HomeMy Public PortalAboutVPC 08/15/22 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, August 15, 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
Alex Wentworth
Town Planner
Jon Idman
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. Approval of July 18th meeting minutes
5. Review draft LCP by Tighe & Bond, including public comments on LCP overview & draft
Action Plan
6. Discuss preparations for the LCP public hearing
7. Update on Sea Camps Planning
8. Items for next agenda
9. Review Action items from July 18th meeting
10. Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 6th
11. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
12. Adjournment
Date Posted: Date Revised: Received by Town Clerk:
8/11/2022
Page 1 of 2
TOWN OF BREWSTER VISION PLANNING COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Monday, July 18, 2022, at 3:30PM
Hybrid Meeting
Hal Minis, Chair, convened the Brewster Vision Planning Committee via remote participation with members: Sharon
Tennstedt, Vice Chair, Amanda Bebrin, Suzanne Kenney, Andi Genser, Patricia Hess and Alex Wentworth were present.
Fran Schofield was absent. A quorum was determined.
Also present: Kari Hoffmann, Jon Idman, Sharon Rooney and Bronwen Walsh
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 July 5th meeting minutes:
Sharon stated there was one correction the next meeting date should be changed from August 1st to July 18th,
with that correction she made a motion to approve the July 5th meeting minutes, Amanda seconded the motion,
a roll call was taken, and the July 5th meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
Review LCP draft summary for public engagement:
Hal discussed the draft summary outlining an overview of the entire document to provide an understanding of
the full content of the LCP. He asked the Committee to comment on the level of information. Sharon indicated
it was too much information and could discourage public comments. Suzanne asked how the summary
document would be made available to the public. Hal responded it would be available online and through email
as an attachment. He stated that the main goal is to get the public to read the action plan. Jon suggested a one-
page summary explaining the LCP and the action plan. Andi agreed the summary was too lengthy and discussed
options. Sharon suggested that since the Committee is trying to get most of the comments prior to the hearing
the action plan should stay intact. Alex asked if the document will be interactive. Jon suggested reformatting
the document and a notice or announcement with hyperlinks on the Town website. Hal suggested reformatting
once the plan is finalized. Amanda stated survey participants may want to see the action items that come out of
the survey. The Committee discussed the order of the materials and agreed the action plan would be last.
Amanda suggested the action plan model the Vision Plan format. Suzanne suggested the headings become lead
in lines to capture the reader. Amanda offered to reformat the document. Sharon reminded the Committee of
the timeline and suggested getting the request for comments out by the end of the week. Amanda will reformat
and re-title the action plan. Bronwen Walsh from the Cape Cod Chronicle who joined the meeting informed the
Committee she will be writing an article on the Brewster LCP. Jon suggested putting an advertisement or
announcement about the public comment period. Hal suggested we use the same vehicles we used in the past
to announce the public comment period. Jon indicated that some explanatory wording was necessary to include
in the announcement. He drafted wording that would be appropriate. Patricia will send Jon the articles that
have been used in the past. The Committee discussed the draft and decided to use it as a press release. Cape
Cod radio was suggested by Andi. Jon will look into it. The Committee will review the completed draft prior to
distribution.
Review timeline for preparation and submission of LCP
Hal confirmed with Town Administration the public hearing would be on Monday, September 19. The Select
Board will host with the Planning Board and the VPC in attendance. This would be a special meeting starting at
6:00. The Committee discussed the duration of the public comment period. Sharon suggested the public
comment period end no later than August 12th. Jon and Ellen will put together a matrix as the comments from
Page 2 of 2
the public are received. Friday, August 12 will be the deadline for public comments, focusing on getting the
public comment request on the Town’s website, Brewster splash page and the Brewster Facebook page by the
end of the week, once reviewed by Town Administration. Kari suggested posting the public hearing in advance.
The Committee decided to post the public hearing 10 days in advance of the meeting.
