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HomeMy Public PortalAboutPond Parcel Planning -- 2023-09-20 MinutesON"" E W \ ` ELOEA 6 �� 0 o AF 7 FBA I9, 'SOS, Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 www.brewster-ma.gov MINUTES OF THE POND PROPERTY PLANNING COMMITTEE DATE: September 20, 2023 TIME: 4:00pm PLACE: 2198 Main Street Office of: Select Board Town Manager .BAF_- = -r3= Participants: Chair Doug Wilcock, Cindy Bingham, Tim Hackert, Cindy Baran, Christopher Williams, Jan Crocker, Steve Ferris, Elizabeth Taylor, Donna Kalinick, Ron Essig, Susan Essig, Susan Bridges, Melissa Lowe Remote Participants: Chris Ellis, Suzanne Kenny, Amy Henderson, Elizabeth Randall (Reed Hilderbrand), Madeleine Aronson (Reed Hilderbrand), Tino Kamarck, Katie Gregoire Absent: Kari Hoffmann 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 recording statements. Public Announcements and Comment None Introduction of Chris Ellis as new Recreation Commission Voting Member Chris will be joining the committee as the representative from the Recreation Commission, he is looking forward to getting involved. Reed Hilderbrand Summary and Report from Second Community Forum and Survey and Memo re ardin Next Steps Elizabeth Randall and Madeleine Aronson presented the findings from the Second Community Forum and Survey: Schedule Update o Joint committee meetings (BPPC & PPPC) with the Select Board- October 4th o Virtual Joint Community Forum- November 30th • Forum & Survey Feedback o The purpose of the forum and survey was to share the design progress and hear community feedback. o The assessment of the forum and survey "results" is not an exact science. Reed Hilderbrand tries not to get caught up in the specific number or votes. 841 people responded to the survey and about 400 people attended the forum. o Rely on collective observations, a shared understanding of conversations and feedback and a careful reading of the comments and stickers that attendees placed on the boards. o Survey feedback provides insight into community priorities. • Pond Property General Summary o Attendees and survey respondents shared equally strong and conflicting opinions about housing and conservation. Many feel that conservation should be a primary goal and that PPPC 9.20.23 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 1 of 5 Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 www.brewster-ma.gov Office of: Select Board Town Manager housing conflicts with this; and many believe housing should be accommodated here and that it can be balanced with conservation. o Option 4 Conservation and Education received the most first choice votes in the survey and the most "title stickers" in the forum, however the number of stickers on housing within the options of the forum was much higher than the number of stickers on conservation options. o Respondents prefer a lower intensity/use waterfront, due to the perceived capacity of the property in terms of access, parking, and character. o Feedback demonstrated some interest in future municipal uses, but there was some confusion around what this means. • Guiding Principles will help shape the final plans for each property and will act as guidelines for decision-making. These are for both the Pond Property and the Bay Property. o Expand opportunities for community use with a focus on wellness, recreation, arts, and education. o Protect and conserve important natural habitat and water resources. o Contribute to the Town's affordable housing goals. o Balance cost with reuse and revenue generation. o Provide resources for older and younger generations. o Build partnerships for activation and stewardship. o Foster awareness of the sensitive ecologies and demonstrate sustainability. o Build upon Brewster's historic, small-town, and socially inclusive character. o Plan for long-term needs of the Town. Ms. Randle provided the suggested changes from the Bay Property Planning Committee. There was some discussion and clarification on revenue generation to help offset the costs of the property. Ms. Kalinick stated that part of the next forum should include some municipal finance and provide information on what the options are for paying for the comprehensive plans. The goal is to help the community make valued decisions for the properties. Committee members and members of the public provided their comments on the guiding principles, comments included: • Susan Essig feels that the principles are very broad and agrees that the properties should contribute to the town's affordable housing goals. • Susan Bridges commented that the Town unanimously purchased the properties to maintain open space and agrees we need obtainable housing. Offered to consider all the properties in Town where Open Space can be preserved and where housing makes most sense. Ms. Randle shared that the results from the forum and survey were clear in terms of affordable housing on the Bay, as it was the least chosen option. She stated that the design team can make recommendations based on what is technically feasible, in terms of access, topographically, and about sustainable ways to build housing, however it is ultimately the community's decision. PPPC 9.20.23 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 2 of 5 • Member Ferris stated that it is not this Committees task to decide where housing would go throughout town, but help to decide what happens on the Long Pond Property. • Chair