The YMCA project was a major agenda item, with Kevin Clow presenting the site plan review application on behalf of the Cape Cod Young Men’s Christian Association and the Lutheran Church. The proposed 6,847 square-foot facility will be constructed on a 6.13-acre site, with plans for a health center, gym, and swimming pool. The project, previously approved by the Cape Cod Commission as a development of regional impact, aims for a gross floor area exceeding 68,000 square feet upon completion of all phases. The site, strategically located within the AGA zoning district and the Water Resource Protection District, will require multiple permits, including a special permit for front yard parking and allowances for not-for-profit status.

An adjacent 19.87-acre town-owned parcel has been designated for groundwater discharge rights. The site plan also includes innovative features such as electric vehicle charging stations, ADA-compliant parking, and provisions for outdoor activities.

Architecturally, the YMCA facility aims to integrate with the local environment, featuring four gabled sections connected by glassy connectors. The design team, led by architect Jen Hawman, emphasized materials like shingles and clapboard to blend with Falmouth and Cape Cod’s character. Board members offered mixed feedback on certain design elements, such as the front entry’s columns, which some compared to a 1950s bowling alley. Suggestions for alternative designs were made to enhance the building’s overall aesthetic appeal.

Traffic analysis was another critical aspect discussed, with estimates indicating 172 trips during weekday mornings and just under 200 in the afternoons. Safety improvements at the intersection of Brick Hill Road and Giord Street were proposed, including pedestrian accessibility upgrades and vehicle clearance interval adjustments. The board also considered collaboration with the Cape Cod Regional Transit Agency to establish transit routes and stops, promoting sustainable transportation options.

In addition to the YMCA project, the board addressed several other topics. A new board member, Tom Z, was appointed following Pam Harding Barrett’s resignation due to health issues. Tom Z will face the challenge of election during the next town meeting in May, with another election a year later when Barrett’s term concludes. The board expressed gratitude for the quality of candidates considered for this position.

Modifications to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s (WHOI) previously approved plan were also discussed. The WHOI seeks to build a two-story waterfront facility on Water Street, revising the building height from 55 feet to 45 feet to comply with zoning bylaws without needing special permits. The project will proceed in phases, starting with the demolition of existing structures.

Lastly, the meeting covered public hearing matters, including a definitive plan application for a three-lot subdivision on Old Barnstable Road. The applicant requested a continuance to December 10 and an extension of the decision deadline to December 31, which the board approved by majority vote.