HomeMy Public PortalAboutPond Property Committee packet 06.21.23Town of Brewster Pond Planning Property Committee
2198 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631
(508) 896-3701
POND PROPERTY PLANNING COMMITTE MEETING AGENDA
2198 Main Street (or other location)
June 21, 2023 at 4PM
This meeting will be conducted in person at the time and location identified above. This means that at least a quorum
of the members of the public body will attend the meeting in person and members of the public are welcome to attend
in person as well. As a courtesy only, access to the meeting is also being provided via remote means in
accordance with applicable law. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and/or participation is
being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting/hearing will not be suspended or terminated if
technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast or affect remote attendance or participation, unless
otherwise required by law. Members of the public with particular interest in any specific item on this agenda, which
includes an applicant and its representatives, should make plans for in-person vs. virtual attendance accordingly.
Members of the public who wish to access the meeting may do so in the following manner:
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89802325739?pwd=Y3dETmUvWHdoTlB0dklOaVlEekdxQT09
Passcode: 467353
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To request to speak: Tap Zoom “Raise Hand”, then wait to be recognized.
When required by law or allowed by the Chair, persons wishing to provide public comment or otherwise participate in
the meeting, may do so by accessing the meeting remotely, as noted above. 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).
Please note that the Pond Property Planning Committee may take official action, including votes, on any item on this
agenda.
1.Call to Order
2.Declaration of a Quorum
3.Meeting Participation Statement
4.Recording Statement: As required by the Open Meeting Law we are informing you that the Town will be video
and audio taping as well as broadcasting this public meeting. In addition, if anyone else intends to either video or audio
tape this meeting they are required to inform the chair.
5.Public Announcements and Comment: Members of the public may address the Pond Property Planning
Committee on matters not on the meeting’s agenda for a maximum of 3-5 minutes at the Chair’s discretion. The
Pond Property Planning Committee will not reply to statements made or answer questions raised during public
comment but may add items presented to a future agenda.
6.Reed Hilderbrand initial results summary from May 20th Community Forum and survey.
7.Road map/ discussion of next steps, time frame, second forum format and venue.
8.Short Term Uses of Property Updates
a. Update on pop-up/ traveling signs including future possible locations or events
b. Volunteers for Brewster Conservation Day-July 8, 2023
c. Guided walk report update of June 10/11 walks
d. Discussion of rescheduling Kayak trips to September from a Harwich or other
landing
9.FYIs
10.Approval of Minutes from May 3, 2023
11.Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
12.Questions from the Media
13.Next Meetings: July 12, 2023 at 4:00PM
14.Adjournment
Date Posted:Date Revised:Received by Town Clerk:
06/09/2023
Pond Property
Planning
Committee
Doug Wilcock
Chair- At Large
Cynthia Baran
Vice Chair-Water
Commissioners
Kari Hoffmann
Select Board
Cynthia Bingham
Select Board
Steve Ferris
At Large
Jan Crocker
At Large
Katie Gregoire
At Large
Elizabeth Taylor
Open Space
Committee
Tim Hackert
Housing Trust
Al Ryone
Recreation
Commission
Chris Williams
Natural Resources
Commission
Reed Hilderbrand LLC
Landscape Architecture
130 Bishop Allen Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139
MEMORANDUM
ISSUE DATE Town of Brewster Sea Camps Properties Planning:
Summary of Feedback from First Community Forum and Follow-up Survey
May 2023
Attached here is the summary of feedback received from the Town of Brewster
community at the first Sea Camps public forum, held on May 20th and from the
subsequent online survey which was conducted from May 25th through June 4th, 2023.
Included in this summary are:
Key Interests
• A draft list of priorities for each parcel, to be reviewed by committees and
discussed at the next committee meetings on 6/20 and 6/21
Summary of Community Forum Feedback
• A compilation of information gathered at the forum, including notes related to
each questions, sticker counts and example comments
Summary of Survey Results
• Charts, tables and graphs taken directly from the survey results
• Example comments and responses to open questions
Note, the excel spreadsheets containing all of the written comments and sticker counts
from the forum and excel spreadsheets containing the full survey results have been
provided to Town Managers under separate cover.
We look forward to reviewing this information with you.
June 15, 2023
TO
Peter Lombardi, Town
Manager
Donna Kalinick, Assistant
Town Manager
MUNICIPALITY
Town of Brewster
FROM
Reed Hilderbrand
PROJECT
Town of Brewster Sea Camps
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 1
KEY INTERESTS
The following takeaways are a distilled list that reflect the predominant interests
expressed by the community at Community Forum #1 and through the follow up survey.
Key Interests - Bay Property
• Expand opportunities for community use, including a potential community center
(education, wellness, meetings, cultural programs)
• Provide accessible passive recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities (ADA
compliant walking trails, picnic areas, outdoor gathering areas)
• Re-use existing buildings and amenities where feasible
• Consider revenue generation
• Build appropriate partnerships for activation and stewardship
• Develop sustainably (protect buffer zones and ecological resources, limit
impermeable paving, restore native ecosystems)
• Protect coastal resources
• Provide housing options, prioritizing J1 / seasonal workforce
• Create experiences for younger generations (day camp, education, playground)
Key Interests - Pond Property
• Provide beach access (swimming, kayaking and SUP)
• Increase accessibility to the pond property and its resources (update roads, add
ADA compliant walking trails, parking areas)
• Establish conservation areas to protect key habitat and water resources
• Connect property to town owned space at Long Pond Woodlands through a trail
network
• Re-use existing buildings where feasible (potential for nature center, children's
day camp, storage)
• Limit new building
• Build partnerships with BCT and Mass Audubon for activation and stewardship
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 2
COMMUNITY FORUM FEEDBACK SUMMARY
Held on May 20, 2023 in the Dining Hall of the former Sea Camps property at the Bay
Property, the two sessions of Community Forum #1 were very well-attended, with
approximately 200 people at each session. The mood was upbeat, and attendees were
enthusiastic and engaged. Community members used small colored stickers to answer
specific questions and used post-it notes to leave comments. Each of the seven stations
received many visitors and lots of stickers and comments.
Overall, the responses received in the morning session and afternoon session were quite
similar in terms of distribution of stickers and tone and content of responses. Below is a
combined summary of responses on all boards, including total number of sticker
responses, as well as some example responses for each.
RESPONSES TO BAY PROPERTY QUESTIONS
Potential Partners – Bay Property
There was high interest in considering Mass Audubon as a potential partnership and moderate
interest in the YMCA.
POTENTIAL PARTNERS
Yes Neutral No
Mass Audubon 84 4 3
YMCA 67 3 30
Town Vision Plan – Bay Property
There was high interest in addressing housing and community character on the Bay Property and
relatively less interest in providing opportunities to support the local economy.
