05/20/2026 PLANNING BOARD Minutes

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of TMs s,s z. Aannin Board c� 16 Great Neck Road North .wlashpee, Aassachusetts 02649 argued but they have remained responsive. The percentages for cars traveling from north and south, the original 25% was correct. It was increased to 40% to show how that additional information would look for traffic flow. They have presented information allowing for the most educated decision to be formed about this project. He has over 25 years of professional experience. This project would not have significant adverse impact to the traveling public or operations along the Route 28 corridor, and they have done a lot of homework. The Mashpee Rotary is its own entity. If we had infinite money, they would do something, but MassDOT doesn't, Mashpee doesn't, and the Cape Cod Commission doesn't. Some cars will not be entering the rotary because Trader Joes is in that location. Their study did not account for those cars not traveling into the rotary. They want this project to work, and he is staking his professional opinion, to tell the Board and Trader Joes this will work. They work throughout the state, with MassDOT, so this is bigger than one project. They did their due diligence. PUBLIC COMMENT Keely Higbie- She is the author behind the petition that garnered nearly 1,800 signatures, showing support, from both Falmouth and Mashpee residents. This store could benefit so many families in the area that have to stretch a grocery bill every week. Prices are more than 20% lower than average store costs. It is nice to be able to grab what you need and go. She dropped the petition off on Saturday morning in the mail, with 42 pages of signatures. She read the petition into the record. They are members of Falmouth and Mashpee who live, shop, and raise children. They are writing today as neighbors and frequent visitors to express strong support and urge this Board to bring this approval process to conclusion. They love Trader Joes. She appreciates how hard everyone has been working to bring it closer. Trader Joes has a carefully curated selection of healthy foods for families trying to put good food on the table. Falmouth, Mashpee, and surrounding towns drive to Hyannis an additional 20-40 minutes each way. They bring coolers and plan trips around it. She is thankful for the developer for having this vision. This spot is intended for commercial development. That parcel will not sit empty; another tenant will come, it is dependent on the developer looking to enrich the community orjust fill a space. Trader Joes is the answer. Traffic has been raised in this review, and they want to add that the many families are already driving, and those cars are already on the road on Route 28. Mashpee does not add to the new net; it redirects existing ones closer to home. Chipotle was welcomed. Grocery traffic is spread across all times of day. The Commission reviewed the project, and traffic is not proportionate to evidence. The community is watching patterns, with each review a new condition. Regulatory uncertainty carries costs. Prolonged ambiguity sends the wrong signal. The community deserves clarity. Set clear and final timelines and commit to holding that timeline. Mashpee, to Falmouth, and beyond, are counting on local government to provide good resources. Mashpee is the commercial heart of the Upper Cape. Give this project the green light it has long warranted. She thanked the Board for their time and service. The petitioner does not have the written copy on her this evening, but she is happy to read each one of the signatures into the record if that is how she has to formally submit the petition. 9