Review and discuss LCP draft outline
Sharon Rooney stepped through each of the sections of the outline and highlighted the changes from the last
meeting. Patricia asked about the Land Use section. Sharon Rooney confirmed Land Use is an overarching
element. She confirmed that it is not a Building Block but there is a summary paper. She asked where the
Committee wants Land Use to be located in the LCP. It was decided to set it aside for now. Andi asked if the
Committee would continue to monitor the implementation of the LCP. Hal confirmed that it is the charge of the
VPC to continue to document the implementation. He informed the Committee the way it is describe is to
provide an annual monitoring report. Jon suggested the Performance Monitoring section and ongoing
obligation be combined with priorities set in the Select Board’s strategic plan in the Implementation Schedule
section. This could be referred to as simply the Implementation section. Alex asked if it would include a
timeframe or frequency of monitoring. Jon stated the Committee would have to discuss but it should be
included in the LCP. Hal suggested that at a minimum it should state the continuation of monitoring the
implementation of the Vision Plan. Sharon Rooney provided an update on the Capital Facilities plan. She met
with Town Administration and shared the Provincetown Capital Facilities plan format. It will be in a table format
and easier to read than a narrative. There were questions from Town staff that she forwarded to Cape Cod
Commission for their feedback. She highlighted Capital Facility items from the action plan that will be included
in the Capital Facilities plan. They are underway and will have a format back to Town staff for review. Town
Administration is anticipating a final version for the LCP for VPC review targeting the first or second week of
September. The Capital Facilities plan requires an inventory of the existing Town’s capital facilities and assets
which still needs to be incorporated. Sharon informed the Committee she received the completed Housing
Production Plan and will be updating the Housing Summary.
Update on Sea Camps Planning:
No update for the Bay Parcel or Long Pond, meetings are scheduled for later in the week.
Items for next agenda:
a) Word version of LCP
b) Public comments to date
Review Action Items from July 5th meeting:
Outstanding items include number of hardcopies of the LCP, maps to display in the LCP, additional pictures for
the LCP.
Next Meeting: Monday, August 1st Room A person to person for Committee members
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair:
Hal introduced a newly appointed member Alex Wentworth replacing Paul Wallace from the Planning
Board.
Sharon made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Amanda seconded the motion, the meeting was unanimously adjourned
at 4:55 pm.
Vision Statement – end of Page 1
The LCPs vision statement is a product of significant community input: it reflects
the shared values of the Brewster community related to, among other things,
future growth and development and resource protection in the town. The town’s
vision statement also harmonizes with the regional vision articulated in the Cape
Cod Regional Policy Plan. In particular, the town’s visioning process involved
“town center” discussions: identifying existing centers of concentrated activity,
development and infrastructure in the town, outside of large, unfragmented,
natural resource corridors, that might accommodate expanded future housing and
economic opportunities.
9. LCP Implementation and Performance Monitoring
Implementing the LCP will be the responsibility of numerous Town boards and departments and
organizations in the community. The Select Board will hold responsibility for identifying action priorities
and overseeing implementation. The primary vehicle for identifying priorities will be the Select Board’s
annual rolling strategic planning exercise which, since its start in 2019, has been structured around the
goals of the Vision Plan. Moving forward, the LCP will be the framework to ensure the alignment of the
Select Board’s strategic plan and the community’s vision.
In addition to the Select Board, the Planning Board will play a key role in implementing the LCP,
particularly those elements related to land use policy and reforming the Town’s by-laws so that they
become better adapted tools for achieving the vision and policy directions of the LCP.
Monitoring the implementation of the Vision Plan and LCP and reporting to the community have been
part of the Vision Planning Committee’s charge. In 2021, the Committee produced a report on the
implementation of the Vision Plan, a simple report that was well received by citizens and Town
government. With the LCP becoming the framework for the Select Board’s strategic plans, monitoring
implementation becomes an integral part of that process on an annual basis. This will include publishing
reports on implementation progress for the Select Board’s internal use and reporting to the public on
progress in achieving the community’s goals.
solar info language inserted under ‘Green Communities’ bullets on page 46.
“The town has 3.18628 total MW of solar generating facilities located on (four)
municipal properties: (the transfer station, the Stony Brook and Eddy Schools; and
the Captains Golf Course and driving range). The total revenues and savings to the
town through leases and offtaking arrangements with other municipal facilities is
approximately $273,772.06 (FY22). The total energy savings to the town from the
rooftop solar installations on Stony Brook and Eddy Elementary Schools is
256,345.61 kWh (FY22).”
LCP Comments
8-9-2022
Thru
8-11-2022
1
Ellen Murphy
From:Susan Bridges <susan.bridges@brewsterponds.org>
Sent:Wednesday, August 10, 2022 11:04 AM
To:brewplan
Cc:Peter Lombardi; David Whitney; Cynthia Bingham; Kari Hoffmann; Mary Chaffee; Ned
Chatelain; Board of Directors
Subject:BPC Board Comments on the Comprehensive Plan
Dear Vision Planning Committee (with Peter Lombardi and Select Board on copy),
The Board of The Brewster Ponds Coalition applauds the work of the Visioning Committee and the draft
document provided to townspeople for comment. It is gratifying for our Board to see how seriously the town is
taking water protection issues.
