The Scituate Waterways Commission convened a high-stakes session this week to review a feasibility study for a new Harbor Master facility, a project that could cost upwards of $10 million. Financial lead Brian Kelly presented a sobering analysis, noting that while the enterprise fund finished the year with a healthy $500,000 in retained earnings, the proposed three-building "Scenario C" would require staggering fee increases. Kelly warned that to cover the debt for a combined Harbor Master, public restroom, and Coast Guard facility, the town would need to generate an additional $900,000 annually. According to his calculations, this would result in an 85% increase across the board for slip, mooring, and waterway usage fees. As he put it, my 2400 estimate that I’m using for Marian I feel is low, and the likelihood that a building that was designed and built in 2023 at $2,400 a square foot would cost the same in 2028 is probably pretty unlikely.

Commissioners expressed deep skepticism regarding the scale of the project and the inclusion of a Coast Guard wing. TJ Malvesti, drawing on his 30-year Coast Guard career, noted that while supporting operations is vital, keeping the prices for our residents affordable is the thing we should be doing. Howie Cretenberg echoed this sentiment, arguing that the waterways fund isn't used to pave roads or build schools, so why would we consider funding a need for public bathrooms? Dave Haley was even more blunt about the three-person staff's needs, stating, let’s just build a freaking public bathroom and get over with it. I don’t think we need all this for three full-time employees. Brian Cronin also advocated for a shift in strategy, suggesting we should be looking at a scaled-down project or possible renovation because the current proposal is too big and too much.

Public participants and town officials added complexity to the debate. Scituate Town Administrator Jim Boudreau clarified the challenges of renovation, noting that the building will end up kicking off those FEMA codes and that’s when it gets expensive because the structure must be raised. Guest speaker Colleen Burgess questioned the fairness of the funding model, asking, is all of the funding coming from just the grant and waterways or is the town kicking in any money because they get all the excise tax from the boats? Meanwhile, new Select Board member Freya observed the proceedings, receiving a warm welcome to her first meeting. Motion Made by Brian Kelly to accept the agenda. Vote Passed 8-0. Motion Made by Brian Kelly to accept the meeting minutes for June 4, 2025. Vote Passed 8-0.

Chair Dave Sinci attempted to find a middle ground, noting that while the harbor should be a focal point, the commission must protect the boating community from being priced out of the water. Michael Gibbons suggested that any replacement must be on a scale that matches financially where we think we can get money to support it. Harbor Master Stephen Mullen, who initiated the study to address ADA compliance, told the board, I just came up with the idea of making building ADA compliance so people with disabilities can use the facility. Project’s complete. Ultimately, Rick Murray argued that the feasibility study was extremely successful because it stimulated this necessary conversation. The commission decided to draft a formal memo to the Select Board expressing their concerns and recommending a scaled-down approach that separates public utility costs from waterway fees.