TOWN VISION PLAN # of stickers
Housing 66
Community Character 65
Coastal Management 52
Community Infrastructure 46
Open Space 46
Water Resources 38
Governance 35
Local Economy 28
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 3
Example comments:
• Consider renting existing "cabins" to local businesses
• Bay property best suited for summer housing, not permanent
• Affordable housing or workforce housing
• We need sewers before new housing
• Reuse existing footprints of buildings. Rental vs ownership. Solar panels! Make eco-
friendly
• Something that brings the community together
• Housing for summer J-1 employees
• NO Housing for summer J-1 employees
Put a flag in it! - Bay Property
Common themes for the Bay Property were recreational programming, access and circulation,
housing, revenue generating ideas (summer rentals, residencies, overnight cabins) and
conservation of natural resources. Ideas related to potential programs were of most interest. In
particular, walking trails, community centers and outdoor activities such as tennis, pickle ball
and swimming were mentioned repeatedly. There was also interest in re-using the existing
cabins as seasonal housing, rentals or summer workforce housing. Other themes included
preserving the overall character of the Bay Property, prioritizing seniors, pet related issues and
partnerships.
Example comments:
• Would like to have a community center / COA and Rec Dept located here.
• It is critical that the needs of our senior population be taken into consideration in all
planning
• Reduce lawn. Replace with wildflower
• Continue to rent fields etc. to schools and teams
• Appropriate parking for all areas
• Great opportunity for pickleball courts! Need more in Brewster.
• Better beach access for seniors
• Use existing footprints for housing rentals
• Exercise path for running! Year round!
• Arts and crafts building - open year-round for activities
• Dining hall could be recreation center with activities such as roller skating, dances
• Manage cabins as rentals-lottery system like outer beach houses
• Use cabins for summer worker rentals. Use boat house for dance/exercise/ movement
classes. Use art building for adult art activities. Amphitheater for music/theater
• Concerned - Liability related to using the cabins and dorms for workforce housing. A
great need may turn into a great lawsuit for the town
• Seasonal housing
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 4
• Protect natural habitat + water resources
• Affordable housing and town seasonal housing should utilize existing structures
• Concerned about this constructed so close to sensitive area (referring to beach parking)
• Protect habitat - including rocks on beach that hold sand and protect dunes
• Treat invasive species to bring back wildlife
• At first Light Beach please clear a patch of rocks for easy access to water to swim. And
place a flag to mark the spot on the beach to permit easy exit from the water
• Access to pond from Spruce Hill
• Minimize asphalt used in parking areas
• Very important to preserve the towns community character
• There needs to be a walking trail with exercise stations to help seniors in town maintain
their good health.
• Year-round space for classes: yoga and arts etc.
• Walking paths through property
• Snack bar clam shack in boathouse for the summer
• Turn into a park with a few amenities like trails, benches, pool, beach etc. (take down
buildings)
• Community center with indoor pool
• Community gym. pickleball courts. art classes. any classes all ages
• Reuse of buildings for seasonal housing. Workforce essential and municipal workers +
community services
• Add playground
• Historic preservation of historic camp buildings and features to continue culture and
history of camps and values
• Would love a community gym like Harwich (with pool)
• No housing. recreation uses+ community building only
Key Opportunities – Bay Property
This question related to key landscape opportunities and did not get as many resp0nses as some
of the other questions. Protecting natural habitat and water resources received the highest
number of votes for the Bay Property. There was also interest in increasing accessibility to the
property and its resources as well as enriching/sustaining the coastal ecosystem.
KEY OPPORTUNITIES - BAY PROPERTY # of stickers
Protect natural habitat and water resources 36
Increase accessibility to the property and its resources 25
Enrich and sustain the coastal ecosystem 25
Match building program and site activities with areas of the site that have appropriate scale
and character 23
Connect to adjacent open space at Spruce Hill 22
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 5
Example comments:
• Find a balance of money-making revenues to help keep the access to affordable activities
for towns people
• Walking trails
• Treat invasive species on pond to bring wildlife back
• Housing for seasonal workers
• Beach access
• Preserve character/feel
• Year-round access of property
• Create community center for the town
Program - Bay Property
BUILDING PROGRAM # of stickers
Community Center 106
Event Venue 62
Indoor Pool 61
Theater 58
Kids Day Camp 56
Fitness Classes 45
Studio Art Center 45
Music and Performance Spaces 43
Community Kitchen 43
Adult and Youth Education 42
Artist Residency 35
Community Woodshop 34
Nature Center 33
Pool Snack Bar 30
Boating Center 25
Indoor Gymnasium 22
Gallery Space 17
Childcare 12
Restaurant 3
Potential Relocation 7
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 6
HOUSING # of stickers
Seasonal Workforce Housing 95
Affordable Housing 66
Artist Residency 53
Camp Cabins 43
Municipal Housing 34
WATERFRONT # of stickers
Beach Access 93
Swimming 53
Snack Bar 43
Sailing 31
Shellfishing 27
Stand up paddle board/kayaking 27
Fishing 21
PASSIVE RECREATION AND
CONSERVATION # of stickers
Walking Trails 86
Town Common 55
Conservation 54
Community Garden 49
Picnic Areas 47
Biking Trails 38
Educational Signage 33
Bird Watching 27
Pavilion 24
Ecological Restoration 24
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 7
ACTIVE RECREATION # of stickers
Playground 60
Outdoor Pool 46
Pickleball 33
Tennis Courts 31
Bocce Ball 29
Ice Skating 25
Basketball Courts 19
Frisbee Golf 16
Baseball Fields 14
Soccer Fields 12
Platform Tennis 8
Zipline Course 7
Circulation and Parking - Bay Property
There was interest in increasing accessibility and parking to the Bay Property in a gentler
manner. Several residents suggested that asphalt should be minimized. Handicap and senior
access were also mentioned. Other suggestions included improving other forms of transport such
as cycling and walking. Some suggested that any additional parking should be resident only.
Example comments:
• ADA access to beach if feasible!
• Environmental friendly! Parking no more asphalt!
• Minimize asphalt paving
• Add access from Spruce Hill trails & parking lot
• Keep parking outside on field with shuttle possible?--protect the property from vehicle
traffic
• Support a pedestrian and/or bike path alongside existing roads
• Remember our seniors in all planning!
• ADA parking near beach
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 8
Relationship to Town Amenities - Bay Property
There was high interest in the idea of the Council on Aging and Recreation Department moving
to the Bay Property, and little interest in Town Offices. There is no interest in the Chamber of
Commerce Information center.
• Seniors and All-Ages Recreation Space
• Age-Friendly Community Center
• Fitness, Music and Art
• Integrating the Council on Aging
• Consolidating town offices such as, Recreation, Conservation, Historic, Cultural, Human
Services
Buildings and Access – Bay Property
There was an overall interest in preserving the historic character of the site, especially the
administration building. The community would like to see the cabins used year-round or
seasonally. They would like to offer housing, expand recreational programs, and explore revenue
opportunities through rentals, galleries, and performance spaces.
