EASTHAM COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING
DECEMBER 21, 2005
In accord with Chapter 44B of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Eastham Community Preservation Committee held a Public Informational Meeting on December 21, 2005, pursuant to newspaper publications in "The Cape Cod Times" on December 5th, December 6th, and December 12th.
Present at the meeting were all members of the Community Preservation Committee and, over the course of the evening, approximately 19 members of the public including representatives from varied interests throughout the Town. The Town Planner and one of the Selectmen also were in attendance.
Glenn Collins presented to the audience an overview of the purposes of the Community Preservation Act and the Community Preservation Committee. The concept of the needs, the resources and possibilities for the Town were recited as well as the minimum percentage of 10% required in each year for each of community housing, historic preservation and open space. All members of the Committee introduced themselves to the public. Cheryl Gayle opened the meeting to solicit ideas from the public.
Upon questioning from the audience, it was relayed that approximately $800,000.00 less $80,000.00 committed for prior open space purchases is available in FY06. Bernard Kaplan suggested that the Community Preservation Committee review projects in light of the priorities of the Comprehensive Plan and suggested linking open space to long term aquifer protection and shared sewage systems on leaching fields which could be considered passive recreational areas. Judy Brainerd suggested better linkages between bike paths, utilizing right of ways, and better signage. Mary Lou Petitt suggested coordinating bike trail use and parking areas with flex route bus stops including the provision of areas for bike racks.
The forum then discussed historic preservation. Lucy Cookson spoke of the one room schoolhouse of the Historical Society and its campaign to restore the museum and add an addition for the preservation of historical artifacts. Ed Harnett indicated that the project involves a restoration and that a funding campaign is in process. Handicapped access also could be included within Community Preservation Act expenditures. Bob Carlson indicated that restoration could involve the cemeteries specifically with regard to the restoration of gravestones as a historical aspect of the Town of Eastham. The CPC noted that maintenance projects would not be allowed and that personal property according to the statute is among the items, in addition to real property, that could be protected. Russ Moore
mentioned genealogical records at the Eastham Library and Gwen Pelletier mentioned the Chapel in the Pines. Lu Roy mentioned private historic properties, which potentially could be eligible for funds with a permanent deed restriction. Mention also was made of a revolving fund for private historic restoration.
The forum then focused on affordable housing. Gwen Pelletier, Bernard Kaplan, and Mary Lou Petitt each highlighted the need to concentrate on rental housing in contrast to home ownership. Bernard Kaplan mentioned combining opportunities such as the Town Center in North Eastham and the Home Consortium through which available funds also could be leveraged. Mary Lou Petitt indicated that the 18 year old to 44 year old age group is most in need of rental housing and suggested that tax incentives also may be available. Grady Scholl noted the need for accessibility at least in a portion of units and it was suggest that accessibility be included within the guidelines of the application.
Toward the close of the public forum Gwen Pelletier asked about the allocation of the percentages; Russ Moore talked about the Neighborhood Watch program.
At the close of the public forum, the CPC members continued to meet. Liz Simmons suggested subgroups for the review of proposals with specific groups for housing, open space, and historic preservation. Cheryl Gayle will obtain a copy of the local Comprehensive Plan. Martin McDonald will review the Sandwich criteria with the Committee at its next meeting. Martin McDonald suggested a specific meeting at which applicants could present their applications, and Peter McDonald through discussion concluded that separate articles for proposals would be appropriate at Town Meeting. Martin McDonald inquired as to whether the ongoing debt carried over from the Land Bank automatically counts as 10% towards open space. Mary Elizabeth Burgess will investigate.
Respectfully submitted,
David J. Skiba, Clerk
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