Minutes
Critical Planning Committee
Thursday, September 21, 2006
3 PM
Eastham Town Hall
Present: Marc Stahl, Chairman, Bernie Kaplan, Ken Ainsworth, Karl Weiss, Bob Smith, Mike Abeid, Dwight Woodson, Joan Sullivan
The minutes of the August 3rd meeting were approved.
Marc distributed a statement describing the original charge laid by the Selectmen on the Critical Planning Committee and an interpretation he had written of that charge. A discussion followed on the history of the Committee, the meaning of “critical” and possible areas to be studied. Committee members should have ready for discussion at the next meeting possible areas for CPC study.
The North Eastham Village Center booth at Windmill Weekend was a great success and informative for both committee members and visitors. Bob Smith’s outstanding graphics helped to draw in many. Some 34 individuals completed our survey form. It was suggested that in the future a check off list would be used rather than questions requiring written replies. Dwight Woodson reported on the results of the survey. Thirty-four forms were completed. The greatest area of interest seemed to focus on public spaces with 47% opting for village green space and a pedestrian walkway and 56% choosing bike path access and parking. Public restrooms and recreation areas were also favored. In the business section, a pharmacy was the choice of 56% and restaurants the choice 44%.
Retail and medical offices were also favored. Senior and affordable housing were important to 38%. On infrastructure, 38% wanted traffic control/relief with many suggestions offered. Our consultants will no doubt have some ideas in this line as well.
Joan reported on the work of the Fresh & Salt Water Access Committee. The Committee has been monitoring the bay and pond beaches of Eastham as well as Rock Harbor and is in the process of compiling suggestions for improvement and better utilization of our beaches. Total beach receipts were up this summer due to the increased in taxpayer sticker cost from $10 to $15 but usage in several categories was down. While there are many positives in the operation of our bay and pond beaches, there are areas for improvement. There is litter in many of the parking lots, asphalt and revetment debris is found on some beaches, and Wiley and Great Pond need sand replenishment on the beach. An information sheet outlining all pertinent information should accompany the purchase of stickers.
The Committee is assembling a list of suggested improvements for presentation to the Selectmen.
In addition, private property signs are increasing in the bay area. The Kingsbury beach decision (confirming the extension of the private property line to be mean low tide) may have a great impact in the future on the town’s public beaches. The newly formed State Coastal Hazard Commission has made draft recommendations for dealing with coastal erosion and beach nourishment.
The meeting adjourned at 4:30 pm. The next meeting of the Critical Planning Committee will be Thursday, October 26th at 3 PM in the Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Sullivan
Secretary
| 
