter Lombardi) 3PM (A)
Solid Waste Mgmt Hal Minis Griffin Ryder, Donna Kalinick, Mary Chaffee, Meg Morris 2PM (A)
Brewster Local Comprehensive Plan
VPC Draft Action Plan Review
June 13 and 14, 2022
1.For Town Staff and other reviewers
The purpose of the review sessions is to ensure that the Local Comprehensive Plan includes
actions under each Building Block which are high priority and implementable. More specifically,
reviewers should each action as to its accuracy (is it correctly stated), relevancy (does it reflect
other Town plans), and implement ability (does the Town or other local organization have the
capacity to implement).
The list of actions is not intended to be a complete list of all that could be done, but it should
include the most important actions to achieve the Building Block goals. The general time
horizon for the LCP is 5 to ten years. The LCP will guide Town strategy over the next ten years,
but the actions are those which should be targeted in the next five years. Some complex actions
may need a longer implementation timeframe so the action plan can specify the initial actions
as the early phase.
The draft list of actions is drawn from the summary papers, results of the recent public survey,
the Vision Plan, and comments made during the review of Vision Plan implementation last year
(Question 5 asked about future priorities for the LCP).
The sessions will be led by the VPC team who will proceed by action under each purpose in the
Building Block. Your comments about the form and substance of each action are welcome. The
LCP team will also ask if any other high priority actions should be included in case you would
like to propose additional actions.
We have scheduled up to an hour for the review of each Building Block.
The attached packet includes the draft action plan and the summary paper for the Building
Block which will be covered in the designated session. If you would like to see the summary
papers or actions for other Building Blocks, please contact Ellen Murphy on the Planning
Department: emurphy@brewster-ma.gov
2.For VPC building block teams
One of the most important parts of the Local Comprehensive Plan is the action plan that is
proposed to achieve the goals for each Building Block goals. The purpose of the review sessions
is to ensure that the Local Comprehensive Plan includes actions under each Building Block
which are high priority and implementable. More specifically, reviewers should each action as
to its accuracy (is it correctly stated), relevancy (does it reflect other Town plans), and
implement ability (does the Town or other local organization have the capacity to implement).
The list of actions is not intended to be a complete list of all that could be done, but it should
include the most important actions to achieve the Building Block goals. The general time
horizon for the LCP is 5 to 10 years. The LCP will guide Town strategy over the next ten years,
but the actions are those which should be targeted in the next five years. Some complex actions
may need a longer implementation timeframe so the action plan can specify the initial actions
as the early phase.
Following the review session, the VPC will finalize the list of actions and they will become part
of the draft LCP which will be presented at a public hearing, tentatively scheduled for
September. The final LCP will then be presented at Fall Town Meeting for approval, and then
sent to the Cape Cod Commission for certification.
To ensure a successful review process, we propose the following guidelines for conducting the
review.
1.Start by introducing yourselves and have other reviewers introduce themselves
2.Review the purpose of the meeting (above)
3.Indicate that the group will have up to an hour for the review process. The means that:
a.We welcome comments on the substance and form of the actions
b. Try to avoid detailed wordsmithing except as it is necessary to make the action
clear
c.Try to be concise and allow everyone to comment
d.We will try to reach consensus on changes and the final substance of the
individual actions
e.We will proceed draft action by action under each purpose
f.At the end of each purpose, we will ask if anything that would be a high priority
has been left out.
4.Be aware of the time to make sure the group discusses all actions. Do time checks
periodically if there is a lot of discussion.
5.When you’ve completed the review, thank them for their time.
6.Please bear in mind that the role of the VPC team is to facilitate the discussion. You may
need to review the origin of some of the actions, if there are questions, but you don’t
need to get defensive about the substance or form. We’re all looking for the best
possible product in the end.
7.It may be helpful for the VPC team to divide tasks, one person being the lead facilitator,
the other the lead scribe recording the comments and final consensus on action
substance and form
•
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
ramxamiotO
May 25, 2022
Re: Town of Brewster
One Stop Application
Planning and Design Phase for Former Cape Cod Sea Camps Properties
Dear Secretary Mike Kennealy and One Stop Program Team,
It is our pleasure to submit this letter in support of the Town of Brewster's application for a
Community One Stop for Growth grant to support the planning and design phase of the project to
develop the former Cape Cod Sea Camps properties. This project is strongly aligned with the
Town's 2018 Vision Plan.
Brewster's Vision Plan is the expression of community preferences for the Town's social,
physical, and economic evolution. The plan was developed through a community -wide process
that included three series of public workshops and town -wide survey. 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 to work
with Town staff and the community to develop a Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) based on the
Vision Plan goals.
The Town of Brewster has acquired the Cape Cod Sea Camps with the intention of creating two
separate but related waterfront destinations that significantly advance the Vision Plan goals.
Some of the relevant goals in the Vision Plan include:
• Preserving our rural, small-town character and historic setting,
• Protecting our coastal resources and expanding public access,
• Managing our open space assets to provide recreation opportunities and protect
fragile habitats
• Protecting the health of our ponds
The project to develop these Sea Camps parcels would help achieve all of these goals and several
more specific objectives including:
• Providing a place for a community center for people of all ages
• Providing recreational opportunities and facilities including those for youth
• Protecting coastal resources in ways that preserve the character of coastal
neighborhoods,
• Addressing the needs of the town's year-round and seasonal workforce
If funded, the One Stop grant would be used to support the planning and design phase of this
project. This phase will be important component of the Local Comprehensive Plan. We, the
Vision Planning Committee, strongly support the Town of Brewster's application for the
Community One Stop for Growth grant.
Sincerely,
Hal Minis, Chair
Vision Planning Committee
Actions VPC Meeting May 16 2022
Action Responsibility Time
Send maps to Ellen Sharon R Done
Revise and edit LCP Actions and send to Ellen All By May 24
Give Select Board update Hal June 6
Check Every Door site re postcard postage Ellen June 6
Next meeting in person and Zoom All June 6
Future Meetings: June 6 Review all LCP Actions
June 13 and 14 meeting with town staff time TBD
June 27 Review Actions and town staff input and finalize
July 18 VPC meeting