Yarmouth Planning Board Grapples with Housing Crisis and Local Comprehensive Plan Revisions

Overview: The Yarmouth Planning Board meeting primarily focused on advancing the Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) and addressing the town’s pressing housing challenges. The board discussed strategies for refining the LCP draft to better reflect community needs and ensure timely submission to the Cape Cod Commission. Additionally, the board tackled the ongoing housing crisis, emphasizing the need for updated data and strategic planning to address affordability and availability issues.

Dennis-Yarmouth School Committee Grapples with End of Calmer Choice Mindfulness Program

Overview: The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School Committee’s recent meeting on May 19, 2025, was marked by discussions, including the conclusion of the long-standing Calmer Choice mindfulness program, the adoption of a new English Language Arts curriculum, and the superintendent’s evaluation. The committee also addressed various logistical and administrative issues, including a proposed gymnasium dedication and the reorganization of the school committee.

Yarmouth Board Challenges Eversource on Wildlife Concerns in Vegetation Management Plan

Overview: During the May 19th, 2025, meeting of the Yarmouth Board of Health, the board scrutinized Eversource’s 2025 operational plan for vegetation management along electric right-of-ways in Yarmouth. The plan, which integrates herbicide application with mechanical cutting and mowing, sparked concerns regarding wildlife protection and herbicide timing. Especially troubling was Eversource’s failure to respond to the board’s previous communication about these issues. Hazardous waste inspector Carl Lawson highlighted the lack of feedback from Eversource, despite the board having sent two comment letters last year. The board is poised to reiterate these concerns in their 2025 draft letter, emphasizing their scientific credentials to solicit a more serious response from Eversource.

Housing Authority Project Faces Hurdles as Yarmouth Select Board Seeks Further Discussion

Overview: The Yarmouth Select Board meeting on May 13, 2025, was marked by a series of discussions, the most pressing being the housing authority project on Forest Avenue. Concerns were raised over the absence of bids by the deadline, emphasizing the need for further dialogue with the housing authority to address issues related to public water supply wells and stormwater management. The board agreed on the necessity of inviting the housing authority for discussions to ensure these concerns are addressed before re-advertising the project.

Yarmouth Zoning Board Grants Variance for Deck Construction, Addresses Open Meeting Law Complaint

Overview: The Yarmouth Zoning Board of Appeals, during its recent meeting, approved a variance request allowing Mary Jane Zimmer to construct a 16×6 deck at her residence on Wildflower Lane. Additionally, the board delegated the response to an open meeting law complaint to town council.