Example comments:
• Artist in residence
• Historic restoration of administration building like Crosby Mansion – with a few more
public uses
• Summer parties for residents
• Use existing cabins for school groups/teach ecology and sustainability
• Use the cabins for seasonal affordable housing. At least for a few years. It will cost money
to tear them down
• “Housing, Housing, Housing”
• J1 Summer Housing
• Writer’s Center
• Dancing – square, line, ballroom swing
• Consider revenue opportunities from use by third party organizations – community
groups and arts
• Create studio spaces for resident artists, create gallery space and performance space
• Wedding location should be rented to get revenue and sustain the property
• Many seasonal workers supporting Brewster, restore the Ocean edge, could be housing
for seasonal workers and charge the businesses
• Seasonal reuse of most buildings, Year-round use for all existing buildings that are heated
• Pop-up restaurant
• Expand recreation programs for kids
• Use spruce hill for town uses
• Small/tiny home options for any age – clustered throughout the campus
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 9
• Art and photography classes + summer camps (a lot of interest in artist
studies/residencies/classes)
• Could use cabins for seasonal uses if added bathhouses and kitchen facilities
• No to housing
• Winterize the buildings and use year-round - all should be refurbished
• Rehabilitate the buildings instead of tearing them down – historic value
• Rent out the boathouse
• Year-round workforce housing
• Consider affordable housing tasteful with the character
• Keep the high-reuse – remove the others
RESPONSES TO POND PROPERTY QUESTIONS
Potential Partners – Pond Property
There was high interest in continued consideration of both Mass Audubon and the Brewster
Conservation Trust potential partnerships.
POTENTIAL PARTNERS
Yes Neutral No
Mass Audubon 84 1 3
Brewster Conservation Trust 87 / 1
Town Vision Plan – Pond Property
There was high interest in open space and water resources and least interest in local economy.
TOWN VISION PLAN # of stickers
Open Space 55
Water Resources 51
Community Character 37
Housing 32
Governance 15
Community Infrastructure 15
Coastal Management 13
Local Economy 9
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 10
Put a flag in it! - Pond Property
Common themes for the Pond Property included parking, potential programming, access and
circulation, housing, conservation and water quality/supply. Protecting the zone II water supply
area was mentioned repeatedly. There was high interest in proposing walking/hiking trails that
would create minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment. Gentle, passive recreation
was preferred in the woodlands whilst kayaking and sailing was proposed for Long Pond. There
was a debate over the issue of parking. Whilst some agreed with asphalt parking, there were
some who disagreed. Others suggested a gentler approach, such as having several smaller
parking areas instead of one big one. Housing was also a topic of debate. Whilst some voted for
housing near or along Route 137, some did not.
Example comments:
• Parking/trails accessible to both properties + pond
• Affordable housing
• Educational/Walking trails
• Protect open space, passive recreation only
• Potential future Brewster water supply well. Should remain undeveloped for ground
water protection - Zone II
• Provide parking/access drop off
• Housing on R137
• Walking trails
• Passive recreation
• Great for gentle, passive recreation, make this easier but no other changes
• Shuttle bus that takes people to beach? electric!
• Water! the whole property plays an important role - drinking water and pond water
quality
• Keep area natural/development should be focused on Bay Property
• No asphalt please!
• Connect walking trails from woodlands, property work, trails in pond, property use,
existing trails when possible
• Walking trails are my priority for the pond property
• Affordable 55+ elderly/senior housing
• Low income-housing?
• Don't take too many trees for parking and playing fields - keep them at bay property
• No housing
• Preserve land for future water supply & open space
• Please preserve the Zone II water area - no housing
• Several smaller parking areas instead of one big one
• Parking close to 6A(bay) and 137(pond) and having folks walk in seems logical
• More hiking paths
• Please leave much/most of this area undeveloped with walking trails. Hope pond access
can be arranged without too much road/parking
• Keep area as conservation, no housing
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 11
• Protect Wetlands and rare species habitat
• Pond access for canoe/kayak
• Don't think a boat launch should be built at Long Pond CCSC. Focus on improvement at
current boat launch
• Fix the boat ramp - set up a dock at the pond drop
• Development and parking by 137 is acceptable to me
• Kayak access/a place in the beach and have a picnic/hike
Key Opportunities – Pond Property
Protecting key habitat and resources received the highest number of votes for the Pond Property.
The other remaining options received relatively the same number of votes.
KEY OPPORTUNITIES - POND PROPERTY # of stickers
Protect key habitat and resources 46
Consider potential Town water supply well 22
Connect to adjacent open space at Long Pond Woodlands 21
Balance access with site capacity 20
Determine zone for potential conservation area 20
Capitalize on the natural features through education and small-scale program 18
Consider appropriately scaled development along Route 137 15
• Affordable housing
• Protect water supply
• Conservation/walking trails
Program - Pond Property
BUILDING PROGRAM # of stickers
Kids Day Camp 25
Boating Center 24
Nature Center 17
Artist Residency 6
Event Venue 5
Fitness Classes 4
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 12
Community Center 4
Studio Art Center 3
Adult and Youth Education 3
Indoor Pool 2
Childcare 2
Potential Relocation 2
Theater 1
Music and Performance Space 1
Community Woodshop 1
Restaurant 1
Community Kitchen 0
Pool Snack Bar 0
Indoor Gymnasium 0
Gallery Space 0
HOUSING # of stickers
Affordable Housing 39
Artist Residency 12
Seasonal Workforce Housing 10
Municipal Housing 9
Camp Cabins 6
WATERFRONT # of stickers
Swimming 57
Stand up paddle/kayaking 47
Beach Access 45
Sailing 35
Fishing 15
Shellfishing 10
Snack Bar 7
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 13
PASSIVE RECREATION AND
CONSERVATION # of stickers
Walking Trails 82
Conservation 62
Biking Trails 30
Picnic Areas 29
Educational Signage 28
Ecological Restoration 26
Bird Watching 24
Community Garden 6
Pavilion 5
Town Common 2
ACTIVE RECREATION # of stickers
Zipline Course 8
Frisbee Golf 3
Bocce Ball 2
Baseball Fields 2
Soccer Fields 2
Playground 1
Outdoor Pool 1
Pickleball Courts 1
Tennis Courts 1
Ice Skating 0
Basketball Courts 0
Platform Tennis 0
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 14
Circulation and Parking - Pond Property
There was high interest in preserving the Pond Property as much as possible. Common
suggestions included provide parking along route 137 but leaving the rest of the Property
untouched. Introducing opportunities for shuttles and more walking trails were mentioned.
People would also like to see improvements to boat and bike access.
Example comments:
• Larger parking area near 137 entrance but leave the rest of the property rugged
• Leave it as is as much as possible
• Paved walkways with periodic age friendly benches for seating. golf cart transportation
• Create more walking paths
• Are there opportunities for shuttles?
• ADA parking near Pond
• Kayak or canoe racks? or an area to park and offload kayak
• Minimize asphalt. gravel parking and roads
• limited parking
• No good way to develop a lot of vehicle access. Find a way to add parking by road without
runoff contaminating water, and make rest walking and emergency access only
• Provide parking at route 137 for walk in access only
• Drainage and runoff must be addressed
Buildings and Access – Pond Property
There was interest in preserving the land as a wild and recreation area, while considering the
incorporation of affordable housing, artist work areas, Audubon sanctuary designation, housing
for summer works, rental opportunities, and potential housing for Whitecap players.
• Respectful Land Use: preserve the natural integrity of the property
• Affordable housing in an accessible location away from nature. There is interest in these
being apartments not houses. These could be rented to J1 visa holders and other cape
summer workers
• Boat Storage and boat access
• Community, center, art center, housing, picnicking
• Artist work areas
• Audobon Sanctuary
Landscape and Topography
In general, attendees understood the opportunities and constraints posed by existing topography
in both properties. There was interest in making walking paths as accessible as possible.
