The meeting commenced with a focus on the condition of the Monomoy Regional School District’s facilities. Public concern was highlighted by Elaine Gibbs, who vocally criticized the deteriorating state of the Middle School building. Gibbs pointed out persistent problems such as degraded insulation, mold, and rodent infestations, stressing that these issues have been ongoing for years. She urged immediate action. In response, representatives from the school district presented a capital improvement plan, noting the need for repairs at the Middle School and Chatham Elementary School, particularly regarding indoor air quality and aging infrastructure.

The school officials outlined a strategic approach, including a timeline for major projects, such as complete siding replacement for the Middle School, which they argued would be more cost-effective than patchwork repairs. The plan detailed the replacement of flooring and upgrades to security systems as part of a broader effort to improve school facilities. Despite assurances of ongoing improvements, Gibbs’s call for urgent action highlighted a sense of frustration over the perceived neglect of school infrastructure.

In tandem with the school infrastructure issues, the meeting addressed updates on the Main Street and Meetinghouse Road housing developments. A presentation by the development team, including Penrose, Mr. Rio STI, and architect Paul Otaman, detailed the progress of these projects. The team emphasized their commitment to community engagement and responsive design adjustments based on stakeholder feedback. Architectural updates included repositioning buildings to increase distance from neighboring properties, adding parking spaces, and enhancing compliance with accessibility standards. The presentation also stressed the importance of gaining approval from Mass Historic for the Main Street property, located in a historic district, to secure necessary federal and state subsidies.

Further discussions highlighted the complexities of the terrain at the Meetinghouse Road site, which required adjustments to project designs and access points. The team acknowledged challenges related to surveying delays and the need to accommodate future infrastructure developments, such as sewer hookups. The timeline for comprehensive permit applications was also discussed, with Main Street’s submission anticipated in January and Meetinghouse Road’s in March. The projects aim to apply for low-income housing tax credits, which could expedite construction if successful.

Community feedback was a focal point of the housing development discussion, with public commentary addressing concerns such as accessibility from the bike path and the aesthetic appeal of the buildings. Suggestions included implementing varied siding colors to create a neighborhood-like appearance and installing electric vehicle charging stations. The development team assured continued community engagement and the incorporation of feedback into their plans.

In another segment of the meeting, the Select Board addressed the renovation project at the Chatham Inn. Bill Mayer from the Inn requested permission to use storage containers for construction materials, necessitated by ongoing renovations of the kitchen, dining room, lobby, and bar. The board discussed logistical and legal aspects of the request. Amendments to the licensing agreement were proposed to clarify terms and address potential impacts on the newly paved parking area.

The meeting also touched upon the backlog of executive session minutes from previous select board and housing trust meetings. Members discussed strategies to streamline the approval process, acknowledging the complexities arising from changes in board membership over time. The session concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the minutes, facilitating progress on outstanding administrative tasks.