Wilcock commented that if there are going to be two options, believes that one should include housing and the other should not. He believes that we need to provide residents with more clarity, but there is a direction provided. • Member Hackert noted that the Committee needs to listen to the community and come up with a plan that reflects their priorities and that the properties can be multiuse, doesn't have to be either or. • Member Bingham reiterated that the Committee's job is to listen to the public and suggested that a piece of the property could not be designated for a particular use at this time, or have a conservation restriction placed on it to leave open for future options. Ms. Kalinick noted that there will be a joint meeting to provide the Committee with clarity and policy decisions that will inform the next steps and discussion points for both the planning committees. • Member Baran commented that she believes there needs to be more education on what the implications might be and requested that one option be Open Space and Water Quality protection only. • Member Gregoire requested more education on housing and water quality for residents. • Peter Johnson, 909 Stony Brook Road, noted that Conservation Restrictions are extensive documents, an important part is the reserved rights which provide many opportunities in terms of preserving future judgements. • Ron Essig, 154 Crowells Bog Road, shared that he had difficulties with the survey as he found flaws in each of the questions. He inquired if the consultants were able to quantity the comments. Ms. Randle shared that the team read through all the comments, but it is difficult to quantify in a precise amount of detail to assign value to comments. Sharing that many may not feel equipped to answer housing questions without more information. • Member Hackert stated that based on his review of the results, he believes that there was consensus for housing subject to appropriate protections and limitations. Ms. Kalinick shared that Town Administration and Reed Hilderbrand's team has had extensive conversations on how the next forum needs to be education forward. Short Term Uses of Property Updates a. Volunteer Appreciation Day, September 30111 10-12 followed by lunch The purpose of the Volunteer fair is to provide residents with information about all committees and the work that they do and provide them with an opportunity to volunteer if any board/committee has an opening.. There will be a raffle for all residents/volunteers for 2024 permits. The appreciation lunch from 12pm — fpm is for all members of the committee. b. Guided walk report update from July 291h and update on plans for September 23rd and potential October dates PPPC 9.20.23 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 3 of 5 ELDER BR °- �\p�, 9 Town of Brewster Office of: OF Q F�Au = �= Select Board 2198 Main Street Town Manager a n o Brewster, MA 02631-1898 '� Phone: (508) 896-3701 www.brewster-ma.gov • Member Ferris stated that it is not this Committees task to decide where housing would go throughout town, but help to decide what happens on the Long Pond Property. • Chair Wilcock commented that if there are going to be two options, believes that one should include housing and the other should not. He believes that we need to provide residents with more clarity, but there is a direction provided. • Member Hackert noted that the Committee needs to listen to the community and come up with a plan that reflects their priorities and that the properties can be multiuse, doesn't have to be either or. • Member Bingham reiterated that the Committee's job is to listen to the public and suggested that a piece of the property could not be designated for a particular use at this time, or have a conservation restriction placed on it to leave open for future options. Ms. Kalinick noted that there will be a joint meeting to provide the Committee with clarity and policy decisions that will inform the next steps and discussion points for both the planning committees. • Member Baran commented that she believes there needs to be more education on what the implications might be and requested that one option be Open Space and Water Quality protection only. • Member Gregoire requested more education on housing and water quality for residents. • Peter Johnson, 909 Stony Brook Road, noted that Conservation Restrictions are extensive documents, an important part is the reserved rights which provide many opportunities in terms of preserving future judgements. • Ron Essig, 154 Crowells Bog Road, shared that he had difficulties with the survey as he found flaws in each of the questions. He inquired if the consultants were able to quantity the comments. Ms. Randle shared that the team read through all the comments, but it is difficult to quantify in a precise amount of detail to assign value to comments. Sharing that many may not feel equipped to answer housing questions without more information. • Member Hackert stated that based on his review of the results, he believes that there was consensus for housing subject to appropriate protections and limitations. Ms. Kalinick shared that Town Administration and Reed Hilderbrand's team has had extensive conversations on how the next forum needs to be education forward. Short Term Uses of Property Updates a. Volunteer Appreciation Day, September 30111 10-12 followed by lunch The purpose of the Volunteer fair is to