07/17/2025 SEWER COMMISSION Minutes (2)

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Town of Mashpee Sewer Commission t 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 0 59 of those have already been fully approved. o The remaining four are pending payment or departmental signoffs (such as tax compliance verification). • The plant is now processing approximately 14,000 gallons per day, which is enough to initiate the "seeding" process, introducing the biological organisms necessary for wastewater treatment. Chair Harris expressed satisfaction and appreciation for the progress, especially noting how far the team had come since only two permits were approved in the last report. Discussion of the Mashpee Commons 40B Housing Protect Mashpee Commons 40B project, a proposed affordable housing development under Massachusetts' Chapter 4013, which allows certain zoning waivers for qualifying projects. Chair Harris noted: • Three commissioners had visited the site. • She had compiled and submitted a summary of their observations as formal comment by the July 7th deadline. Commissioner Catherine Castaneda began the discussion: • She recognized the critical need for affordable housing in Mashpee and supported 40B goals in principle. • However, she emphasized contextual and environmental considerations, including: o Site location relative to surrounding uses o Impacts on water quality, stormwater flow, and tree coverage o Air and noise pollution, especially from increased traffic o Topography, noting a significant slope in the terrain that could accelerate stormwater runoff once trees are cleared o Presence of dense understory and mature forest, which currently helps absorb and retain stormwater o A natural retention area near the roundabout on Route 28 that might temporarily hold stormwater but would require engineered drainage solutions • She also observed signs of human use in the woods, possibly including homeless individuals, underscoring the site's current status as undeveloped but active land and stormwater runoff, erosion, and pollution risks must be properly mitigated before construction can proceed safely. • She reiterated that stormwater control must address quality and not just quantity, emphasizing that nutrient-laden runoff during and after construction can significantly impact nearby water systems. • She supported nature-based solutions, such as rain gardens,for post-construction stormwater management,though she was unsure if sufficient space existed at the site. • The remarks were underscored by the urgent need for site-specific mitigation strategies, given the clearing of wooded areas that normally absorb and slow stormwater runoff. Site Conditions and Visual Changes • Vice Chair Towle stated that significant land clearing had already occurred just west of the project site, along Jobs Fishing Road. o This was not at the development site itself but on adjacent parcels, potentially as part of site preparation or unrelated activity.