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Home My Public Portal AboutBay Parcel Planning -- 2023-06-20 Minutesr�%, Town of Brewster akj _ 2198 Main Street s a Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 Fax: (508) 896-8089 t '�4�r1l�IrituL�U,t�fll�uti��\tip, ' MINUTES OF THE BAY PROPERTY PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: June 20, 2023 TIME: 4:00 PM PLACE: Hybrid Participation — Zoom/2198 Main Street, Brewster, MA PARTICIPANTS: Town Manager Peter Lombardi, Chair Amanda Bebrin, Selectperson Mary Chaffee, Selectperson David Whitney, Karl Fryzel, Katie Jacobus, Caroline McCarley, Thomas Wingard, Patricia Hughes, Peter Johnson, John Phillips (remote), Clare O'Connor -Rice; Liaisons/Representatives: Jan Crocker, Sharon Tennstedt, Bill Meehan, Kathleen Walker, Gary Christen, Roger O'Day; Town Staff: Mike Gradone (Recreation Department Director), Elton Cutler (COA Director), Griffin Ryder (DPW Director); Reed Hilderbrand Consultants: Elizabeth Randall, Madeleine Aronson a Call to Order, Declaration of a Quorum, Meeting Participation Statement and Recording Statement: Amanda Bebrin called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm and read the meeting participation and recording statements. Ms. Bebrin announced all members of the committee who were present, a quorum was declared. There were`no public announcements or comments. Public Announcements and Comments None Review and Discuss Findings from First Community Forum & Resident Survey Ms. Bebrin introduced Elizabeth Randall from Reed Hilderbrand. Ms. Randall provided a summary of feedback received from residents at the first public forum, held on May 20th, and from the subsequent online survey which was conducted from May 25th through June 41h, 2023. Ms. Randall explained that the packet prepared for the committee focused on the key interests as expressed by residents at the first community forum and the follow=up survey. Madeleine Aronson stated that 400 people attended the forum. 1367 people responded to the survey, only 20 of these people were non-residents. Of the remainder, 72% were full-time residents, and 28% part-time. Ms. Aronson then listed a number of key interests for bay property use expressed at the both the forum and the survey, such as the construction of a community center, the provision of recreatign opportunities for all ages and abilities, and re -using existing buildings and amenities where feasible. Clare O'Connor -Rice asked if Reed Hilderbrand weighed the responses at the forum and in the survey — did responses at the forum, for instance, get greater priority over survey responses? Ms. Randall responded that presence at the forurh was not weighed more heavily than survey responses, but it is interesting to note that some priorities, such `as housing, were prioritized more at the forum than in the survey. Mr. Lombardi added that this survey collection was an art not a science — committee members need to provide feedback on whether they feel these themes identified by the consultants ring true. BPPC 6.20.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 5 Doc ID: 96345a764e45a080cf1050d50b209b30362c6c8c ��""" view -"`y `" Town of Brewster ntaERrF.p',' "�s- 10- 9 I 2198 Main Street 3� v Brewster, MA 02631-1898 r 0 Phone: (508) 896-3701 =— Fax: (508) 896-8089 %J FFg APDHI•SC\ pilin,... to, se _.a�1\• Jan Crocker asked if the key interests in the packet were randomized or listed in order., of importance. Ms. Randall responded that this. list was created from Reed Hilderbrand's reading of the data, and the themes were not listed in order of priority. Selectperson Mary Chaffee complimented Reed Hilderbrand on the quality of the summary packet that was put together. Selectperson Chaffee added that 13.1% of Brewster voters took part in the forum and survey, and this is a good community response, but we need more residents engaged for future forums and surveys. Katie Jacobus said the use of Language was occasionally confusing in the feedback packet. "Town" and "respondents" were used interchangeably to mean Brewster residents, but the word Town" is traditionally used to refer to Town government. Karl Fryzel noted that in the survey and the summary of the forum there seemed to be strong interest among residents in the use of the property for creative arts, including the use of the existing cabins for artists to stay in, but he did not see this reflected in the list of "key interests". Ms. Randall said that she agreed there was s an interest among survey participants in the use of the. property for the creative arts, but it may not have been as high a priority as other ideas — it was, however, referenced in the packet — they will look at this more closely. Ms. Aronson said that it may have come through stronger in comments than was reflected in the actual data, but they will reexamine this. Ms. O'Connor -Rice concurred that the response in this particular category was weaker than she expected, but that this might be explained by the fact that this is artists' busy time of year, and they may not have had time to respond to the survey. She suggested inviting local artists to the property to ask for their feedback on possible uses. Thomas Wingard stated that the number of stickers used during the forum