We suggest the following additions to the Action Plan which would serve to provide more current scientific
knowledge and guidance about nutrient pollution to groundwater, ponds and embayments in Brewster, and
more specificity, the actions needed:
In Water Resources, Purpose 2 - Add an explicit statement that the town comprehensive water
protection plan be updated to include planning studies and specific actions to address the impact of
septic systems on ponds, groundwater, and public and private wells (notably for nutrients and pollutants
of emerging concern).
In Water Resources, Purpose 2 - Action 5, add “ In partnership with engaged community-based
organizations, educate the public ..."
In Water Resources, Purpose 3 - Add action 5 from Purpose 2 “ In partnership with engaged
community-based organizations, educate the public on water quality issues and what people can do to
make a difference in their own homes.”
In the Community Infrastructure section, Purpose 3 - Add that an efficient funding method and
management entities be established to support the work needed to protect our water resources,
including septic system upgrades and land acquisitions.
Respectfully,
The Brewster Ponds Coalition Board:
Susan Bridges, President
John Keith, Vice President
Nancy Ortiz, Clerk
Rob Condon, Treasurer
Marty Burke
Ron Essig
Cameron Ferguson
Kevin Kearns
Marcia Kielb
Mary Mauterstock
Konrad Schultz
1
Ellen Murphy
From:Jonathon Idman
Sent:Wednesday, August 10, 2022 9:01 AM
To:Ellen Murphy
Subject:FW: Comments on Brewster's Draft Local Comprehensive Plan
Attachments:LCP-ActionPlan-JDDraft.docx
Jonathon D. Idman
Brewster Town Planner
(508) 896-3701 x. 1150
From: jill douglas <tawktame@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 9, 2022 7:02 PM
To: Jonathon Idman <jIdman@brewster-ma.gov>; Lynn St. Cyr <lstcyr@brewster-ma.gov>; Donna Kalinick
<dkalinick@brewster-ma.gov>; Peter Lombardi <plombardi@brewster-ma.gov>
Cc: Jill Scalise <jwertz-scalise@brewster-ma.gov>
Subject: Comments on Brewster's Draft Local Comprehensive Plan
Thank you to all the members of staff and the public who contributed towards this excellent draft. In
compliance with the very short 3-week deadline for public comment, please accept my comments on the draft
Comprehensive Plan as written. My comments are presented as a red-lined/red-text "review mode" versio n of
the original Word file. Please contact me if this does not convey properly and I will hand-deliver a hard copy. I
am grateful for the opportunity to comment. - Jillian Douglass
2
BREWSTER’S LOCAL
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2022
Draft Action Plan
Prepared by: The Brewster Vision Planning Committee
July 2022
1
COMMUNITY CHARACTER
GOAL: Sustain and foster Brewster's historic and archeological values, rural nature, small town feel, and socially inclusive
spirit and vitality
PURPOSE 1: Provide social opportunities and services for all
Actions:
● Expand and enhance service programming for all, including
recreational opportunities in a multi-generational community
center, and at the former Sea Camps Bay and Long Pond
properties
● Identify, develop, and support new services as needed, building
on diversity, equity, and inclusion
● Ensure that school facilities and activities meet the needs of
young families
● Increase accessibility to all Town activities and facilities.
● Evaluate providing financial support for Pre-K to attract and
retain young working families
● Consider using public/governmental powers and resources to
acquire property or devepoment rights to encourage new,
expanded or higher intensity uses to locate in, or adjacent to
existing higher intensity uses.
PURPOSE 2: Maintain the Town’s historic heritage and style
Actions:
● Support existing regulations and educate public on building
design along Rt. 6A to preserve historic character
● Consider sensitivity to historic nature in development of Town
projects
● Investigate the need for a Demolition Delay Bylaw and
implement if supported
PURPOSE 3: Maintain the Town’s small-town feel and scale
through appropriate development
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● Explore the establishment of a Town Center and/or activity
centers (Village Business Zones) and potential uses
● Consider land use tools to manage the development of a Town
Center and/or activity centers
● Review mixed use potential in a Town Center and/or activity
centers with parking considerations and a plan for walkable and
bike able use
ponds, wetlands and their buffers, and marine watersheds
OVERARCHING PURPOSE: Continue to up-date and
implement the Integrated Water Resources Management
Plan
PURPOSE 1: Protect town drinking water supply areas by
continuing open space acquisition and other measures
Actions:
● Continue land purchases to protect the drinking water and limit
further development around land that protects the aquifer,
coordinate with neighboring towns
● Consider further strengthening drinking water supply
protection in industrial zones
● Consider regulating bans, restrictions or management controls
over vegetation management practices and chemicals/
materials, which when improperly controlled, applied or
released have significant potential to cause incremental or
irreversible hazard or damage to water quality, habitat or
environmental conditions.
