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Thank you to those who took the time to attend our 2025 annual meeting presentation and a special thanks to Eileen Miskell who spoke on behalf of the Upper Cape YMCA.
Todd Taylor informed us that the new Hatchville Station is online and that our West Falmouth Fire Station has continued to be staffed 24/7/365! This news was met with applause by the audience! Thank You to our Town Manager, Mike Renshaw, and our Fire Chief, Timothy Smith, for your support of the Village and it's residents. This led to some discussion about unreliable cell service in West Falmouth and the potential of residents to be unable to reach emergency services.
Jim Gray solicited opinions about the condition of sidewalks and potential improvements that could be made by working with MA DOT. The audience was unanimous in their belief that the sidewalks are not safe. Some are concerned that MA DOT installed sidewalks could negatively impact the character of the Village while others see safe walkability and ADA compliant access as a higher priority. WFVA will continue to work with MA DOT to find the best solution for our Village.
Malcolm Donald asked if we would support urine diversion efforts. We indicated that we did, in fact, host the proponents of urine diversion technology at one of our prior public forums. We are monitoring efforts to incorporate this technology into the town's comprehensive plan to mitigate the effects of wastewater.
We also had a lengthy and spirited discussion about the potential for 0 West Falmouth Highway to be developed. 2.8 acres of town forest land at the corner of Route 28 & Route 28A at Palmer Avenue is proposed to be given away to a developer for the construction of 6 housing units. MA DOT has documented safety concerns in this exact location. Abutters claim to have been "blindsided" by this project. Sue Hughes spoke on behalf of her family who are stewards of the historic Bowerman Farm, home to the Saconessett Homestead (>20 acres) built in 1678 by the original Quakers. She expressed concern about the lack of consideration for this historic district and indicated that her homestead houses the oldest house in Falmouth and the first "Cape Cod Style" house to be built on all of Cape Cod. Audience members were concerned about safety, losing forest land and the entrance to our historical village being negatively impacted forever.
At the last Select Board meeting, it appears that many letters were received from concerned residents regarding this particular parcel. We recall a board member comment that "we do not have to accept any proposals." This leads us to believe that development plans are contingent on further evaluation and feedback. The Select Board did vote unanimously for the issuance of the RFP's as directed by the approval of warrant articles 19 & 20 from the November 2024 Town Meeting. If housing plans are designated to be appropriate for this currently wooded parcel, units would be offered to buyers earning 60-140% of the area median income in Barnstable County. It is our understanding that the units are not guaranteed to be sold to local residents as workforce housing. If they are sold to households earning >80% AMI, they will NOT count towards our 10% safe harbor status as a town. For all the details about the proposed project and as promised at the meeting, here is the link to the July 23rd public meeting regarding RFP's for 0 W Fal Hwy and 3 other parcels in town.
The Select Board meets every other Monday (tonights agenda) at Town Hall. Public comment (limited to 2 minutes) is allowed at all of these meetings for anything not on the agenda that evening. The Board does not respond or comment but your thoughts are recorded. The meetings may also be watched on FCTV.org.
Please know that we would appreciate any information you may choose to share. We cannot be at every meeting for every policy or project that may affect the community. Email us anytime. It takes a Village!
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