suggests that there was strong resident interest in the use of the property for creative a rts. Selectperson Chaffee commented on the survey results, noting that the second most frequently checked item was "Community Center", but many of the other items listed would fit within a Community Center. Mr. Fryzel asked Reed Hilderbrand consultants for their views on what is worth taking inspiration from in similar facilities, such as the Harwich Community Center or the Wellfeet Audubon Center. Ms. Randall responded that the Harwich Community Center is a large facility, and something of this scale could not be housed in one of the existing buildings on the bay property at present. Residents would have to consider whether they would want to sacrifice community character in order to construct this type of building on site, or, alternatively, spread the amenities it contains out over existing buildings. Mr. Fryzel responded that other sites, based on the list provided by Reed Hilderbrand, should be discussed by committee members to see what models are desirable for the bay property. Ms. O'Connor -Rice added that, in terms of artist residency, the dune shacks in Provincetown could be looked at for inspiration. Sharon Tennstedt commented that the Harwich Community Center was a desirable model for many residents several years ago. A community forum was held in Brewster at one point that involved the director of the Harwich Community Center explaining how the center was constructed — residents liked the idea of the COA and the Recreation Department being under the same roof. Mr. Lombardi noted that making residents aware of the condition of the current structures in terms of usability will be an important step BPPC 6.20.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 5 Doc ID: 96345a764e45a080cf1050d50b209b30362c6c8c sTF.,, Town of Brewster 4, o sk,. rat r 2198 Main Street 3 A b Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 Fax: (508) 896-8089 before the next forum. There is interest among residents in the idea of a partnership with Mass Audubon on the Bay Property — we need to explore what this would look like and see if residents would support it. Ms. Bebrin said that interest in seasonal workforce housing is tied to the idea of reusing buildings. It is more complicated than simply reusing the existing cabins — good information needs to be provided to residents about this process. Pat Hughes said that opening up the campus to a greater degree at the next forum would be helpful, and working with consultants to identify the structures in the best shape for residents to view will also be important. Ms. Jacobus asked if it was fair to say that the first community forum was the "brainstorming" session, while the second forum will explore what is feasible. Ms. Randall explained that this was correct. Ms. McCarley noted that one aspect of "feasibility" is cost — this is something that residents will be concerned about, and asked when this will be discussed by the committee. Mr. Lombardi responded that the costing piece will come between the second and third forum — once feedback has been received from residents about what they want to happen.' At the third forum, the cost of community preferences will be presented by Reed Hilderbrand. ` Ms. O'Connor -Rice suggested that committee members should put their professional backgrounds to use to work on revenue generating ideas that can be considered by residents at a future forum. Selectperson Chaffee stated that video and photography could be used to help inform residents about feasible uses of the property. Gary Christen said that the idea of the Community Center is much larger than just the bay property —the bay property is inadequate for a Harwich -style Community Center. Mr. Christen added that resident interest in the use of ithe property for the creative arts was notable, but not as significant as previous speakers have suggested. Ms. Bebrin responded that the committee's charge had been amended to examine whether or not the community would like a Community Center on the bay property — if the answer to this question ultimately ends up being "no", then it will need to be sited elsewhere. Mr. Fryzel added that it may not be feasible to construct a Harwich -style Community Center, but a Community Center still needs to be examined as a use idea. Mr. Fryzel stated that the administrative building should be opened to the public — once residents can see inside, they will likely be surprised by its condition and how much work it needs. Ms. McCarley asked if the consultants received any interesting outlier comments through the forum or community survey. Ms. Aronson responded with some examples of suggestions Reed Hilderbrand had looked at that might fit this description: siting breweries on the property, building an orchard, constructing a ski slope. Discuss Resident Outreach Opportunities at Brewster Conservation Dav & Other Town Events The Bay Property Committee will have a joint table with the Pond Property Committee at Brewster Conservation Day, which is taking place from 9:30am till 1:30pm on July 8, 2023 at Drummer Boy Park. Ms. Bebrin asked if committee members are available to volunteer. Ms. Hughes, Ms. Jacobus, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Whitney