Example comments:
• Keep integrity of natural environment
• Footprints with educational trails for appreciation of ecology + natural habitats
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 15
• Plant native plants wherever possible
• Do we have hydrology study as for pond property? Need to understand impact of
continued use on local well water purity and potential contamination of pond and bay
• Consider topography and have pathways with educational appreciation of species,
ecology and history
What landscape qualities are important to you?
Secluded, accessible and shaded walking trails were of the highest interest.
Example comments:
• Secluded paths are my favorite places to hike
• Trees, trails, historic character, open spaces
• Natural, rural feel is best.
• Walking paths, water views with benches to rest, picnic
• Trails for walking including some ADA
• South - rain garden along drive, pollinator garden
• Do forest bathing walks
• Shaded areas with permanent grills + picnic tables
• Secluded space, leave as natural area except close to 137
• Wooded upland area (pond)
• There is need for secluded forest
• Trees + Shade, Protect + Preserve
• Town farm on bay property - great soils
Program
There was interest in creating a versatile community space with an indoor pool at the Bay
Property. The town would like to see more kayak and boat racks and storage as well as more boat
access at both properties. Many programs were of interest to the town, but people seemed most
interested in artist rentals, affordable and workforce housing, community center and event
venues. The proposed programs seem to be more related to year-round use such as ski/sledding
slopes, ice skating, and a voting location.
Example comments:
• Indoor Pool – retractable pool enclosure
• Dirt Bike and motocross access
• More kayak racks (bay and pond)
• Year-round beach access (bay and pond)
• Outdoor movie nights
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 16
• Performance venue with outside artists
• Public sewer to further protect the aquifer
• Dedicated ice curling facility
• Wedding venue
• Rent the cabins to artists
• Teen Center
• Professional education seminars via seminar company
• Mental health wellness center or space for local social workers to develop community for
Brewster
• Use as a summer camp (pond parcel)
• Lifeguard trainings for high school students
• Composting toilets (pond parcel)
• Existing staff housing is suitable for staff to be custodians and caretakers – a year-round
presence to “keep an eye on things”
• Community boating rentals
• Wampanoag history center – open space to honor and welcome original people and
traditions
• Camping (bay and pond)
• Build a ski slope or sledding slope
• Housing for seniors
• Woodworking shop
• Town voting location
• Ice skating
• Duplexes in the day camp area
• Space for red cross & safety classes
• Archery range
• Environmentally sound clear walking path to the beach
• Offset costs with private event rental
History - Recognizing the Past
There was most interest from the town in wanting tell stories of Indigenous people's history.
Women’s history in Brewster was another interest that appeared often in the comment section.
There were some concerns about the proper naming of First Light Beach.
What kind of history do you want these places to tell? # of stickers
Indigenous people's history 64
Agriculture land-use history 27
Camp History 19
Example comments:
• Women's history in Brewster (at sea, intellectuals, activists)
SEA CAMPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SUMMARY
TOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS 15 JUNE 2023 PAGE 17
•Bay property is Nauset tribe property, wrong name for beach
•Indigenous people's history and the Land Acknowledgement should be expanded to
include Nauset (original habitation)
Finding Inspiration
Overall, most of the recommendations provided by the community were geared towards nature-
based/outdoor activities. In particular, the Wellfleet Audubon center appeared multiple times.
Taking inspiration from neighboring community centers was also a popular recommendation.
Example comments:
•Sylvan Garden in Chatham
•Robert Stone bird sanctuary
•Cliff pond beautiful natural area for swimming
•Harwich community center
•Walking path with exercise stations - believe Dennis has one
•Snack bar inspiration look at Dennis market snack bar in Corporation Beach
•Park near Harwich center, west area where to take a walk. Dog play and roam
•Picnic pavilion at Doane Rock
•Flax Pond - has bathroom and shaded areas. Good swimming pond
•Drummer Boy is an asset that should be used in conjunction with Bay Property
•Wellfleet Audubon center - well planned and integrated into surroundings
Town of Brewster Sea Camps
Survey Results
June 15, 2023
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 2
Demographics
991
708
356
1,13121
236
405
229
23
1,088
279
Please select one of the following:
Please select your age range: Do you have children under the age of 18 living in your household?
Did you attend the Town’s first Sea Camps community forum on May 20th?
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 3
Brewster Vision plan
1.Community
Character
6. Local
Economy
7. Governance 8. Community
Infrastructure
2. Water
Resource
Protection
3.Open
Space
4. Coastal
Management
5. Housing
The Brewster Vision plan outlines a set of community values and goals. Please mark the goals you think should
be prioritized at the BAY Property and at the POND Property. Select as many as you wish.
1. Community Character: Foster Brewster’s historic setting, rural nature, small-town feel, and socially inclusive spirit.
2. Water Resource Protection: Preserve high quality drinking water and improve the health of ponds and marine watersheds.
3. Open Space: Expand open space assets to provide public recreation and protect fragile natural habitat.
4. Coastal Management: Protect Brewster’s coastal resources and expand public access.
5. Housing: Provide more affordable, safe, and accessible housing options at different price points.
6. Local Economy: 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.
7. Governance: Create a more open and inclusive town government
8. Community Infrastructure: Expand town infrastructure to expand opportunities for community interaction, support the development of a “green” economy, expand recreation
opportunities, and promote public safety.
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 4
BAY Property Opportunities
1. Preserve and maintain the coastal ecosystem (dunes and beach)
2. Reuse or adapt buildings currently on the property
3. Protect natural habitat and water resources
4. Relocate or remove buildings that can’t be reused on this site.
5. Provide more recreational opportunities
6. Increase accesibility to the Bay Property and its resources
7. Connect Bay property to adjacent Town open space at Spruce Hill
8. Build a community center
Select the opportunities at the BAY Property that are most important to you. Select as many as you wish.
Examples of “Other” comments
- “It would be great to have community art center/studios.”
- ”Seek opportunities to make the property financially self-sustaining to the extent possible”
- “Adapt some of the existing sleeping accommodation in one area to provide supervised low-cost summer rentals only available to spring/summer/fall visiting full time workers.”
- “Create year round and seasonal affordable housing opportunities”
- “Establish walking paths with interactive exercise stations”
- “Remove all parking/paving from resource area”
- “Link properties in town via electric bus/trolley system to use current parking infrastructure”
- “Use existing buildings for community center.”
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 5
BAY Property Recreation Activities
Passive
1. Walking trails
2. Picnic area
3. Outdoor pavilion
4. Bird watching
5. Performance venue
6. Biking trails
7. Community garden
8. Town common
9. Educational signage
10. None of the above
Select the passive recreation activities you are most interested in seeing at the BAY Property. Select as
many as you wish.
Examples of “Other” comments
- “Community Orchard (we already have a community garden in Brewster)”
- ”Fishing”
- “Trails with benches”
- “Creative adult learning, lecture series, and arts center programming. Nature programs which do not interrupt others’ access.”