● Evaluate other actions to protect drinking water from the
impacts of other land uses
PURPOSE 2: Improve pond water quality through public
education, regulation, and mitigation activities
Actions:
● Promote and research, including through pilot programs, the
use of innovative septic systems and other non-traditional
wastewater management models, develop financial
management assistance programs and/or non-financial
incentives and evaluate management and financing options
● Explore the feasibility of cluster sewage treatment systems for
multifamily housing areas and neighborhoods that will impact
pond water quality where supported by sufficient density
● Fully implement the stormwater bylaw and share further
information with the public
● Continue to update pond water quality data and report to the
public
● Educate the public on water quality issues and what people can
do to make a difference in their own homes
● Pursue land acquisition to protect pond water quality
PURPOSE 3: Protect water quality in marine watersheds
through public education, regulation, and mitigation
activities
Actions:
• Evaluate the maximum build-out in the Pleasant Bay and
Herring River watersheds and its impact on water quality;
consider regulations to mitigate impacts
WATER RESOURCES
GOAL: Protect Brewster's freshwater system to preserve high quality drinking water and maintain or improve the health of our
3
• Promote and research, including through pilot programs, the
use of innovative septic systems and other non-traditional
wastewater management models, develop financial
management assistance programs and/or non-financial
incentives, and evaluate management and financing options
• Explore the feasibility of cluster sewage treatment systems for
multifamily and neighborhoods that will impact marine
watershed water quality where supported by sufficient density
• Continue exploring nitrogen reduction practices on golf courses
• Pursue land acquisition to protect marine watersheds water
quality
water resources, and contribute to carbon sequestration
PURPOSE 1: Improve public access to and expand
recreational area use of open space
Actions:
● Continue to acquire open space, emphasizing the importance of
recreation, the potential for building trail networks, and the
positive effect of woodlands in climate mitigation as criteria for
land acquisition
● Develop an integrated trail system for the Long Pond
Woodlands and former Sea Camps Long Pond property
● Continue to improve public education and information,
including guides and signage, about access to and locations of
municipal open space assets
PURPOSE 2: Prioritize environmentally sensitive areas for
preservation
Actions:
● Continue to prioritize land acquisition in public drinking water
supply areas
● Formalize the criteria to evaluate open space acquisitions
● Emphasize the importance of pond and fragile habitat
protection as related to this Purpose
PURPOSE 3: Maintain open space through density and
development standards
Actions:
● Revise regulations and bylaws to direct growth toward areas
with public services, economic activities, and transport, and
away from environmentally sensitive areas
● Develop design standards to prevent fragmentation of
environmentally sensitive areas
OPEN SPACE
GOAL: Maintain and expand open space assets to provide passive recreation, protect fragile plant and wildlife habitat, protect
4
PURPOSE 4: Maintain open space assets for public resource
values
Actions:
● Develop and maintain an inventory of all Town-owned open
space
● Develop an active management program for Town-owned open
space
their current housing to remain in the community
PURPOSE 1: Achieve the Commonwealth’s goal of 10%
affordable housing by 2027
Actions:
● Implement the 2022 Housing Production Plan (HPP) Update
● Collaborate with existing local and regional groups to conduct
public forums educating the general public on how housing can
be madewhat affordable housing is and why it is important in
the Town of Brewster
● Work collaboratively with the State, County and other towns to
increase regional affordable housing and household support
programs and opportunities for populations needing less
expensiveaffordable housing throughout our region.
PURPOSE 2: Establish attainable housing by promoting
housing choices to allow families, single individuals, older
adults, and seasonal workers to live, work, and prosper in
the community
Actions:
● Review and consider revising, as appropriate, the zoning bylaw
to clarify/allow mixed use developments
● Evaluate ADU bylaw to improve efficacy, explore incentives for
a greater number of ADUs, and connect owners to community
resources
● Support creative funding and collaborative partnerships
(public/private) in the development of community housing,
including incentives for year-round rentals
● Review and consider revising, as appropriate, the zoning bylaw
to clarify/allow for housing to be developed where existing uses
are compatible and minimal negative impacts are anticipated
● Evaluate ADU bylaw to improve efficacy, explore incentives and
assistance for the production of a greater number of ADUs, and
connecting owners to community and support resources.
