03/27/2025 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT COMMITTEE Minutes

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,�yrxrasr�.a Town of Mashpee Community Preservation Commission " 16 Great Neck Road North ° Mashpee, MA 02649 o Consideration of environmental sensitivities such as wetlands and riverbeds. • Action: Ms. Wyman-Colombo to present the proposal to the Select Board to utilize CPC funds for hiring a consultant. The Committee returned to the subject of the Pickerel Cove parcels, for which CPC had previously voted to appropriate $1,180,000 for acquisition. Members acknowledged that this was a sensitive matter, given the town's long-standing interest in the property for open space and conservation. However, after extensive review, the Committee had determined that significant issues remained unresolved. Chief among these concerns were the conservation restrictions being required by the seller, which members felt were overly burdensome and would limit the town's flexibility in managing the land. Questions were also raised about the long-term stewardship responsibilities and whether the costs and restrictions aligned with the community's interests. It was noted that the Select Board had also reviewed the matter and expressed support for the CPC's position not to proceed with the purchase under the current terms. In light of this consensus, a motion was made to rescind the prior recommendation to use CPC funds for the acquisition and to return the $1,180,000 appropriation to the uncommitted CPC balance for future projects. The motion carried unanimously. MOTION: To rescind prior CPC recommendations to expend $1,180,000.00 and return funds to uncommitted balance.. Motion by: Mary Waygan Seconded by: Lynne Barbee Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. Parcel at 475 Nathan Ellis Highway • Discussion: Future use remains undefined. Potential ideas include recreation, after-school programs, summer camps, or partial conservation. • Proposal: Hire planning consultant (funded via CPC administrative account) to facilitate visioning and planning with Rec, DPW, Conservation, and other stakeholders. • Action: Ms.Wyman-Colombo to present recommendation to Select Board for consideration. Discussion turned to the town-owned parcel at 475 Nathan Ellis Highway, which had been purchased using CPC funds. While the acquisition had been finalized, the Committee acknowledged that no clear determination had yet been made regarding the property's future use. Members agreed that the site represented a significant opportunity for the town. Possible uses discussed included recreation facilities, after-school programming, summer camps, or partial conservation use. The property could serve multiple purposes, but members emphasized the need for careful, deliberate planning to ensure that the final outcome aligned with both community needs and CPC's mission.