08/12/2024 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

5 Select Board Minutes August 12, 2024 PUBLIC COMMENT Irene Checkovich a resident of Sunset Strip and President of the Mashpee Environmental Coalition announced the Upper Cape Household Hazardous Waste Collection scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at the Mashpee Middle/High School from 9-1 p.m. The DPW and the MEC are partnering on a combined textile drive and secure shredding event free for all Upper Cape residents. Mike Richardson, Peninsula Council indicated he is a resident representing several communities in Mashpee and not a special interest group. Popponesset is comprised of several hundred homes. The group came before the Select Board to ask if they would do something, a workshop, hopefully as the first step on Regulation 25 as there is a need to build more resilience into our coastlines, improve water quality and protect our wetlands. Mr. Richardson expressed appreciation to the Select Board for having this session. Although there are some disconnects it is hopeful, we can all work better in moving forward. Bob Orsi, Co -Chair of the Popponesset Working Group expressed thankfulness for the Select Board ackxnowledging that they are not a special interest group and urged the Select Board hold a workshop. The residents, up to 2,000 homes do not oppose the amendment to Regulation 25, but request a meeting for the community so they may better understand the context of the regulation. John Malloy, Co -Chair of the Popponesset Working Group stated he was appreciative of tonight's discussion. Regulation 25 is broad and complex, and it should be discussed Town -wide. There is too much misinformation. The residents are asking for a workshop to discuss goals, issues, and opportunities, to work together to give the community a chance to engage. Public meetings are planned when the document is final. Mr. Malloy indicated this is a complex regulation, and it should be a two- way conversation. Allocating three minutes to speak is not good communication. There is no dialogue. Mr. Malloy stated that we should take the time and do it right and that includes waiting for the DEP to review the regulation and its recommended process. Dick Noonan a resident of Greensward Road stated that he attended planning workshops, the raise and replace, harbor management and several public engagements. The Town and its residents are significant and a workshop is an opportunity for the Town and for the residents to engage. Joe Johnston has resided in Mashpee for the past seven years full-time. When he purchased his home long ago, he was told the house was not in the flood zone. What is being proposed is not affordable. Residents will be forced to leave. Mr. Johnston recommended the Town pause and wait for the DEP regulation to allow the residents to make an informed decision in moving forward. Margie Decter a board member of Save Popponesset Bay spoke on behalf of private to public partnerships. Her organization helps to maintain the Spit playing a critical role to protect Mashpee resources. This includes obtaining permits for dredging and the disposal of spoils to ensure critical flushing. Regulation 25 will have a significant impact on the Mashpee community and it is important to understand how the Town would be impacted. There is a need to educate and engage the public. A workshop is a critical step and it is hopeful the Select Board would include the input of the community.