07/24/2023 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Mashpee Select Board Minutes July 24, 2023 APPOINTMENTS &HEARINGS Public Comment: (continued) Ronald Kessel indicated he has resided in Stratford Ridge for the past 21 years. At 86 years of age, Mr. Kessel started playing pickleball at the age of 81. Prior to this Mr. Kessel spent most of the day at the computer. The sport of pickleball has improved his physical well-being and the doctors are impressed with his improvements. Mr. Kessel stated he feels younger and has never been a part of a large group of people who are decent and consistently considerate at these courts. Lauren Johnson Lavander a resident of Mashpee Shores stated she has grown up in the Town of Mashpee. She is a taxpayer and an active voter. Ms. Lavander indicated she is entrenched in the Cape, and is very active in Town matters. Ms. Lavanders career involved work in healthcare for the past 40 years at the Falmouth Hospital. Ms. Lavander disclosed her husband committed suicide. And, through an act of God someone introduced her to pickleball, and it has saved her life. Ms. Lavander plays pickleball daily. She has built a family of choice, and her pickleball friends are invaluable. It was noted this is a sport that families can play. In closing Ms. Lavander indicated pickleball is very important to so many of us stating let's find an amicable solution. Nancy Horn of Pine Grove Circle expressed appreciation to the public comment on pickleball. Last summer Ms. Horn started playing after declining previous offers due to fear and pain. Ms. Horn indicated she opened a restaurant in 2001, and has been a published food columnist cooking for President Obama in 2012. After two surgical spine surgeries Ms. Horn was housebound for 4 years. She never returned to restaurant business. Upon moving to the Cape, Ms. Horn indicated she sank into deep depression due to the pain she was incurring. Acting on the advice of a friend, Ms. Horn started playing pickleball and realized it did not hurt as other activities. Playing pickleball helped her to relax. Since then, her health, and energy increased. The pain subsided. Ms. Horn plays pickleball in the winter and indoors at the school 4-5 times per week. She has great friends that play and enjoys getting outside. It is heartbreaking for this to be crushed because of one individual. David Harman lives on Quinns Way since 2016. Mr. Harman indicated through pickleball he has met new people, has made new friends, and has lost weight. His body has increased dopamine and has made happiness. The Town of Mashpee has been very helpful and willing to make changes. And, the Town has spent a lot of money to purchase a sound barrier. He asked why should the happiness of many people be hurt from one person. It was suggested the gentleman in opposition and the one from Falmouth learn to play pickleball. Whippoorwill Circle resident Betsey Pratt urged the Select Board to please find a way to work with Mr. Barrows to mitigate the noise and to make everyone happy. Brian Everett a resident of Forest Drive indicated he was against this project using CPA funds. Now, he is not against the moods and the health benefits of pickleball. Mr. Everett conveyed concern with regards to fragmenting the fragile habitat in Mashpee. Mr. Everett added the Town is planning on having a disc golf course and in his opinion, Mashpee cannot afford to lose any more forest.