Sixty-Resident Turnout and Cost Concerns Shape Waterways Commission’s Rejection of Harbor Facility Plan
Key Points
- Commissioners finalized a memo to the Select Board and Town Administrator that unequivocally opposes the proposed Harbor Master facility plan.
- The commission revised the memo to highlight that their opposition is based on both excessive costs and specific design concerns raised by the public.
- Significant changes were made to the document to emphasize the continued importance of the U.S. Coast Guard to Scituate’s maritime safety.
- Members recommended that the town pursue public bathrooms and showers through a separate process rather than tying them to a large-scale facility project.
- Chairman Dave Denine was authorized to hand-deliver the finalized memo to the Town Administrator following a unanimous vote.
The Scituate Waterways Commission convened a brief session on Wednesday to put the finishing touches on a formal memo regarding the Harbor Master facility feasibility study. Chairman Dave Denine opened the meeting by reaffirming the committee’s commitment to diversity and respect before moving quickly to the primary agenda item: finalizing the commission’s stance on the controversial harbor project. We took our time to try to make sure we were able to answer questions, Denine noted, reflecting on previous packed sessions. I think a lot of people left that meeting feeling they have a much better understanding of what was happening.
Rick Murray led the discussion on refining the memo’s language to ensure the Select Board understands that the commission’s opposition extends beyond fiscal concerns. I suggest that we add there the waterways commission has other serious concerns with the proposed project as well as detailed throughout this memo, Murray proposed, noting he did not want readers to assume cost was the only factor. Brian Kelly agreed, adding that the document needed to acknowledge the significant community engagement seen over the summer. You have to find some way to make it not just financial and a nod to the public that showed up and they showed up in not a casual way, Kelly said.
A significant portion of the debate centered on the U.S. Coast Guard’s role in Scituate. TJ Maleski and Brian Kelly pushed back against draft language suggesting the Coast Guard was no longer critical for safety. They are here to serve the public and there are times when their assets are going to be more critical or more appropriate for a rescue case than what we have in the town, Maleski argued. Brian Cronin echoed these sentiments while supporting the updated draft, stating, Somewhat formally I approve it and I really thank the comments even today that came in made it even better. Associate member Nick added his support, noting, I thought it was well written. I agree with all the comments that we said here today.
The commission also emphasized the public’s desire for improved amenities. Associate member Mike Malveski highlighted that the main issue that came out of the people was the public amenities for bathrooms and showers, suggesting the town explore these needs through separate grants or Community Preservation Act funds rather than the proposed facility. Howie Kretzenberg suggested that the final document be signed by the chair to carry the full weight of the board. David Sinoski offered a final word of support for the collaborative effort, stating, I think everything would be redundant. So, thank you all. With the revisions settled, the board moved to finalize the document for immediate delivery to town leadership.
Motion Made by Brian Cronin to approve this memo with the changes from today’s discussion. Motion Passed 8-0
The meeting was adjourned at 4:23 PM