09/14/2023 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT COMMITTEE Minutes

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Community Preservation Committee Minutes September 14, 2023 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public Hearing—Informational Meeting on the Needs Possibilities and Resources of the Town of Mashpee as they relate to Historic Preservation Recreation Affordable Housing and Open Space for the funding of projects at the May 2024 Town Meeting: (continued) There was a question from one of the Friends of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge asking of the funding dates. The Vice-Chair of the Conservation Commission made note of the importance of open space. Discussions have been ongoing with the Environmental Oversight Committee regarding the creation of a Land Acquisition Committee with a focus on creating guidance for landowners. Parcels for preservation could be identified and ranked for preservation with a portion of funding to derive from Community Preservation, The CPC could also act as a conduit to leverage funding. It response, it was noted that CPC funds can used to create an Open Space Plan as well as feasibility studies. To be inline with state funding it is important to have an active plan. It is possible to create a Conservation Trust similar to the Affordable Housing Trust with approval from Town Meeting. Talia Landry,a resident of Cape Drive indicated she has submitted a citizen petition to secure a 12-acre parcel to conduct an educational project. The October 2023 Town Meeting article is proposed to request a transfer of certain parcels for the purpose of creating a living,interactive museum. The article is planned to depict an accurate Wampanoag home site (circa 1700's)to traditionally educate the Tribal community and general public on Wampanoag history through interactive exhibits. It is anticipated that CPC funds would be requested to assist in the development process. A brief discussion followed with regards to the properties of interest. It was noted that two of the three parcels were purchased through the Land Bank and Open Space/Restrictions for use of the land would most likely apply. With regards to the Town beach,Ms. Landry indicated if the project is supported for Tribal lands,the area would be maintained as recreational with no boundaries, fences or gates. John Miller, Shellback Way and former President of the Barnstable Land Trust indicated that Conservation Restrictions are almost impossible to reverse.