06/18/2026 SEWER COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Sewer Commission t 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 existing conditions generate approximately 193.6 pounds of nitrogen annually, while proposed conditions would generate approximately 100.6 pounds annually, resulting in a net reduction of approximately 93 pounds per year. In response to Commission questions, he stated that the reduction would be achieved through elimination of fertilizer use associated with the active cranberry bog operation, restoration of the cranberry bogs to wetlands, elimination of septic system discharges from existing dwellings, and treatment of wastewater from both existing and proposed dwellings at the Willowbend Wastewater Treatment Plant rather than through individual septic systems. Attorney Jack McAuley, representing Southworth Mashpee Properties, LLC, clarified that the proposal consists of 48 new bedrooms associated with the 12 proposed cottages, together with the connection of one existing four-bedroom dwelling to the treatment plant. During discussion, it was noted that the applicant had initially referenced 52 bedrooms before clarifying that the project involves 48 new bedrooms plus the existing four-bedroom dwelling connection. Chair Harris questioned whether the Flow Neutral Bylaw would otherwise permit approximately 20 to 22 bedrooms on the 5.3-acre parcel. The applicant acknowledged that the bylaw would permit substantially fewer bedrooms than proposed and stated that this discrepancy is the basis for the variance request. Attorney McAuley further stated that the applicant believes the bylaw may be interpreted differently when applied to the larger Willowbend property and its privately owned wastewater treatment system, but that the variance application was submitted to address those questions. He maintained that sufficient treatment capacity exists and that the proposal would result in a net reduction of nitrogen entering the watershed. Public Comment Town Manager Rodney Collins addressed the Commission in his official capacity. He stated that the Flow Neutral Bylaw was adopted as part of the Town's wastewater management strategy and helped secure eligibility for 0% financing on wastewater infrastructure projects. Mr. Collins expressed concern that granting the variance could create precedent for future applications seeking additional development beyond the limits established by the bylaw. He cautioned that misapplication of the bylaw could expose the Town to financial risk and potentially undermine public confidence in the wastewater planning process. Arden Russell spoke in opposition to the variance. She stated that the issue before the Commission was not treatment plant capacity but rather whether the Town wished to permit increased development density on sewered properties. Ms. Russell argued that the purpose of the Flow Neutral Bylaw is to manage growth and prevent sewer availability from driving substantially increased development. She expressed concern that granting the variance would establish precedent for similar requests throughout the community and could lead to significant changes in community character, traffic, and environmental impacts. Michaela Wyman Colombo also opposed the request. She stated that Mashpee taxpayers have committed substantial resources toward meeting state nitrogen reduction requirements and that the Town remains well short of its long-term reduction goals. Ms. Colombo argued that no hardship had been demonstrated and expressed concern that granting the variance would conflict with the purpose of the Flow Neutral Bylaw and establish a dangerous precedent for future development.