The Cohasset Select Board took a significant step toward formalizing public transit on Tuesday night, backing an MBTA proposal to replace informal "flag stops" with permanent, accessible bus stops along Route 714. The move, which passed with a 4-0-0 tally, came despite vocal concerns from residents regarding state overreach and potential future housing mandates. Alexander Omry Jane, the MBTA’s Director of Alternative Service Planning, explained that the current system is inadequate, noting that customers do not like flag stops because they get left behind and that the new plan would introduce a second vehicle to provide 30-minute frequency, seven days a week.

The transition to fixed stops is driven by safety and federal accessibility requirements under the 2023 Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). MBTA Planner Liz Taylor noted that the 23 proposed pairs of stops would create safe, accessible waiting areas near main ridership drivers like restaurants and crosswalks. However, the proposal met resistance from community members who linked the transit change to the contentious MBTA Communities Act. Resident Tarpy argued that nobody thought the state would leverage MBTA presence to demand towns do things that may not be in their best interest, while Alicia Babcock encouraged the board to put the sign on the Hull side to avoid future obligations. Addressing these fears, MBTA Director of Government Affairs Cameron Doi clarified that Cohasset is already classified as a commuter rail community and that physical bus signs would not change your legal standing.

Member C. Plecs sought further assurance on this point, stating, I want to make sure we address concerns around what this could mean for Cohasset in light of recent housing obligation surprises. Following the discussion, Motion Made by D. Farrag to approve a fixed MBTA bus stop on Route 714 in Cohasset as proposed. Motion Passed (4-0), with Chair Ellen Maher, Julie Rollins, David Farrag, and Chris Plecs in favor.

The board also grappled with the evolving designs of the town’s public safety facilities at 135 King Street and 62 Elm Street. Glenn Pratt, Chair of the Public Safety Facilities Committee, informed the board that the committee is prioritizing a police station design without a fire substation to secure a cost estimate by March. The goal is to get an estimate by the end of March to put something in the annual town meeting warrant, Pratt said. The reconfiguration of the Elm Street building, however, sparked a debate over the placement of a second ambulance. Vice Chair Paul Grady expressed concern over shifting the storage of that vehicle, noting, I’m also in favor of having that ambulance stored at King Street... We seem to be starting to aim for the stratosphere on Elm Street.

Financial and operational pressures dominated the facility discussion. Police Chief William Quigley emphasized the urgency of the police station, describing it as shovel ready while noting that no one is going to hold a quote for three years while we figure out the fire department scope. Member D. Farrag highlighted the life-safety stakes of ambulance response times, asking if residents would like to wait half an hour while being treated for a heart attack if mutual aid had to be called from as far as Marshfield. Chair E. Maher questioned the logic of the redesign, stating, I don't understand why we're taking down an annex off King Street which could house a second ambulance, to completely redesign Elm Street to house a second ambulance when we are still not staffed for it.

Environmental concerns were brought to the floor during public comment by resident Fran Collins, who advocated for a ban on gasoline-powered leaf blowers. Collins described the machines as the most polluting of any internal combustion engine ever designed by man, adding that my domestic tranquility is shattered by the weekend noise. Chair Maher indicated the board would consider adding the topic to a future agenda for a more wholesome debate.

In other business, the board reviewed a new branding package for the town. Communications Specialist Kevin presented an alternative logo and a streamlined color palette intended for informal digital communications and social media. Official town communications will still use the town seal, Kevin noted, but things like the weekly update and social media will use this logo. Member J. Rollins questioned the financial impact, asking, What additional cost has this been or would be to us? Kevin confirmed there were no additional financial requirements. Motion Made by D. Farrag to approve the new alternative logo to be used as described. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board also approved a request from Safe Harbor to place 42 awareness signs on the Common this April. Representative Nicole explained the signs display our local data, updated with 2025 data, as part of National Prevention Week. Motion Made by D. Farrag to approve the signs on the Common from April 11 to 30, 2026, for Safe Harbor. Motion Passed (4-0). Finally, Chair Maher provided an update on the 2026 fireworks, noting that legal is reviewing 501c3 documents and that the town must raise approximately $75,000 for the event to remain cost-neutral. Interim Town Manager Michelle Leary concluded the meeting with a report on recent storm recovery, thanking the DPW for their work despite nine pieces of equipment failing during the height of the event.