The board unanimously approved a $100,000 increase in funding for Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, raising the total to $600,000 for the project on Gford Street Extension. This funding will support the development of four homes with an innovative shared septic system designed to mitigate environmental impact. Meanwhile, a proposal from Bushwood 545 LLC to convert a vacant property on Main Street into over 60 affordable housing units was also approved. The town will allocate $3.4 million, with $2.1 million earmarked for land acquisition.

The meeting also focused on selecting a site for a new police station, with environmental considerations taking center stage. The advisory committee recommended parcel 14 on Brookkill Road due to its favorable development costs and accessibility, despite concerns about its proximity to conservation land and a water protection district. The board emphasized the need for careful planning to ensure the project does not adversely affect water quality, discussing measures such as stormwater management and permeable pavement. Considerations included the challenges posed by existing site constraints and the necessity for future-proofing the station to accommodate increased police staffing.

During the deliberations, board members expressed the importance of balancing the urgency of replacing the current police station, which suffers from space constraints and infrastructure issues, with the need for thorough environmental assessments. The committee’s choice of parcel 14 will be presented at the upcoming town meeting, with board members seeking community input and approval for the proposed location.

In addition to housing and public safety infrastructure, the board tackled a range of issues, including a proposed noise bylaw amendment primarily targeting noise from pickleball courts. The current bylaw, deemed challenging to enforce, is undergoing revisions to better align with community standards and address specific noise concerns. Board members debated whether to delay the bylaw’s inclusion in the upcoming town meeting warrant for further refinement, considering the balance between effective regulation and community feedback.

The board also reviewed plans for the East Falmouth Library, considering two potential sites for its relocation. The current structure requires significant repairs, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has offered a grant for a new facility. However, environmental and space constraints at the proposed sites have prompted the board to weigh the benefits of a new library against potential ecological impacts and community needs.

Additional discussions covered emergency management strategies, particularly traffic management during weather-related evacuations, and the need for a second floor at the emergency operations center. The board emphasized collaboration across town departments to ensure effective resource management and public safety during emergencies.