- “Quiet zones away from hustle and bussle. Places to read; socialize”
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 6
BAY Property Recreation Activities
1. Outdoor pool
2. Playground
3. Kayaking/stand-up paddleboards
4. Sailing
5. Pickleball courts
6. Shellfishing
7. Basketball courts
8. Bocce
9. Tennis courts
10. Fishing
11. Soccer fields
12. Ice skating
13. Baseball fields
14. Zipline course
15. Frisbee golf
16. Platform tennis
17. None of the above
Active
Select the active recreation activities you are most interested in seeing at the BAY Property. Select as many
as you wish.
Examples of “Other” comments
- “Swimming”
- “Fitness center and outside fitness course with exercise stations”
- “NONE!!!! Just the beach please - quiet and natural”
- “A well-maintained open field area for kids to play improvised informal games like makeshift games of softball, soccer, touch football, cricket, with just a few family and friends.”
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 7
BAY Property Building-based Activities
Select the building-based activities and uses you are most interested in seeing at the BAY Property. Select as
many as you wish.
1. Adult and youth education classrooms
2. Community center
3. Children’s day camp
4. Fitness classes
5. Community meeting spaces
6. Event venue
7. Music and performance spaces
8. Nature center
9. Indoor pool
10. Boating center
11. Indoor gymnasium
12. Artist residency
13. Pool snack bar
14. Studio arts center
15. Community kitchen
16. Gallery space
17. Childcare
18. Community woodshop
19. Restaurant
20. Theater
21. None of the above
Examples of “Other” comments
- “We need a multi-generational community center geared to all ages."
- “Game room, pool tables, chess boards, etc.”
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 8
427
37
96
176
604
BAY Property Building-based Activities
The BAY Property has 92 existing buildings ranging in age from about 10 years to 120 years old. The
buildings range in condition from excellent to poor. 11 are winterized and 81 are not winterized (no heating/
cooling, water supply, etc.). About 20 buildings may have good potential for reuse for community or housing
uses. How should the existing BAY Property buildings be handled?
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 9
BAY Property Building-based Activities
Identify the building re-uses you are most interested in seeing at the BAY Property. Select as many as you wish.
1. Community center
2. Seasonal workforce (i.e. J-1, lifeguards)
3. Nature center
4. Municipal housing (i.e. teachers, firefighters, other town staff)
5. YMCA
6. Cabin rental (short-term)
7. Artist/writer residency (short-term)
8. Affordable housing (low to moderate income, deed restricted)
9. None of the above
Examples of “Other” comments
- “Senior Center, Gym with fitness classes”
- “Meeting areas for residents to book for community organizations”
- ”Studio arts center for classes”
- “Event facilities”
- “Consider using the boathouse as an event venue or restaurant”
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 10
BAY Property New Buildings
What new buildings on the BAY Property would you like to see? Select all that apply.
1. Community center
2. YMCA
3. Nature center
4. Affordable community housing (low to moderate income)
5. Seasonal workforce housing (i.e. J-1, lifeguards)
6. Municipal housing (i.e. teachers, firefighters, other town staff
7. None of the above
Examples of “Other” comments
- “Snack shack with a dock”
- ”Brewster Senior Center”
- “Concerned about the cost of new buildings”
- “Maybe combined community center and town hall bldg.”
- “Housing for seasonal employees in local businesses”
- “No housing”
- “Pool changing room, showers & restrooms”
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 11
BAY Property Town Amenities
What existing town amenities would you like to see moved to the BAY Property? Select all that apply.
1. Recreation Department
2. None of the above
3. Council on Aging
4. Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center
5. Town Offices
Examples of “Other” comments
- “Maybe a combined community center plus council on aging?”
- “Not sure about the necessity of moving these town amenities. I wouldn’t object but it needs to be balanced with available resources and an increase in access to citizens.”
- ”I don’t feel well enough informed of town needs to address this”
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 12
139
173 482
148
1,035 711
BAY Property Partnerships
Massachusetts Audubon is interested in using
portions of the property for nature-based
activities and programs. Do you want the Town
to continue to consider a partnership with Mass
Audubon on the BAY Property?
The YMCA of Cape Cod is interested in
exploring how they could offer a range of
wellness-focused activities on the Bay Property,
including classes and programs for youth,
families, and seniors. This partnership could
result in a new Lower Cape YMCA facility built
on the Bay property or it could utilize renovated
existing structures and/or amenities. Do you want
the town to continue to consider a partnership
with the YMCA on the BAY Property?
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 13
POND Property Opportunities
2. Increase accessibility to the pond property and its resources
4. Introduce nature-based education and small scale program
1. Establish conservation areas to protect key habitat and water
5. Consider potential future town water supply
6. Consider creating appropriately scaled housing
3. Connect property to adjacent town open space and Long Pond
Select the opportunities at the POND Property that are most important to you. Select as many
as you wish.
Examples of “Other” comments
- Limited parking near the main road, but allow only smaller authorised education and recreation program buses to drive further in and maintain the rest as natural”
- ”Use of beachfront areas for swimming, boating and recreational activity. Camping.”
- “It would make a lot of sense for Mass Audubon to have a base at the Pond property as it is surrounded by conservation land. They could do guided canoe and kayak tours off the
property as well. You could also have a satellite sailing program there as well.”
- “Please keep this land pristine, add and build nothing, protect land and water from development of any kind.”
- “Consider existing access to Long Pond area (LP Woodlands, town landing) and look at issues like parking, ADA access more broadly to achieve a specific goal.”
- “Affordable housing”
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 14
Passive
POND Property Activities
Select the passive recreation activities you are most interested in seeing at the BAY Property.
Select as many as you wish.
4. Biking trails
3. Bird watching
7. Community garden
8. None of the above
5. Educational signage
6. Outdoor pavilion
1. Walking trails
2. Picnic area
Examples of “Other” comments
- “We need more biking and walking paths in Brewster”
- “Id like to see the town build a bike park for the younger generation. A bike park with dirt jumps could have very low impact on the terrain (no concrete, no removal of trees, etc…)”
- ”Boating, swimming, camping”
- “Access to swimming in the pond”
- ”Please consider signage carefully. Putting signs often harms the beauty of an area. Consider digital information people can download and read on their cellphones.”
- “Please no bike trails, no buildings, keep it close to nature as possible”
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 15
Active
Select the active recreation activities you are most interested in seeing at the BAY Property.
Select as many as you wish.
1. Beach access
5. Fishing
6. None of the above
3. Kayaking/paddleboards
4. Sailing
2. Swimming
POND Property Activities
Examples of “Other” comments
- “Additional moorings”
- “Kayak/SUP storage for rent like other town beaches.”
- ”Minimal adaptation to increase natural resource enjoyment.”
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 16
The Pond Property has 8 existing structures located near the pond at a low elevation. The
structures are small and were primarily used for storage. How should the existing POND
Property buildings be handled?
POND Property Existing Structures
663
86
426151
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 17
3. Artists Residency
4. None of the above
1. Nature Residency
2. Children’s day camp
Identify the building re-uses you are most interested in seeing at the POND Property. Select as
many as you wish.
POND Property Building Re-use
Examples of “Other” comments
- “Kayak and boat storage”
- “Storage for pond items only (ropes to designate swimming areas, winter docks storage, etc…). Property needs ample parking for all uses.”
- ”Snack Bar”
- “Seasonal rental for seasonal employees”
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 18
2. Nature center
4. Affordable community housing
3. Seasonal workforce housing
5.Municipal housing
1. None of the above
What new buildings would you like to see on the POND Property? Select all that apply.
