Three Sisters Provisions Earns Licenses; Safe Harbor Data Shows Teen Use Declining
Key Points
- Three Sisters Provisions was granted liquor and common victualer licenses for a new gourmet market at 50 South Main Street.
- The Safe Harbor Coalition reported youth alcohol use among high schoolers has dropped from 29% to 13% since 2019.
- The board approved a letter of support to apply for a regional electric vehicle shuttle grant, with the understanding it is not a financial commitment.
- The speed limit on Doane Street, from Beachwood Street to the Wompatuck gate, was lowered from 25 to 20 mph.
- The board began drafting its FY27 budget message, emphasizing public clarity on financial policies and project priorities.
- A preliminary warrant for the November Special Town Meeting was reviewed, featuring the Osgood School roof project and potential RTF bylaw changes.
- The town was awarded a two-year, $190,000 state grant to continue its work on social resiliency for vulnerable populations.
The Cohasset Select Board meeting on Tuesday began on a somber note, with Chair Ellen Maher leading a moment of silence for Cohasset Health Director Pam Fehey, who passed away last week. "I think of her as a quiet hero," Maher said, recognizing Fehey’s work guiding the town through the COVID-19 pandemic and implementing a rental unit inspection program. "The outpouring of love and appreciation for her that we've seen on social media is a testament to Pam and her professionalism." The board then unanimously approved two licenses for Three Sisters Provisions, a new gourmet market planned for 50 South Main Street. Applicant Ashley Schaefer described her vision for the former Barrel location as a year-round farmers market-style shop. "We're bringing in more gourmet grocery items that are brands that you won't see at local grocery stores," Schaefer explained, noting a focus on local and regional products, craft beer and wine, and a small menu of prepared foods from a Cohasset-based chef. Board member David Farrag praised the plan, and Vice Chair Paul Grady confirmed the proposed hours would be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. **Motion made by David Farrag to approve an off-premise wine and malt beverage package store license for Veridia LLC DBA Three Sisters Provisions. Motion Passed 5-0.** A second motion followed. **Motion made by David Farrag to approve a common victualer license for Veridia LLC DBA Three Sisters Provisions. Motion Passed 5-0.** Nicole Blashi, Program Director for the Safe Harbor Cohasset Coalition, delivered an encouraging update, highlighting a significant drop in youth substance use since 2017. Notably, alcohol use in the past 30 days among high schoolers has fallen from 29% in 2019 to 13% in 2025. "This is Cohasset as a town has really worked and made huge improvements," Blashi said. Farrag commended the program's success, stating, "The whole program of course is to keep the children and students of this town safe and healthy. And that's what this does. And the select board supports that fully." Board member Chris Plecs inquired about the coalition's long-term funding, as its 10-year federal grant is in its ninth year. Interim Town Manager Michelle Leary confirmed the town has already begun integrating program costs into the public health budget to ensure its continuity. In other business, the board addressed several key items, including giving contingent approval for the town to partner on a regional electric vehicle shuttle grant application. After concerns were raised at a previous meeting, the board confirmed its vote only authorized Town Planner Cassandra Thayer to apply for the grant and did not commit the town to any financial or contractual obligations. "Tonight's action... is just to give approval to apply for the grant," Maher clarified. While most of the board agreed, Grady remained hesitant, "I'm not overly comfortable with it. I don't think it's fully vetted." **Motion made by David Farrag to approve the letter of commitment to support Circuit’s critical mass proposal for a South Shore EV micro-transit pilot. Motion Passed 4-0, with one abstention.** The board also approved a request from Police Chief William Quigley to lower the speed limit on Doane Street leading to Wompatuck State Park from 25 to 20 mph due to high pedestrian and family traffic. During a discussion on the upcoming FY27 budget message, Clerk Julie Rollins suggested edits for public clarity. "What I might add since this is a public message is why the AAA bond rating is important," Rollins said. "I don't know that everyone understands why." The board also reviewed a draft warrant for the November Special Town Meeting, which includes articles on the Osgood School roof project, RTF bylaw changes, and budget transfers.