The meeting commenced with an in-depth presentation by Ross Moran, the executive director of the Westport Land Trust, regarding the acquisition of a crucial 28-acre property on Drift Road. The land, valued for its ecological and cultural significance, includes Kirby Brook, a habitat for native brook trout, and features vernal pools and wetlands. Moran emphasized the property’s former life as a family-operated orchard, proposing interpretive panels to communicate its history.

The project seeks $300,000 from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) as part of a larger $1.3 million funding effort, which includes state and private contributions. During deliberations, members raised concerns about the financial strain of multiple projects and the necessity of the $300,000 request. Moran assured the committee that the requested amount would not increase, even if project costs exceeded expectations. The conservation restriction would be held by the town, with potential collaboration with the Buzzards Bay Coalition due to the site’s water resources.

Committee members expressed interest in understanding the potential impacts of nearby development on the cold water fisheries and addressed concerns about water withdrawal and nitrogen runoff. The decision was made to postpone voting until all applications were reviewed, with a plan to revisit the project in January.

Following this, the committee turned its attention to the Macumber School playground, which is reported to be in disrepair and non-compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The proposal involves relocating the playground to a safer location on school grounds, integrating it with a farm-to-school program. The estimated project cost is $450,000, with a request for $150,000 from the Community Improvement and Preservation Committee (CIPC). The school has support from the highway department and the Westmac Parent Teacher Organization for ADA-compliant equipment.

Concerns were raised about the necessity of a new playground at Macumber School, given the proximity to an existing playground at Bsentennial Park. However, it was clarified that the Bsentennial Park playground is not designed for younger children and poses safety concerns due to its location across a parking area. Security measures, including cameras, are planned for the new playground, which will be accessible to the public outside school hours.

The committee also considered a proposal from the West Brent Youth Athletic Association to construct five tennis courts and ten pickleball courts. This $400,000 initiative aims to restore access to these sports facilities, which have been limited during school hours. The project will use asphalt instead of post-tension concrete to reduce costs, allowing for more courts.

A discussion arose regarding the management of the proposed courts, with suggestions for implementing a scheduling system to balance tennis and pickleball demand. Maintenance plans were also discussed, including fundraising efforts to establish a reserve fund or the implementation of an annual fee for court access, prioritizing Westport residents.

The meeting further addressed the condition of historic building projects, including the American Legion Hall, where a ramp is proposed to enhance accessibility. The ramp design has been simplified, and safety considerations favor this over an outdoor lift. Additional details, such as ADA compliance and cost estimates, are needed before moving forward.

Affordable housing was another significant topic, with the committee exploring potential uses for the old high school building. The planning board supports including housing in the project’s future, with discussions centered on issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to explore housing options. The committee aims to leverage various funding sources while minimizing taxpayer burden.

The housing production plan was reviewed, emphasizing strategies to create subsidiary housing inventory units for low- and moderate-income households. The trust highlighted ongoing efforts to preserve existing affordable housing and create new opportunities through land acquisition and rehabilitation programs. The trust’s financial status, with a balance of approximately $1,100,000, was discussed, along with challenges related to zoning amendments and community sentiment.