● Support creative funding and collaborative partnerships
(public/private) in the development of community housing,
including incentives for year-round rentals and support services
for landlords and tenants of year-round affordable housing.
● Work collaboratively with the State, County and other towns to
increase regional affordable housing and household support
programs and opportunities for populations needing less
expensive housing throughout our region.Work collaboratively
with other towns to increase opportunities for attainable
housing
● Review and evaluate the zoning bylaw with the aim of
promoting more opportunities as appropriate for various types
and forms of housing, including two-family residential/ duplex;
multi-unit/ multi-family residential; and mixed-use residential
development, group homes, congregate housing, assisted living
programs, short-term and seasonal housing for work and
training programs, temporary housing, trailer and camper
parks, and emergency shelters.
HOUSING
GOAL: Provide more affordable, attainable, accessible, safe, and fair housing, and support residents to maintain and preserve
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5
● Prioritize and consider incentive programs for the adaptive
reuse of existing buildings for housing.
● Evaluate the use of Town-owned properties and propose
creative solutions, including reuse of Town owned buildings for
housing, such as the former Sea Camps dormitories on the Bay
property
● PrioritizeEvaluate the acquisition of land by the Town for
housing.
● Encourage housing in areas near transportation, public services,
and economic activities
● Expand and enhancelore potential housing programs,
opportunities, and funding to secure and maintain year-round
permanent and short-term transitional housing for those
earning 80% to 120% of Area Median Income (AMI)
PURPOSE 3: Preserve existing year-round housing
Actions:
● Promote ability for residents to transition to different forms of
housing and remain in Brewster over a lifetime by providing a
wide range of housing choices
● Explore solutions to allow residents to age in place including
funding or subsidizing building adaptations or construction
programs for, co-housing, group homes, congregate, assisted
living, skilled nursing and in-house rehabilitative housing.
● Support and partner with entities to develop networks and
programs to assist people seeking roommates and and a review
of co-pairing situations.
● Evaluate ADU bylaw to improve efficacy, expandlore incentives,
technical assistance to support for a greater number of ADUs,
and connect owners to community resources
● Support creative funding and collaborative partnerships
(public/private) in the preservation of community housing,
including incentives for year-round rentals
the vulnerabilities from coastal hazards due to climate
change
COASTAL MANAGEMENT
GOAL: In the context of coastal change, preserve and protect Brewster’s coastal resources, expand public access, and minimize
6
GOAL: In the context of
coastal change, preserve and
protect Brewster’s coastal resources, expand public access,
and minimize
PURPOSE 1: Protect coastal resources in ways that preserve
coastal ecosystems and the character of the Town and
coastal neighborhoods
Actions:
● Evaluate and implement local coastal resiliency by-laws and
regulations to preserve the scale, character, and resources in
the Town’s coastal planning area
● Prohibit activities, uses and facilities occurring in tidal and
offshore areas which would damage, negatively impact,
threaten or pose hazard to coastal and marine resources,
habitats or aesthetics.
● Establish a uniform definition of the 100-year coastal floodplain
for local regulations
● Increase public awareness of the importance of healthy coastal
wetlands and natural processes, and of the need to protect
these resource areas
PURPOSE 2: Maintain and expand public access for all
through public consensus and explore alternate modes of
transport and access points
Actions:
● Explore and evaluate the need for, and feasibility of, alternative
transport and options for off-site parking in general and for
potential retreat parking for Paine’s Creek and Mant’s Landings
● Complete the permitting and construction of the Wing Island
Boardwalk and the design and construction of the Drummer
Boy Park Master Plan, Phase 1
● Provide interim access and complete long-term planning for
beach access at the First Light Beach property
● Continue to explore opportunities to improve visibility and
mobility access at beach landings
PURPOSE 3: Adapt to climate change projections and
advance adaptation and resiliency techniques that are
financially and environmentally sustainable
Actions:
● Periodically assess coastal resource conditions for comparison
to baseline conditions and on a regional scale, including
sediment budget update, storm tide pathways, and a regional
framework for resilience
● Explore regulatory options for managed retreat from high-risk
coastal areas
PURPOSE 4: Provide access for coastal water dependent
activities
Actions:
● Provide access for commercial aquaculture by updating
regulations, evaluating the designation of an Aquaculture
Development Area, and analyzing the costs and benefits of
expanding shell fishing and aquaculture
