HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - MPC - 11/14/2018 Master Plan Committee Meeting
November 14, 2018
MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE MEETING
WITH COHASSET HARBOR COMMITTEE
DATE: Wednesday, November 14, 2018
TIME: 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Willcutt Commons, 91 Sohier Street
IN ATTENDANCE: Clark Brewer, Chair ABSENT: John Donohue
Patrick Kennedy, Vice Chair Amy Glasmeier
Katie Dugan Dr. Paul Schubert
Charlie Higginson Lynn Schwandt
Peter Hobson Eric Seuss
Kevin McCarthy
Peter Matchak, Town Planner
Angela Geso, MPC Administrator
Joe Sacchi, MAPC
Tim Davis, Harbor Committee Chair
Meeting called to order at 7:00 by Chair Brewer
INTRODUCTION:
Chair Brewer presented an overview of what the Master Plan Committee has accomplished to date and what
they intend to do going forward. Tim Davis, chair of the Harbor Committee, wants to coordinate the efforts of
both committees. The Harbor Committee has set their goals for revitalization of the harbor area: the biggest goal
is to preserve and improve the infrastructure for commercial fishing. They are also concerned with access to the
harbor and hopefully create a connection to the village area. Other areas of concern include public use of the
harbor, environmental issues, improving the harbor governance, and being protective of the ecosystem and
geologic concerns.
Katie Dugan put out topics that the MPC covers relating to the Harbor including transportation and circulation,
public services and facilities, Open Space, land use and zoning, economic development and public health. Chair
Brewer discussed regional planning as it pertains to our community and the harbor area. The Harbor Committee
is planning an Open Forum on Saturday, December 8 from 10 to 1 at the Library to gain input on action strategy,
funding and achieving goals. Both committees agreed to coordinate their efforts to identify and resolve
possiblEconflicts such as differences in each group's data and statistics, population projections and to avoid
duplication of efforts. Both groups felt it is essential to'be on the same page' by having similar objectives and to
coordinate efforts to avoid duplication.
LAND USE:
Tim Davis brought up the Parker Avenue Boat Ramp and suggested getting Harbormaster Lori Gibbons involved
in our discussions. The Community Preservation Committee gave money for an engineering study on a new
ramp that should be in place by 2020. One of the problems is ownership of the harbor by Scituate who are in
Plymouth County and Cohasset in Norfolk County. The HC has discussed having more jurisdiction over the
water with the Town Manager.
ISSUES: New ownership at the Atlantica and Harbor Inn could have a positive impact on the revitalization and
economics of the area. Shell fishing and dredging should be encouraged.
INFRASTRUCTURE
It is the intention of the HC to make it easier for commercial fisherman. Possibilities include a lift, extra docks, a
Master Plan Committee Meeting
November 14, 2018
place on land to clean boats as well as the issues of fuel storage, refrigeration for bait, a conveyor/lift to move
boating equipment more efficiently.
DEVELOPMENT
Tim Davis feels that sustaining the existing fleet and resources, encouraging diversity such as winter scalloping
or an oyster farm, docking at Governor's Island, and increased visibility for the fleet regarding pleasure boats,
paddle boarders and other activities when entering the harbor.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARIES:
In preparing the final Master Plan Katie Dugan thought is useful to have Executive Summaries with key points at
the beginning of each chapter to grab attention and provide an overview of what is contained in the chapter. The
draft chapters for Housing and Transportation were circulated and discussed. Joe Sacchi from MAPC will have
other draft chapters in the weeks to come.
With no further business to discuss a motion to adjourn was made, seconded and approved
unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9 pm by Chair Brewer.
DATE MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE APPROVED MINUTES: �/