provide residents with information about all committees and the work that they do and provide them with an opportunity to volunteer if any board/committee has an opening.. There will be a raffle for all residents/volunteers for 2024 permits. The appreciation lunch from 12pm — fpm is for all members of the committee. b. Guided walk report update from July 291h and update on plans for September 23rd and potential October dates PPPC 9.20.23 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 3 of 5 F- "f 1D 10 11 19, Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 www.brewster-ma.gov Office of: Select Board Town Manager Member Baran reviewed the July 29th guided walks noting that both were full. Feedback was to shorten the walks and focus more on the beach area and less in the woods. The working group is th planning a walk for October 28 c. Report on Brewster Part Time Resident meetingon 8 26 L__ Chair Wilcock attended the meeting and provided information about the parcel, he also encouraged the residents to complete the survey. Update on Select Board Annual Retreat and FY24/25 Strategic Plan on Former Sea Camps Building Blocks Member Bingham reviewed the goals that the Select Board developed at their Strategic Planning session that incorporates the Sea Camps properties: • Provide an interim public access to and activities on both Sea Camps properties • Continue community planning process, engaging residents, and stakeholders to develop long term comprehensive plans for both Sea Camp properties • To continue to explore potential partnerships and revenue generating opportunities that mitigate tax impacts and to provide enhanced services, program, or amenities for residents on both Sea Cams properties Conduct assessment of community recreation needs, develop implantation plan, provide staffing support to deliver enhanced recreation services 0 Develop standard criteria and process to evaluate potential land acquisition and consider establishing municipal land acquisition committee Identify priority goals of 2021 Open Space and Recreation plan and begin implementation, including making targeted accessibility improvements to Town owned conservation land 0 Continue implementing the Housing Production Plan There was discussion on public uses of the property, Ms. Kalinick shared that there is no line item in the Capital Plan as we are waiting until the comprehensive plans are approved at Town Meeting. The Committee should continue to provide public access when possible at the property, but improvements to roads, beach access and parking would be including in the comprehensive plans. Committee Reorganization Member Hackert nominated Doug Wilcock as Chair. Member Bingham seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Member Bingham -yes, Member Taylor -yes, Member Hackert-yes, Member Baran -yes, Member Williams -yes, Member Crocker -yes, Member Ferris -yes, Member Gregoire -yes, Member Ellis -yes, Chair Wilcock -yes. The vote was 10 -Yes, O -No. Member Taylor nominated Cindy Baran as Vice Chair. Member Crocker seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Member Bingham -yes, Member Taylor -yes, Member Hackert-yes, Member Baran -yes, Member Williams -yes, Member Crocker -yes, Member Ferris -yes, Member Gregoire -yes, Member Ellis -yes, Chair Wilcock -yes. The vote was 10 -Yes, O -No. PPPC 9.20.23 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 4 of 5 Town of Brewster 2198 Main Street Brewster, MA 02631-1898 Phone: (508) 896-3701 www.brewster-ma.gov Office of: Select Board Town Manager Chair Wilcock nominated Steve Ferris as the Clerk. Member Crocker seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Member Bingham -yes, Member Taylor -yes, Member Hackert-yes, Member Baran -yes, Member Williams -yes, Member Crocker -yes, Member Ferris -yes, Member Gregoire -yes, Member Ellis -yes, Chair Wilcock -yes. The vote was 10 -Yes, 0 -No. FYls None Approval of Minutes from June 21 2023 and July, 12, 2023 Member Bingham moved the minutes from June 21, 2023. Member Baran seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Member Bingham -yes, Member Taylor -yes, Member Hackert-abs, Member Baran -yes, Member Williams -yes, Member Crocker -yes, Member Ferris -yes, Member Gregoire -yes, Member Ellis -abs, Chair Wilcock -yes. The vote was 8 -Yes, 2 -Abs, 0 -No Member Bingham moved the minutes from July 12, 2023, with the name amendment. Member Baran seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Member Bingham -yes, Member Taylor -yes, Member Hackert-abs, Member Baran -yes, Member Williams -yes, Member Crocker -yes, Member Ferris -yes, Member Gregoire -yes, Member Ellis -abs, Chair Wilcock -yes. The vote was 8 -Yes, 2 -Abs, 0 -No. Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated�Chair None Questions from the media None Next Meetings Joint meeting with Select Board & BPPC October 4, October 18th, November 1 and November 15, 2023 A 'ournment Member Hackert moved to adjourn at 5:46pm. Member Baran seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Member Bingham -yes, Member Taylor -yes, Member Hackert-yes, Member Baran -yes, Member Williams -yes, Member Crocker -yes, Member Ferris -yes, Member Gregoire -yes, Member Ellis -abs, Chair Wilcock -yes. The vote was 9 -Yes, 1 -Abs, 0 -No. Respectfully submitted by Erika Mawn, Executive Assistant to Town Administration Approved on: November 15, 2023 PPPC 9.20.23 www.brewster-ma.gov Page 5 of 5