● Provide opportunities for commercial shellfish harvesting by
up-dating regulations
COASTAL MANAGEMENT
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7
● Expand propagation and other activities to support recreational
shell fishing
● Manage competing uses at town landings and mooring areas
●
PURPOSE 1: Preserve and enhance Brewster’s economy
based on the Town’s natural and cultural resources
Actions:
● Develop an economic development strategy that builds on
Brewster’s natural, cultural, and human resources and aims to
maintain existing small businesses and attract new small
businesses
● Work proactively with the Brewster Chamber of Commerce and
other stakeholders to refine a mutually beneficialcommon
marketing strategy
● Provide more information, including signage and online
material, to help visitors find their way to public resources,
businesses, and other amenities in town
● Consider the impact of Town facilities in anchoring community
activity centers and connecting amenities/services w/potential
users and beneficiaries whenin making capital investment
decisions
PURPOSE 2: Maintain and attract small businesses
compatible with the Town’s character and promote
yearround employment
Actions:
● Review and revise bylaws and regulations to allow a greater
variety of small business, including in-home businesses,
compatible with the Town’s character
● Build public awareness/understanding of the concept of form-
based zoning. Consider form-based zoning to focus on the
compatibility and intensity of impacts, as well as the physical
form of development, rather than on the type of business
● Develop a guide to doing business for local businesses in
Brewster
● Continue to implement online permitting to clarify and simplify
the permitting process
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 potentially working or ”willing to work”
population young families
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.01", Hanging: 0.26", No
bullets or numbering
8
PURPOSE 1: Continue to communicate Town plans and
activities to residents and simplify structured systems,
timelines and methods to increase public input
Actions:
● Develop a written Communications Plan that will bothto better
inform residents about Town affairs and allow them sufficient
time and opportunity to provide input in flexible mediums.
● Continue to provide news and announcements on the Town
website, cable PEG TV, radio, via traditional, print and on social
media
● Simplify methods for interested parties to subscribe to regular,
periodic updates on their chosen topics/issues via their chosen
method and media (not just electronically)
● Provide updated and relevant information on the Town
website, including Town finances, projects, permitting
processes, and other initiatives
● Establish reliable distribution locations and sites for regular
information drops and updates on specific or requested issues/
topics/activities/programs/projects of public interest.
PURPOSE 2: Expand the volunteer base to increase the use
of citizen expertise and build diversity in decision-making
Actions:
● Develop and launch a Citizens Leadership Academy to help
introduce residents to government services and volunteer
opportunities
● Continue the use of Town-wide activities and ad hoc
committees to engage residents in Town affairs
● Develop a central database of volunteers to assist with
recruitment of qualified volunteers across all Town
Departments and appointed Committees
● Acknowledge contributions of active volunteers and recognize
volunteers publicly, or privately if desired, when they complete
their commitment or make unique accomplishments in order
to improve volunteer retention
PURPOSE 3: Continue to strengthen the customer service
approach to Town services
Actions:
● Develop 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
responsibilities of Town Departments, zoning, permitting,
ADUs, and other matters of high interest
● Develop a ‘How to Do Business Guide’ for homeowners to
explain permitting processes
GOVERNANCE
GOAL: Provide an inclusive Town government that encourages participation by all residents by engaging in two-way
communication, expanding volunteer opportunities, and providing customer friendly service
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.01", Hanging: 0.26", No
bullets or numbering
9
transportation options, and expanded recreational
opportunities.
OVERARCHING PURPOSE: This goal, the Town’s Capital
Plan, and the Select Board’s Strategic Plan shall inform
one another and shall be applied in harmony and aligned
with one another.
PURPOSE 1: Plan and design Town building and construction
projects to benefit the broad cross-section of all users and
interests in the community
Actions:
● Include enhanced universal accessibility and alternative
participation options where feasible on Town properties,
programs and projects
● Move forward on a needs assessment for a multi-generational
community center, including potential sites, users and, as
applicable, next steps related to results of the School
Consolidation Feasibility Study and the Bay Property
comprehensive planning process
● Implement the updated Master Plan for Drummer Boy Park,
allowing for future reductions, scale-backs of structures and
suspensions of activities when absorption capacities are
exceeded.
