HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - CPC - 09/11/2017 Community Preservation Committee September 11, 2017
Cohasset Community Preservation Committee
41 Highland Avenue
Town Hall-Basement Meeting Room
Cohasset, MA
Members Present: Russ Bonetti, Chairman
Margaret Charles
Michael Dickey
Tom Reardon
Richard Karoff
Diane Kennedy
Alex Koines
Suzanne Wadsworth
Chairman Bonetti called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Mr. Bonetti asked for a moment of silence
for all that were affected by the tragedy of events of 9/11.
Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman-Motion by Alex Koines to nominate Russ Bonetti as
Chairman,seconded by Suzanne Wadsworth and the vote was unanimous(8-0).
Chairman Bonetti introduced the Committees newest member, Tom Reardon. Mr. Reardon gave an
overview of his experience. Motion by Alex Koines to nominate Tom Reardon as Vice Chairman,
seconded by Russ Bonetti and the vote was unanimous(8-0).
Presentation by Cohasset Conservation Trust and The Trust for Public Land at the recommendation of
the Board of Selectmen. Request for$300,000 to purchase a conservation restriction on James Island
President of CCT Debbie Shadd and members Jeff Waal, Steve Brown, Dick Avery and John Madden were
present as well as a representative of Trust for Public Land, Yvette Newith (on behalf of Kelly Boling).
Mr. Waal stated The Trust for Public Land secured an option to purchase the property. He gave a
background of the property that the Steinmetz's bought. They have agreed to sell the property for$1.6
million (which is significantly less than the appraised value of$3.03 million). The CCT is requesting
$300,000 from CPC to preserve the land for recreation. Mr. Waal stated it is a unique opportunity for
the Town and one that may not last long. They have a deadline of December 31, 2017. They offered to
have a tour of the property for anyone interested. The Committee agreed to a tour.
Mr. Waal gave a slide show presentation of their proposal. He stated the proposal overlaps with CPC
mission of"Land to Protect". He discussed the goal is to preserve the area for recreation (walking,
running kayaking and cycling). He discussed the parking area as well as the area to be conveyed to an
abutter and right-of-way. Mr. Waal concluded by saying that putting James Island into conservation will
provide an example of private/public partnerships to protect Cohasset, reduce the risk to the town of
future lawsuits over James Island and both side of past lawsuits strongly support this solution.
The CPC had a lengthy discussion with the CCT. Conversations included if the area was actually suitable
to be considered for kayaking, who would maintain trails and ongoing funding. They discussed the
removal of the tennis court and the easement for access to the area. They discussed the amount of
parking spaces and how many could be added if they removed the shed on the property.
Community Preservation Committee September 11, 2017
The Committee discussed the funds currently available and other projects in the works (town hall
renovation &Sandy Beach structure). They would have to use funds from the unreserved fund balance.
After discussing the Committee agreed to a tour of the property and requested to see a map of the
property that shows the actual property without the part of the property that will be conveyed to the
abutter and an acknowledgement from all of the abutters that they are aware of the proposal of the
property will be open for recreational purposes. They would also like more public input.
Next Meeting Monday 9/18 @ 7:30 p.m.
Motion by Alex Koines to adjourn, seconded by Michael Dickey and the vote was unanimous.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.