08/25/2025 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Select Board August 25,2025 Minutes cleanup comprehensively. Harris stressed the need to move forward with the plan, highlightingthatthe state has offered fundingforthe project Harris acknowledged that while it may be easy for some to adopt a "not in my backyard" stance, the proposed plan represents necessary change. She urged the town to continue taking action, warning that choosingto do nothingwould be detrimental to the entire community. Joe Binette of 27 Gunters Lane shared his thoughts on warrant article 4. He expressed disappointment at the potential loss of a place that holds special memories for many. Though not opposed to the plan, Binette raised concerns that some project phases appear to be working while others are not and questioned whether the town might be setting itself up for a costly failure—given the millions of dollars involved. He also commented on how quickly the project seems to be moving forward, with recent meetings prompting conversations among neighbors. He emphasized that manyin the communityfeel the word hasn't been adequately spread and that the planning process may have lacked the necessary depth and public engagement. Christine Aziz of 36 Gunters Lane expressed frustration as a resident who feels unheard in the process. Aziz voiced concern about the confusion surrounding why the Mashpee- Wakeby area has been prioritized over Waquoit and pointed out that the location of the proposed facility was never disclosed to nearby residents. She added that residents have even been warned to remain cordialwhen expressing their views, which she interpreted as further silencing of public input. While Aziz emphasized her support for clean water initiatives, she made it clear that she did not vote to give up 26 acres of open space for a treatment facility. She called for the warrant article to be tabled indefinitely until proper public outreach and engagement with the affected neighborhood can be conducted. Kaylyn Thomas of35 Gunters Lanevoiced strong supportfor clean and safedrinking water, as well as responsible infrastructure. However, she emphasized that achieving clean water should not come at the expense of preserving open space. Thomas expressed frustration that residents were not properly informed about the project, noting that the address of the proposed site was hidden and that there was no opportunity for community input. She criticized what she viewed as a lack of transparency in the town's government, stating that such actions undermine public trust. Thomas also raised concerns about the financial impact of the project, describing it as a significant burden on seniors and working-class residents due to potentialtax increases.She urged the townto postponethe warrantarticle, encouraging officials to explore alternative funding sources or different locations for the project. 2