Save the Date: May 6th Harwich Town Meeting
Save the date of Monday, May 6th for Harwich Town Meeting starting at 7 p.m. in the Community Center Gym (100 Oak Street). Please vote YES on Articles 23, 26, 31, 32, and 33 to preserve natural land, protect water quality, create affordable housing, and finish the Cold Brook trailhead, scenic overlook, and parking area on Bank Street. Details below.
Article 23: Correct Article 24 from the 2023 Annual Town Meeting
Vote YES on Article 23 to allow the Town Conservation Commission to acquire a conservation restriction on two parcels at 61 and 77 Bell’s Neck Rd. This article corrects article 24 from the 2023 Town Meeting by specifying the town acquisition of the conservation restriction.
Article 26: Cold Brook Trailhead and Public Access Project
Vote YES on Article 26 to contribute $250,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for the completion of the wheelchair accessible trailhead, scenic overlook, and parking area at the Harwich Conservation Trust’s Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve and the Harwich Fire Association’s restored firehouse. Plans include handicapped accessible spaces and addressing stormwater run-off to protect Cold Brook and Saquatucket Harbor downstream.
Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds are derived from a 3% surcharge on property tax. Voter directed use of CPA funds for open space, housing, historic preservation, and recreation doesn’t compete with other town budget needs like schools, roadway maintenance, emergency response or other services.
Article 31: North Woods and Water Supply Protection Project
Vote YES on Article 31 to contribute $100,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for the acquisition of a conservation restriction by the Town Conservation Commission on an approx. 7-acre parcel of woodland on the Harwich/Brewster town line. Preserving this property protects drinking water quality (the land is approx. 1,500 feet from a town well serving 13,000 households) and protects an important corridor of forest habitat between both towns.
Article 32: 203 Bank Street Firehouse Housing
Vote YES on Article 32 to contribute $400,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for the Harwich Fire Association to create three one-bedroom affordable apartment rentals.
Article 33: Red River Valley Land and Water Protection Project
Vote YES on Article 33 to contribute $150,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for the acquisition of a conservation restriction by the Town Conservation Commission on a 2.24-acre parcel at the town line with Chatham on Rt. 28. Preserving this property can protect the Red River watershed as the stream flows to Red River Beach on the Sound. This project also protects the public water supply, wildlife habitat, and the scenic forested view enjoyed by everyone driving into Harwich.
To see the full Town Meeting Warrant including text for Articles 23 (p. 43), 26 (p. 45), 31 (p. 48), 32 (p. 49), and 33 (p. 49), please click here.
Photos courtesy of Gerry Beetham.