The Pier 44 Commission, also known as the Scituate Harbor Advisory Redevelopment Commission (SHARC), convened to welcome new leadership and signal a transition into the final design and funding stages of the harbor redevelopment project. Chair Paul Barkwitz introduced Athena Bradsky as the new liaison from the Commission on Disabilities, emphasizing the project’s commitment to universal access. It's been a focal point of our design of the park to make it accessible for everyone, universal access, and certainly be a welcoming place for everyone in the community, Barkwitz stated. Bradsky, a retired child welfare attorney, noted her dedication to accessibility, saying, I am very passionate about the rights of people with disabilities and more so just giving them the information letting them know what's out there.

Environmental Planner Corey Miles announced that the project has cleared major regulatory hurdles, including securing a Chapter 91 waterways license and approvals from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Planning Board. It was a lot of work to get the permits, but we're permit ready, Miles confirmed. Motion Made by Barkwitz to approve the minutes of March 6. Motion Passed 4-0

Jim Hero of Copley Wolf presented the 90% design plans, which carry an estimated price tag of approximately $6.1 million. The park features passive recreation areas, a shade pavilion, and a unique plumbing solution. It’s essentially an accessible portable bathroom which will be towed away in the event of a storm event, Hero explained, noting that the structure will still connect to town water and sewer. To ensure the project is palatable to voters, Select Board liaison Nico suggested a fallback plan to phase the construction of the $1.6 million shade canopy. I'm simply trying to make sure that as we take it from a pragmatic approach of taking it to the public at town meeting because they're the ones that vote to approve the project, Nico said, advocating for the ability to scale back if the full $6.1 million cost meets resistance.

The commission discussed a funding strategy involving a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) application and state grants. Miles identified potential grants, such as the MVP Action Grant, that could offset costs by up to $2.5 million, though award notifications wouldn't arrive until after the September Town Meeting. Motion Made by Barkwitz to propose to or apply the CPC for the full cost of the project and then reduce by the amount we get in grant funding. Motion Passed 4-0

Commissioners also touched on cultural integration, with Patrice noting that the Situate Harbor Cultural District is very excited about the project and we discuss opportunities for interactive art installations and functional art. Tracy added her support for the team's progress, telling Miles and the consultants, Special kudos to you. This has been a long process and it's very, very exciting to be coming to a culmination. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.