● Complete the comprehensive planning processes for, and
begin implementation of, the plans for the Bayside and Long
Pond properties at a relaxed pace, so the public has full
opportunity to process, explore, participate and provide
input/feedback
PURPOSE 2: Provide enhanced recreational opportunities,
access and facilities for all
Actions:
● Develop a town-wide plan for expanding bike and pedestrian
paths and sidewalks, possibly including road improvement
priorities, reducing speed limits, a Complete Streets design
which is compatible with Brewster’s character, and/or nonroad-
based path opportunities
● Pursue the development of the Cape Cod Rail TrailCRT
extension from Nickerson State Park to Cape Cod Bay including
the consideration of alternatives for crossing Rte. 6A
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
GOAL: Maintain and enhance town infrastructure in an environmentally and economically sustainable way that supports
government services, opportunities for community interaction, the local economy and culture, public health, multi-modal
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PURPOSE 3: Plan and design traditional infrastructure
projects like road improvements and maintenance to best
serve the needs of the overall community, limit
environmental impacts, and balance fiscal impacts, while
enhancing or re-purposing existing under-utilized assets
and/ excess capacities.
Actions:
● Factor, budget, and set aside long-term improvement and
maintenance costs in the funding for capital projects
PURPOSE 1: Reduce the waste stream
Actions:
● Implement an ongoing multi-media public education campaign
to reduce the waste stream including re-purposing and re-using
items and optimizing recycling
● Enhance and publicize regional waste collection initiatives such
as hazardous waste collection
● Further investigate opportunities between Brewster and
regional initiatives for solid waste management
PURPOSE 2: Improve the efficiency of the solid waste facility
Actions:
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
GOAL: To manage a municipal solid waste system that protects public health, safety, and the environment, optimizes financial
methods, communicates effectively with users, and employs innovative strategies to reduce solid waste and related costs
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● Improve communications with the public concerning Recycling
Center operations, practices, and policies using a variety of
print and electronic media channels
● Conduct a Recycling Center study and site analysis including
traffic circulation, optimal use of space, safety, and potential
re-use options
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and renewable energy that protects the Town’s natural
resources
PURPOSE 1: Reduce the town’s contribution to and
vulnerability to climate change
Actions:
● Develop and implement a Net Zero Energy Plan for the Town’s
assets and operations
● Implement the MEMA/FEMA approved 2021 Local
MultiHazard Mitigation Plan
● Consider specific actions for reducing energy use, including
completing energy audits in all Town buildings; specifying
actions regarding increased energy efficiency in existing and
newly constructed Town buildings; locating solar
panels/arrays on Town buildings and facilities; and purchasing
alternative energy Town vehicles when due for replacement
● Encourage solar panels on commercial and residential
buildings or parking lot canopies/carports that maintain the
Town character
● Work with private entities to install public charging stations at
appropriate municipal or publicly accessible locations
● Consider provision of financial incentives and/or assistance for
installation of solar panels on private homes
● Modify or re-locate town infrastructure and buildings to
reduce the potential damage due to climate change such as
flooding
PURPOSE 2: Review and update Town bylaws and
regulations to mitigate projected climate change impacts
Actions:
● Review zoning bylaws to consider and develop amendments for
consistency with this goal, including the existing solar bylaw
and small-scale solar installations to minimize loss of trees and
vegetation, and optimize co-location and uses/activities below
the functioning panels.
● Clarify design guidelines for the Historic District regarding
renewable energy
● Review and consider revising existing Town bylaws and
regulations dealing with fertilizer management
● Foster natural carbon sequestration by amending Town bylaw
to limit the clearing of forested land, including for solar farms;
and exploring opportunities to restore degraded native plant
communities
● Review zoning bylaws to determine if they promote efficient
development patterns that will encourage a walkable and
bikeable community
PURPOSE 3: Build awareness about the nature of climate
change and Town efforts to mitigate climate change
Actions:
● Develop an Education and Preparedness Campaign for the
general public and the business sector that includes guidance
CLIMATE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION
GOAL: Support and advance the Commonwealth’s greenhouse gas reduction goals, including promoting sustainable energy use
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and checklists for reducing fossil fuel use, as well as
recommendations to increase community resilience to the
impacts
1
Ellen Murphy
From:glenncasey@aol.com
Sent:Thursday, August 11, 2022 12:24 PM
To:brewplan
Subject:Brewster LCP 2022 Draft - Citizens Comments
The The Brewster Local Comprehensive Plan 2022 - Action Plan Draft and the LCP Overview comes across as being
someone schizophrenic when you read through the documents. It appears the Town of Brewster has competing
interests with conflicting agendas and goals that they gathered information from and than package it up in single
documents. It comes across as being diametrically opposed to itself within the same documents. So clear land for
housing but save forest land for nature and climate goals. Their literally is verbiage under the “Climate
Mitigation” section of the under “Actions” about forest land and trees reducing carbon. The “Water Resources” and
“Open Space” goals includes preserving ponds and forest lands (including reducing development, reducing septic
systems and even buying forest land for preservation) in order to preserve water resources and natural
resources, While the “Housing Goals” includes the Millstone Subsidized SHI project which includes cutting 16 acres of
Forest land with 3,000 trees for “Affordable Housing.” The LCP goals talk about reducing cluster septic for water
preservation while adding cluster septic for potentially 100 residents at Millstone’s Subsidized Housing.? One groups
goal is the opposite of the other group or committee’s goals and the document reads just like this mis-alignment.