volunteered to help staff the table. Selectperson Chaffee suggested that a large poster depicting the three phases of the development process would be good to include at this event. Mr. Lombardi BPPC 6.20.2023 ! www.brewster-ma.gov Page 3 of 5 Doc ID: 96345a764e45a080cf1050d50b209b30362c.6c8c �e ws..,u,,,,� $ELoA-� Town of Brewster � 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 u Phone: (508) 896-3701 Fax: (508) 896-8089 f & responded that some materials from the last forum of this nature could be repurposed. Mr. Fryzel asked for confirmation of the date of the next public forum — Mr. Lombardi responded that it will be held on Saturday,. August 5. The DJ Dance Party, the Touch -a -Truck, the Family Movie Night are taking place on the property this summer — these are good opportunities for committee members to be on site to talk to residents and answer questions. Ms. Bebrin will be contacting committee members to discuss their availability to volunteer at these events. Update on First Light Beach & Brewster Community Pool Mr. Lombardi stated that the use and management of First Light Beach is going well so far this summer. In terms of the pool, just under 650 pool passes have been sold to date — almost 250 of these were family passes. On Friday June 16 and Saturday June 17, guest passes were available for sale at the Arts Center— roughly 110 guest passes have been sold, and another opportunity to purchase these will be held on June 30. Around $85,000 in revenue has been brought in so far from the sale of pool passes. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the pool will take place on June 26. Mr. Fryzel asked for an update on the pool furniture. Mr. Lombardi responded that delivery of the pool furniture has been delayed — the delivery is now planned for mid-to-late July. The picnic tables and umbrellas have arrived, but the loungers, side tables, chairs and round tables have not yet arrived. Interim replacement loungers will be at the pool in the meantime. Mr. Lombardi praised the DPW staff, Ed Barber, and Tom Thatcher for their hard work to open the pool on schedule. Ms. O'Connor -Rice praised Mr. Gradone for his ability to recruit lifeguards in time for the pool to open. Review Upcoming Approved Interim Uses and Vote on Proposed New Interim Uses , Mr. Fryzel moved to approve Camp Wingate Kirkland's request to cut across the bay property during the course of a planned beach hike. Ms. Hughes second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffee —yes, Selectperson Whitney — yes, Pat Hughes — yes, Karl Fryzel — yes, Caroline McCarley — Vies, Katie Jacobus —yes, Clare O'Connor -Rice — yes, Thomas Wingard — yes, Amanda Bebrin — yes, Peter Johnson — yes, John Phillips — yes. Katie Jacobus said she has spoken to the gentleman who began the "Da Hedge" event, Otis Moyer, and learned from him how it grew in prominence in Brewster over the years. Previous campers have said they have positive feelings about bringing it back. This year it would be on Sunday, August 6 from roughly 7.00am to 9.30am. Mr. Fryzel moved to approve use of the property to hold the "Da Hedge" event. Ms. McCarley second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffee —yes, Selectperson Whitney yes, Pat Hughes — yes, Karl Fryzel — yes, Caroline. McCarley — yes, Katie Jacobus — yes,. Clare O'Connor -Rice — yes, Thomas Wingard — yes, Amanda Bebrin — yes, PeterJohnson— yes,John Phillips — yes. Selectperson Whitney suggested that the open house committee volunteer event in the fall should also be an opportunity for Town departments to explain their purpose and how they function; BPPC 6.20.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 4 of 5 Doc ID: 96345a764e45a080cf1050d50b209b30362c6c8c Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 Fax: (508) 896-8089 Vote on Meeting Minutes: June 6, 2023 Ms. Jacobus moved to approve meeting minutes from June 6, 2023. Ms. Hughes second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffee —yes, Selectperson Whitney — yes, Pat Hughes —yes, Karl Fryzel —yes, Caroline McCarley — yes, Katie Jacobus — yes, Clare O'Connor -Rice — yes, Thomas Wingard — yes, Amanda Bebrin — yes, Peter Johnson —yes, John Phillips — yes. Discuss Future Meetihg A>~enda Items Ms. Bebrin noted that; the second public forum will be discussed at the next committee meeting. Next Meetinirs July 11(4:30 start time) and July 25, 2023 Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair: Ms. Bebrin thanked Selectperson Chatelain for his service on this committee over the last year. Adiournment Selectperson Chaffee moved to adjourn at 5:36 pm. Mr. Fryzel second. A roll call vote was taken. Selectperson Chaffees yes, Selectperson Whitney — yes, Pat Hughes — yes, Karl Fryzel — yes, Caroline McCarley — yes, Katie `Jacobus — yes, Clare O'Connor -Rice — yes, Thomas Wingard — yes, Amanda Bebrin — yes, Peter Johnson — yes, John Phillips — yes. Respectfully submitted by Conor Kenny, Project Manager 07!12/2023 Approved: Signed: Accompanying Documents inn Packet: Agenda, Community Forum Feedback Packet, Email Re Flyer, BPPC Minutes 6.6.23 Y; Camp Wingate, Upcoming Sea Camps Events BPPC 6.20.2023 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 5 of 5 Doc ID: 96345a764e45a080cf1050d50b209b30362c6c8c