Falmouth Select Board Discusses Sewer Project and Affordable Housing Initiatives

During a recent Falmouth Select Board meeting, discussions centered on the Great Pond sewer project and proposals to increase affordable housing through the disposition of town-owned land. The board also addressed ongoing drought conditions and the management of local golf courses.

01:01:25A primary focus of the meeting was the advancement of the Great Pond Phase One sewer project. The board discussed the implications of utilizing grinder pumps instead of a gravity sewer system, which is expected to reduce project costs by approximately $2 million. The wastewater superintendent outlined plans to issue construction bids by the end of summer 2025, with construction anticipated to complete by the end of 2027. The board explored cost allocation methods for affected property owners, emphasizing the sewer project’s financial commitments.

01:09:52The project will adopt a uniform unit method for calculating betterments, which bases assessments on sewer equivalent units (SEUs) related to water usage, rather than property size. The estimated cost per SEU is projected to be $27,000, payable over 30 years at zero percent interest. The board addressed concerns about the long-term financial impact on residents, with one participant noting that installation costs and increased water and sewer bills could substantially affect homeowners.

01:22:07In parallel, the board reviewed initiatives to enhance affordable housing in Falmouth. The discussion included an update on the analysis of town-owned properties, identifying four parcels for potential development. Two of these properties, situated on Locust Field Road and Westmouth Highway, are proposed for multifamily rentals and home ownership, respectively. The board considered the balance between rental and ownership models to ensure a mix of affordable housing options. Community members raised concerns about accessibility and the decision-making process for determining the type of housing to be developed.

02:00:03A Request for Proposal (RFP) process will guide the development of these sites, with plans to present two articles for disposal at the November 2024 town meeting. A public forum scheduled for July 23rd will allow community members to provide input on the proposals. The board expressed a commitment to advancing these initiatives while ensuring community engagement and addressing safety and feasibility concerns.

46:22The meeting also addressed ongoing drought conditions impacting Falmouth and the Cape Cod region. The water superintendent presented data illustrating the severity of the drought, emphasizing the importance of water conservation measures. Restrictions on outdoor water usage were discussed, with compliance being monitored through warnings and potential fines for violations. The board highlighted the need for continued water conservation strategies and explored alternative irrigation solutions, such as using non-potable water, though concerns about feasibility and health risks were raised.

02:47:42In addition to water management, the board discussed the leasing of the town’s golf course. A presentation outlined goals for a new lease agreement, emphasizing the importance of selecting a capable private operator to manage the course effectively. The previous leasing attempt did not attract any responses, prompting a review of financial terms and lease duration to enhance appeal to potential operators. A ten-year lease with a renewal option was proposed as a more flexible and attractive solution. The board underscored the importance of maintaining affordable rates for residents while ensuring the operator’s financial sustainability.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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