POND Property Building Re-use
Examples of “Other” comments
- “Changing room, showers, restroom at swimming area”
- “Existing buildings are more than enough - except perhaps for composting toilets, do not add any more to this fragile environment.”
- ”NONE! It’s in the water recharge district. Do NOT build anything there!”
- “Bathroom, boat house, small snack bar”
- “Possible small scale housing along Rt.137 with an appropriate buffer to the conservation and recreational areas.
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 19
Mass Audubon has pledged $1.5 million to assist the Town with acquisition costs of the Pond Property. If
approved, a partnership would allow Mass Audubon to use portions of the property for nature-based activities
such as small seasonal day camps, adult nature study workshops and certificate programs, field trips for
Wellfleet Bay camp, after-school programs, guided walks and kayak trips, among other possibilities, which
may require future access improvements. Do you want the town to continue to consider a partnership with Mass
Audubon on the POND Property?
POND Property Partnerships
1,076
171
81
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 20
Brewster Conservation Trust (BCT) has pledged $1.75 million toward the Pond Property acquisition. If approved,
this partnership would require a conservation restriction on at least 50% of the property not designated for
other uses; shared responsibility to design and manage a public trail network linked to Long Pond Woodlands;
and educational programming and activities led by BCT. Do you want the town to continue to consider
partnerships with BCT on the POND Property?
POND Property Partnerships
1,086
151
87
REED HILDERBRANDTOWN OF BREWSTER SEA CAMPS, BREWSTER MA 21
Property History
What histories do you want these properties to tell? Select all that apply.
1.Indigenous (native) people’s history
2.Camp history
3.Agricultural land use history
4.History telling is not important to me
Examples of “Other” comments
- “All history of our town is important to tell”
- “Share all three parts of the history don’t exclude any of the history.”
- ”Natural history; role of historical climate in forming the Cape and shaping the landscape; impacts and threats posed by climate change”
- “Some camp history is important for context of town acquisition. Focus more on indigenous people’s history, natural history”
From: Doug Wilcock, Chair
To: Pond Property Planning Commi ee
Re: Mul ple Responses to Survey
June 7th, 2023
It has come to the Pond Property Planning Commi ee’s a en on that it was possible to take
the survey numerous mes and that if individuals did so the results would be biased. While we
recognize that this is possible, we also recognize that if respondents were required to log in
through Google Drive that doing so would discourage poten al responders. This would also
poten ally bias the results by dampening the very high survey response rate and would also be
as invisible to the commi ee as having individuals respond more than once to the survey. We
would remind those that are concerned about poten al mul ple responses from a single
individual that previous town surveys like the Vision Planning survey were also done without
requiring either a log in or email address. In addi on, our consultant, Reed Hildebrand, has
reviewed the results for duplica on and has assured us that it is not an issue with this survey.
It is our hope and belief that residents of Brewster have taken the survey seriously and in the
same posi ve spirit that was in evidence at the first forum. We hope that members of the
community will remain as engaged in the former Sea Camps planning process as they have
demonstrated in this first community outreach. We look forward to community input to guide
us through this planning process.
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
Fax: (508) 896-8089
Office of:
Select Board
Town Administrator
MEMORANDUM
RE: Sea Camps Planning Committees
DATE: December 20, 2021 Amended August 22, 2022
At their December 20, 2021 meeting, the Select Board unanimously approved
the following charges for the two new planning committees tasked with
developing Comprehensive Plans for the former Cape Cod Sea Camps
properties. At their August 22, 2022 meeting, the Select Board amended the
charge to have the Recreation Commission liaison be a voting member.
Pond Property Planning Committee (PPPC)
1. Purpose:
a. Identify existing conditions of the former Cape Cod Sea Camps Pond
property
b. Evaluate potential low-cost, short-term public access opportunities
c. Develop and propose interim public access pan
d. Develop and implement a public engagement strategy to ensure
broad community input
e. Determine priority long-term uses appropriate for the Pond
property, taking the adjacent Long Pond Woodlands (Robinson)
property into consideration
f. Identify and evaluate potential partner organizations with shared interests
and values, particularly MA Audubon and Brewster Conservation Trust
g. Propose recommended long-term uses and partnerships
h. Develop an implementation plan for the proposed uses
2. Strategies:
a. Actively engage the public and stakeholders
b. Provide residents with regular updates regarding progress and milestones
c. Consider a range of interests, needs, ages, and abilities
d. Collaborate with design professionals to develop and present a
comprehensive plan to the Select Board and Town Meeting
i. Consider Brewster’s key strategic planning documents (Vision Plan,
Open Space and Recreation Plan, Coastal Resource Management
Plan, Housing Production Plan, and others)
ii. Incorporate maintenance, safety, and legal requirements
iii. Identify estimated one-time project costs, ongoing operating
expenses, funding sources, and timelines, incorporating prudent
financial practices and exploring opportunities for revenue
generation
3. Composition:
Eleven (11) total members, including:
a. Two (2) representatives from Select Board (Select Board Chair shall not be
eligible)
b. One (1) representative from each of the following committees:
Natural Resources Commission; Open Space Committee; Affordable
Housing Trust, Water Commission, Recreation Commission
c. Four (4) at-large members (may be part-time residents)
d. Term: One (1) year, subject to annual reappointment; first term through
June 30, 2023
e. Officers: Committee shall initially and annually thereafter elect a Chair,
Vice Chair, and Clerk; Chair position shall not be held by a Select
Board member; Chair and Vice Chair will meet on quarterly basis with
their counterparts on BPPC to ensure coordination
f. Liaisons (non-voting): Finance Committee; Vision Planning Committee
g. Representatives (non-voting): MA Audubon & Brewster Conservation
Trust; other organizations may be included as needed
h. Lead Town Staff Support: Assistant Town Administrator;
other Department Heads as needed
4. Appointment Process:
a. Notice soliciting letters of interest and completed applications from
residents will be posted on Town website – due January 21, 2022
b. Residents seeking to serve as at-large members will be asked to complete
new Board/Committee application form
c. Members of representative committees will be asked to submit letters
of interest
d. Select Board members appointed to serve on PPPC will individually vet
all applicants (at-large and representative members) and then make
their recommendations to the full Board in February
e. Select Board are anticipated to make all appointments by the end of
February
5. Selection Criteria:
In addition to the criteria outlined in the Select Board’s recently revised Board & Committee
Appointment Policy, Select Board members will also take into account the following criteria in
selecting members to serve on this committee:
a. Record of effective teamwork ability; able to collaborate well with others to
achieve common goals
b. Experience in community planning, municipal activities, project management, equity
and inclusion, conservation/environment, park management, sustainability, historic
preservation, recreation, public finance, (landscape) architecture, youth services,
human services, engineering, community housing, and/or law
c. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
d. Previous volunteer service
e. Sufficient time to actively participate in meetings and take on tasks outside
of meetings
1
Donna Kalinick
From:Doug <dougw_96@comcast.net>
Sent:Wednesday, May 24, 2023 7:53 PM
To:Donna Kalinick
Subject:Fwd: Banner
Donna, Chris sent this along to me. I think that should be in our packet for sure.
