Town Manager's Update: Key Deadlines Loom for Open Space Plan, Preservation Funds
Key Points
- Fall Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 3rd.
- Applications for Community Preservation Act funding are due in September for consideration at the fall meeting.
- The Select Board will take up the future of the Recycling Transfer Facility (RTF) in early September.
- The deadline for residents to complete the Open Space and Recreation Plan survey is August 31st.
- An Overdose Awareness Day Candlelight Vigil is set for August 27th on the Town Common.
- As of Thursday, Sandy Beach is closed for all water activities, while Rocky and Bassings Beaches are open.
With the fall Special Town Meeting now officially set for Monday, November 3rd, deadlines are fast approaching for residents and community groups hoping to shape the town's future. In his weekly update on August 22, Town Manager Chris Senior urged those with ideas for historic preservation, open space, or community housing projects to prepare their applications for Community Preservation Act funding. "If you have a project or like to learn more about how to apply, please go to the town's website and go on to the community preservation page for more," Senior said, noting that applications will be due "fairly soon in September" to be considered for the November warrant.
Another major topic, the future of the Recycling Transfer Facility (RTF), also continues to move forward. Following a recent committee forum, the Select Board is scheduled to take up the complex issue—including the potential creation of an enterprise fund—in early September. Senior directed residents to the town website for detailed information on the matter, from brief summaries to in-depth reports. "Please don't forget the town's website is your source for local information on what's going on in Cohasset," he added, highlighting its role as a central hub for updates on everything from the farmers market to the new public safety building.
Residents have an even more immediate deadline to make their voices heard on the town's natural resources. The Open Space and Recreation Committee is seeking public input via a survey to help craft an updated preservation plan, with a submission deadline of August 31st. "Your information, your ideas are very important as part of this process," Senior emphasized. He also reminded the community of the 8th annual Candlelight Vigil for International Overdose Awareness Day, hosted by Safe Harbor Cohasset and the Anchor of Hull, which will take place Wednesday, August 27th, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the Town Common.
Closing with a weekend recreational update, Senior delivered mixed news for beachgoers. While Rocky Beach and Bassings Beach are fully open for water activities, a recent water quality test has forced a closure at another popular spot. "Sandy Beach is closed, at least as of today, which is Thursday," he confirmed. "Please watch for updates if they come in. The beach may reopen, but for now, Sandy Beach is closed for any water activity."