07/24/2023 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

El Mashpee Select Board Minutes July 24, 2023 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public Comment: (continued) Greg McKelvey Menemsha Way commented on an article which appeared in the Mashpee Enterprise on July 12, 2023 regarding the July 6, 2023 CPC meeting. At this meeting, the Affordable Housing Trust was impugned, and its integrity was questioned. Mr. McKelvey recommended the Affordable Housing Trust hold a meeting with the Community Preservation Committee to clarify its intent. In other business, Mr. McKelvey voiced concern regarding the recent $88 million authorization to move forward with wastewater. The cost in Phase I is $66 million, adding the two together is $144 million. Mr. McKelvey indicated we all know we need to go forward with wastewater; however, this is just the beginning. There is more to this, and taxes will go up across the board for everyone. Mr. McKelvey asked if there are creative resources to assist the Town realizing there are costs to run the plant and facility currently estimated between $1 to $2 million. In closing Mr. McKelvey noted he is supportive of pickleball for mental health and well-being and he also recognizes the problem for Mr. Barrows. Mr. McKelvey recommended the Town find compromise and conduct testing and mitigation working out a solution together for the common good of the community to keep everyone together. Ernie Barrows of Ashumet Road stated the comments and stories conveyed tonight hit home. Mr. Barrows indicated he has health issues effecting his well-being and life which he appreciates greatly. Mr. Barrows indicated this is not the only pickleball park in the state. The Town of Sandwich has built one, but not directly in a neighborhood. Mr. Barrows noted his property lies 100' away from pickleball property line. The opposition from Mr. Barrows is not attacking pickleball and he is appreciative of what pickleball has done for many residents. Mr. Barrows is not denying this is a great sport. Mr. Barrows indicated he has lived on Ashumet Road for the past 20 years. It took time to find this location. At this time, his health is deteriorating. Mr. Barrows indicated he is willing to help to solve the problem. This is not a fight; this is a pleading to fix this problem. Mr. Barrows asked for empathy and for how this is affecting his health. Autumn Drive resident Lisa Frye indicated she has been involved in pickleball since its inception. After listening to the comments, Ms. Frye stated she is not sure what goal we are trying to attain that would make Mr. Barrows happy. In 2020, the Town conducted a sound study. Mr. Barrows said it made the problem worse. The Town then paid for a professional study, and the acoustic block worked. Ms. Frye stated as a Town, we will not be able to solve the problem unless we know the problem. Is there no sound? Is it sound versus noise or a reasonable effect of sound coming from the courts? Richard Martin of Jane Circle stated pickleball is a great sport, and it is one of the best park events in Mashpee. The Select Board was asked to reinstate Sunday play. Mr. Martin indicated the Select Board has heard the will of the community and the benefits. We should wait until the actual evidence is presented and subject to the further development of sound studies.