What Do Brewster Residents Want:
A recent Town of Brewster Survey (with a participation rate of over 25%) adds clarity to what the residents want. The
2,300 residents gave some clear direct ion in the results. Only about 5% of the participants believe that “Multi-Unit
Housing” is very important while 60% strongly believe that “open Spaces” such as Forest Land and Conservation land is
important. The survey even implies that natural resources such as these lands should be purchased and regulated to
maintain “Open Spaces” and “Water Resouces”. Not my opinion, the opinions of over 2,300 Town of Brewster
Residents who rate Forest Land over Subsidized Housing by 12-1 majority.
Millstone Subsidized Housing Project appears to be the opposite of what residents of the Town Of
Brewster believe are priorities and next steps for our Town. The Town of Brewster may want to reconsider
the Millstone Subsidized Housing Project in it's entirety or at least call a "time out" to the process so these
results can be digested the impact environmentally and financially can be incorporate into
accurate information planning based on residents input? There has been no State Environmental Impact
Study, there has been no County Environmental Impact Study, There has been no Town Of Brewster
Environmental Impact study…there has been no Enironmental Impact Study to the Forest, the animals, the
water resources or the echo system at all. Wouldn’t the Town of Brewster want to understand the impact of
destroying the Forest Land?
I have walked the 16 acres of pristine land untouched by development for over 500 years. Trees that tower 80-100 feet
tall. Walking an acre it is easy to count 200-300 significant trees over a 220 feet by 220 square foot acre. Hence the
3,000 plus tree estimate in the Millstone Forest. Below my signature is one of one of the many comments I had made
over the last 3 years to The Brewster Affordable Housing Trust (BAHT), The Town of Brewster and Peter Lombardi the
Town Administrator and Chief Procurement Officer for the Millstone Affordable Housing Project. I hope the Town of
Brewster can come up with a cohesive and “fully aligned” Local Comprehensive Plan - 2022 and also look more closely
at the destruction of Millstone Forest land in a Rampantly Environmentally Destructive and Ridiculously Expensive
Millstone Subsidized Housing Plan. In short, fix the LCP to reflect citizens priorities with “common goals” and “common
sense”.
2
Respectfully,
Glenn P. Casey
288 Fletcher Lane.
“This is some of the oldest Forest land and tallest trees on all of Cape Cod. Recent development projects in Brewster
tend to clear-cut all trees and than plant back a few. This could create the loss of 3,200 to 4,800 significant trees. This
will directly effect the entire environmental system of all plant life as well as the wildlife echo system of the wildlife (at a
minimum) I have observed including : bald eagles, red tailed hawks, spotted owls,screech owl, finch,warbler, turns,deer,
coyotes, eastern cotton tail rabbits, endangered box turtles, skunk, chipmunk, squirrel, snakes, red tail fox, silver fox,
woodpecker to mention a few. Has the Town Of Brewster or State of Massachusetts done any kind of environmental and
wildlife echo systems impact study and if so by who and please name. This project has also increased from $22M to over
$24M when adjusted for inflation only and is over a year away from negotiating construction costs. This is fast
approaching almost $750,000 for 1-2 bedroom subsidized apartment units! Maybe we need to look at how to "Save
Millstone Forest" before we execute Land Development Agreements to and clear cut such a town jewel and replace it
with Subsidized Hosing and septic systems?”
Sent from the all6 months. new AOL app for iOS
Actions VPC Meeting July 18 2022
Action Responsibility Time
Re format Draft Summary and amend
as discussed ; send to VPC
Jon and Amanda ASAP (July 21)
Post/Send notice of LCP document
for public comment on town website
and to any print and social media as
appropriate and stakeholder
organizations
Jon July 25
Check with Lyn to get e mail
addresses of stakeholder groups; give
to VPC members for distribution
Jon and All By July 22
Gather any comments to VPC for
next meeting
Jon and Sharon By Aug 11
Think about number of hardcopies
needed and how maps can be
displayed
All Aug 1
Next Meeting All Aug 1