Doug
Begin forwarded message:
From: Chris Williams <crwilliams1212@gmail.com>
Subject: Fwd: Banner
Date: May 24, 2023 at 7:50:01 PM EDT
To: Doug <dougw_96@comcast.net>
FYI!
Begin forwarded message:
From: Chris Williams <crwilliams1212@gmail.com>
Date: May 24, 2023 at 7:48:48 PM EDT
To: Edward Barber <ebarber@brewster-ma.gov>
Subject:Re: Banner
Thank you, Ed, looks great!
Chris
On May 24, 2023, at 3:33 PM, Edward Barber <ebarber@brewster-
ma.gov> wrote:
2
Sea Camps Manager
Town of Brewster
ebarber@brewster-ma.gov
774-212-1057
May 22, 2023
Gree ngs Doug Wilcock, chair, and members of the Pond Parcel Planning Commi ee,
I have reviewed the Discovery document prepared by Reid Hildebrand and viewed their presenta on to
the Commi ee last month and appreciate the depth and presenta on of much of the material. That said,
I would like to comment on the treatment of the Zone II, the drinking water supply area. I make these
comments drawing on my experience in town affairs, and in full disclosure, specifically as Chair of the
Brewster Vision Advisory Group (the Vision Plan), former Chair of the Vision Advisory Group (The Local
Comprehensive Plan), and as a trustee of the Brewster Conserva on Trust.
The Discovery materials deal with the Zone II on slide 28, Current Zoning Regula ons. It is not men oned
on slide 31, Development Feasibility or on slide 40 Key Opportuni es. On slide 28, the text only men ons
the Water Quality Review by-law as the relevant local regula on. There is no men on that in 2007, the
Cape Cod Commission declared the Brewster Zone II, in east and west Brewster, and Brewster por on of
the Pleasant Bay Watershed as a District of Regional Planning Concern (DCPC). It should be further noted
that in 2009, Town Mee ng adopted the Natural Resource Protec on District under the Town’s Zoning
bylaw, to implement the DCPC. The NRPD goal is to protect water resources and open space and it
imposes density limits and encourages design features in subdivisions within the NRPD.
More generally, I think the discovery materials fail to consider how the Brewster community has
priori zed protec ng its drinking water supply. Star ng in the 1960s, most significantly in the 1980s, and
con nuing to the present, Brewster has purchased land in the Zone IIs of east and west Brewster
specifically to protect its drinking water. Currently over 500 acres in the east Brewster Zone II and nearly
1,000 acres in the west Brewster Zone II have been protected. This effort is unprecedented in any other
Cape town. In the last 15 years and more, every ar cle presented to Town Mee ng to protect land in the
Zone II has been approved overwhelmingly. Brewster is proud of the many awards our Water
Department has received for the high quality of our drinking water.
The Vision Planning processes have also demonstrated the value Brewster residents place on drinking
water protec on. In the public survey for the Vision Plan, the Water Resources building block received
the highest average score of all building blocks and the specific ac on “Iden fy and protect priority
parcels in sensi ve natural resource areas, par cularly in drinking water supply areas” received the
highest single score of all ac ons with a 4.53 on a 1 to 5 scale. In the recent Next Steps survey for the
Local Comprehensive Plan, land protec on in drinking water supply areas was also among the highest
scores.
I believe that the Brewster public views protec ng the Zone II not as a regulatory constraint, but rather
as an opportunity to protect our most valuable natural resource and ensure a safe drinking water supply
into the future. Protec on of our drinking water supply should be treated as the same type of
opportunity as other use op ons for the Pond Parcel. This does not preclude other uses, but it should
require that they not impair the quality of the drinking water supply.
Hal Minis
1
Donna Kalinick
From:Steve Rowan <noreply@event.eventbrite.com>
Sent:Friday, May 19, 2023 5:06 PM
To:Donna Kalinick
Subject:Cape Cod Sea Camps Community Planning Forum #1 - Question from Steve Rowan
Steve Rowan (oldseapinesinn@gmail.com) has a question for you about your event Cape Cod Sea Camps Community
Planning Forum #1.
I'v'e written a comment detailing the goal of most people here on the cape to the delight in seeing the bay from our
homes and the wish to enable many folks to live on the Sea Camps property in quadruplexs and also the building of a
community center for the residents of the housing in the camp where folks could gather, celebrate and enjoy the Bay
views wihtout the horrid cost of having a b each front home. These homes could be of simple design, two bedrooms,
private porch and the common house that overlooks the bayside for gatherings and celebrations. A mixture of
affordable housing and low income residents all with the shared value of a good community.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This message was sent to you via Eventbrite.
To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Eventbrite
1
Donna Kalinick
From:Ned Chatelain <nedchatelain@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 19, 2023 2:46 PM
To:Mati Delano
Cc:bppc; Pond Parcel Planning
Subject:Re: forums
Good afternoon Matilda.
Thank you for providing comment ahead of the input sessions tomorrow - I have cc'd the email addresses for both
planning committees here so your comments can be included in the record.
Have a great weekend.
Ned
Ned Chatelain
Broker/Owner
Office: 508-694-6875
Cell:508-776-4725
Fax:508-437-5981
www.ChatelainRealEstate.com
On Fri, May 19, 2023 at 12:31 PM Mati Delano <matifrontcom1@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hello,
Due to child care constraints, I will not be able to attend the forums tomorrow. However, I would like to add
my suggestion for uses of the property.
I think that Brewster should put single-family homes on the property and sell them (with deed restrictions) to
people who make too much for "affordable" housing (which has a relatively low-threshold), but who also
cannot afford "market-rate" homes ($600k+ is not something that most can swing).
Thank you,
~Matilda Delano, 774-216-9554
1
Donna Kalinick
From:Donna Kalinick
Sent:Monday, May 22, 2023 8:32 AM
To:Peter Lombardi; bppc; Pond Parcel Planning
Subject:FW: Reminder for Cape Cod Sea Camps Community Planning Forum #1
FYI
From: Lori Clark <lcc10topco@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 20, 2023 5:08 PM
To: Donna Kalinick <dkalinick@brewster-ma.gov>
Subject: Re: Reminder for Cape Cod Sea Camps Community Planning Forum #1
Just remembered these ideas
1)Host an Antiques Roadshow
2)Invite Tom Brady to host a week of football camp -how to become the next GOAT quarterback (and other sport icons)
3) best lobster bisque recipe contest festival
4)best scallop recipe contest festival
5)best oyster recipe contest festival
6)host cape authors’ convention
7)host news association conference and/or
award ceremony
8)create and air capes own “Finding Your
Roots” program
Any of these ideas can be extended
to other appropriate groups and/or organizations.
Hope all your day went
well and the town received many viable, cost effective ideas!
Most
Sincerely,
Lori Clark
Sent from my iPhone
On May 18, 2023, at 5:52 PM, Donna Kalinick <dkalinick@brewster-ma.gov> wrote:
Hi Lori, the event is indoors at the Dining Hall- no reason to worry about the rain. Thanks, Donna
From: Lori Clark <lcc10topco@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2023 5:51 PM
To: Donna Kalinick <dkalinick@brewster-ma.gov>
Subject: Re: Reminder for Cape Cod Sea Camps Community Planning Forum #1
Hi Donna
I’ll be there if
weather cooperates -if it’s forecasted to be a downpour and/or high winds, I hope it’s rescheduled.
Right now, they’re saying early afternoon rain, so that’s promising.
See you there (in front of the main house?)
Lori Clark
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
PPPC 5.03.23 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 3
Office of:
Select Board
Town Manager
MINUTES OF THE POND PROPERTY PLANNING COMMITTEE
DATE: May 3, 2023
TIME: 4:00pm
PLACE: 2198 Main Street
PARTICIPANTS: Chair Doug Wilcock, Cindy Bingham, Kari Hoffmann, Elizabeth Taylor, Tim Hackert (left the
meeting at 5:34pm), Christopher Williams, Jan Crocker, Steve Ferris (remote participation and left at 5pm),
Donna Kalinick, Elizabeth Taylor, Cynthia Baran, Katie Gregoire, Tino Kamarck, Melissa Lowe, Elizabeth
Randall (Reed Hilderbrand), Madeleine Aronson (Reed Hilderbrand), Brian Madden (LEC), Amy Henderson
(Brewster Conservation Trust)
Call to Order, Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement, and Recording Statement
Chair Wilcock called the meeting to order at 4:00pm and declared a quorum. Chair Wilcock read the meeting
and the recording statements.
Public Announcements and Comment
None
Reed Hilderbrand Consulting Team Follow up on Presentation of Discovery Findings & Analysis
Tino Kamarck, Brewster Conservation Trust, highlighted the following items from the Hydrogeological
Analysis report:
All of the parcel is important for water quality protection. It is rare for a parcel of this size, 66 acres,
because of the combination of the topography, the geography, and the hydrogeology of this
property.
The topography has been characterized as dramatic; the slope is consistent across the entire property
from Route 137.
The geography is categorized as Carver Coarse Sand, the most common soil type found on Cape Cod.
The Carver series can be defined as “very deep, excessively drained sandy soils.” Water moves
through the soil very quickly and without filtration.
Important to keep in mind that according to the USGS survey, all the property is considered to be in
the Long Pond recharge area.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Long Pond is already impaired with low
oxygen, excessive nutrients, and other contaminants.
Additional development in the recharge area could only make the issues worse.
In normal summer conditions the entire Zone II contributes groundwater to the drinking water supply
of the town.
The Cape Cod Commission recognizes this particular zone II as one of the few remaining areas where
additional wells could be drilled for additional water supplies for towns.
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
PPPC 5.03.23 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 3
Office of:
Select Board
Town Manager
Brewster Conservation Trust’s conclusion from this report is that whatever uses are recommended and
approved by the town they urge to take into account the unique sensitivity of this property in its entirety to
maintaining water quality in both the pond and in our water drinking.
Melissa Lowe, Mass Audubon, spoke about the Ecosystem Services Assessment report that was produced in
December 2021. This is a standard inventory that Mass Audubon produces and is intended to serve as an
objective accounting of the various benefits of the natural resources and ecological features of the property.
The report includes discussions on drinking water, sensitive habitats, species inventory and the ecology of
the land. Ms. Lowe mentioned the following highlights of the report:
The parcel has significant ecological value, with mixed forest and Coastal Plain Pond shore habitats
which supports a diversity of plants and wildlife.
Adjacent to the already preserved 42.25 acres Long Pond Woodlands has a combined acreage of
more than 122 acres of continuous habitat.
The shoreline is designated as part of the Natural Heritage Endangered Species program, as a critical
natural landscape and a core habitat in BioMap 2.
The natural integrity of the property also benefits the proposed programming and passive recreation
opportunities.
The Committee took turns offering their comments, feedback and asking questions about the reports that
were reviewed and the discovery findings and analysis. Brian Madden reviewed his vernal pool analysis and
will put together a report for the committee.
Reed Hilderbrand Discussion about First Community Forum to take place on May 20, 2023
Elizabeth Randall and Madeleine Aronson reviewed the outline of the forum including:
Two sessions to accommodate the expected 250+ people, 10am – 12pm and 1pm -3pm.
Goals included:
o Introduce the planning process for both parcels and share information about the parcels.
o Educate the public about the parcels on the discovery material.
o Get feedback to inform next steps in the process.
A survey will be provided after the forum to gather feedback, this will be for any residents.
Review of the format, layout, stations, and boards that will be part of the forum.
Review of the kids’ station that will be set up.
Members shared their thoughts and ideas on the forum and the discovery information that will be
presented. Ms. Randall noted that the goal is not to sway any resident in any direction, we want visitors to
share any and all of their ideas. During the next phase, more context will be added to the forums, for now
the Town is just presenting the information.
Pond Property Video Roll Out & Discussion of plan for Video Distribution
Jan Crocker shared that the library has placed this on their media and we are still finding ways to create
copies of the video. It has also been shared with the Council on Aging.
Town of Brewster
2198 Main Street
Brewster, MA 02631-1898
Phone: (508) 896-3701
www.brewster-ma.gov
PPPC 5.03.23 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 3 of 3
Office of:
Select Board
Town Manager
Short Term Uses of Property
a.Possible vote to approve final temporary / pop-up / traveling signs as well as update on request to
place a building side sign at Bay Parcel
Chris Williams shared that the sign was placed in the lobby at Town Meeting, a few people asked
questions, and it seems we are off to a good start. We will have printed copies to have at events and
at Town offices. The outdoor sign draft is in the packet, reworked to make it easier to read.
b.Guided walk working group report update
Cindy Baran reviewed that the final dates are June 10th, with a rain date of June 11th, there will be
two tours, 9am and 11am. The Council on Aging can provide transportation. The subcommittee
confirmed the trail route and topics that will be discussed during the guided walk. The walk is about 2
miles, just over an hour to complete. Registration will be through Brewster Recreation, open to
groups of 10-12 per walk.
FYIs
None
Approval of Minutes from March 1, 2023 & March 29, 2023
Elizabeth Taylor moved to approve the minutes from March 1, 2023. Cindy Bingham second. A roll call vote
was taken. Member Bingham-yes, Member Hoffmann-yes, Member Taylor-yes, Member Baran-yes, Member
Williams-yes, Member Crocker-yes, Member Gregoire-yes, Chair Wilcock-yes. The vote was 8-Yes, 0-No.
Elizabeth Taylor moved to approve the minutes from March 29, 2023. Cindy Bingham second. A roll call vote
was taken. Member Bingham-yes, Member Hoffmann-yes, Member Taylor-yes, Member Baran-yes, Member
Williams-yes, Member Crocker-yes, Member Gregoire-yes, Chair Wilcock-yes. The vote was 8-Yes, 0-No.
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
None
Next Meetings
May 20, 2023, Community Forum, June 7, 2023
Adjournment
Member Bingham moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:44pm. Member Taylor second. A roll call vote was
taken. A roll call vote was taken. Member Bingham-yes, Member Hoffmann-yes, Member Taylor-yes,
Member Baran-yes, Member Williams-yes, Member Crocker-yes, Member Gregoire-yes, Chair Wilcock-yes.
The vote was 8-Yes, 0-No.
Respectfully submitted by
Erika Mawn, Executive Assistant to Town Administration
Approved on: