COHASSET - September 16 - The Cohasset Select Board approved two licenses for a new gourmet grocery store and authorized moving forward with a $5.8 million elementary school roof replacement project (town share estimated not to exceed $1.9 million) during their September 16, 2025 meeting, marking significant progress on both economic development and infrastructure priorities.
The Full Story
The board unanimously approved an off-premises wine and malt beverage package store license and a common victualer license for Viridia LLC, operating as Three Sisters Provisions at 50 South Main Street. Owner Ashley Schafer plans to open the gourmet grocery store within weeks, featuring locally sourced products, craft beverages, and prepared foods from a local chef.
"We really want it to feel kind of like a farmer's market would feel year round," Schafer told the board, describing her vision for the 2,200-square-foot space that previously housed The Barrel. The store will operate daily from 10 AM to 7 PM and focus on regional artisan products not typically found in traditional grocery stores.
Safe Harbor Coalition Program Director Nicole Balaschi delivered an extensive update on the town's substance abuse prevention efforts, reporting dramatic reductions in youth substance use since 2017. High school alcohol use in the past 30 days dropped from 29% in 2019 to just 13% in the most recent survey, while the youth ambassador program has grown to 53 participants across grades 7-12.
"The majority of youth aren't using substances, even though on social media it looks like the majority are," Balaschi emphasized, outlining the coalition's strategy to normalize healthy choices. The organization secured its ninth year of federal CDC funding, with support continuing through September 2026. However, funding ends after year 10, requiring the town to develop a transition plan for fiscal year 2027.
The board addressed a critical administrative requirement by re-voting their fiscal year 2026 special stabilization fund commitments. State regulations required the board to formally re-approve the $1.5 million school stabilization fund and $800,000 road and sidewalk stabilization fund allocations, both with allowable 2.5% increases. These funds recently enabled the town to demonstrate financial capacity for the Massachusetts School Building Authority roof project application.
Police Chief William Quigley requested and received approval to reduce the speed limit on Doane Street from 25 to 20 miles per hour, specifically from Beechwood Street to the Wompatuck State Park entrance. The change addresses safety concerns raised by residents about increased foot traffic and families using the popular park entrance.
The board authorized Circuit EV to apply for grant funding for a South Shore electric vehicle micro-transit pilot program. After expressing concerns about financial commitments at the previous meeting, the board clarified this authorization only permits grant applications, with no obligation to participate if funding is awarded. The potential $41,700 local contribution would only be required if the town chooses to implement the program after reviewing full terms and conditions.
The board appointed Katelyn Kelliher Levine to the Cultural Council, filling one of the final remaining positions on that volunteer committee.
Town Manager Chris Senior provided an extensive preview of the November Special Town Meeting warrant, highlighting the $5.8 million Osgood Elementary School roof replacement project. The Massachusetts School Building Authority requires the town to authorize borrowing up to the maximum project cost, though actual expenses are expected to be lower. The state will provide 32.4% reimbursement, with the town responsible for approximately $1.9 million after grants.
"The expectation is that it will be less" than the maximum $5.8 million authorization, Senior explained. The town plans to fund its portion using the school stabilization fund balance plus additional borrowing as needed.
Other warrant articles include transferring $300,000 from town funds to support full-day kindergarten implementation, various capital improvements, and updates to municipal bylaws. The board began preliminary discussions about their fiscal year 2027 budget message, focusing on maintaining financial stability while addressing infrastructure needs.
Senior announced the town won a two-year, $190,000 Municipal Vulnerability Program grant to strengthen community social resiliency, particularly supporting elderly residents and those with transportation challenges during emergencies.
The meeting began with a moment of silence for Health Director Pam Fahey, who passed away recently. Board members praised Fahey’s professional guidance during COVID-19 and her implementation of rental unit inspection programs that improved housing conditions for tenants.
Why It Matters
The new licenses support downtown economic vitality by bringing a unique retail business to a long-vacant storefront. The school roof project represents a large infrastructure investment, requiring careful financial planning to balance municipal debt capacity with essential facility improvements. The continued success of substance abuse prevention programs demonstrates the value of sustained community investment in youth services, though upcoming funding transitions will require budget planning. Speed limit reductions reflect the board's responsiveness to resident safety concerns in high-traffic recreational areas.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve off-premises wine and malt beverage package store license for Viridia LLC DBA Three Sisters Provisions. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:10:50)
Motion: Approve common victualer license for Viridia LLC DBA Three Sisters Provisions. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:11:15)
Motion: Continue school special stabilization fund for FY26 by appropriating approved levy of $1.5 million plus allowable 2.5 percent. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:43:55)
Motion: Continue roads and sidewalks special stabilization fund for FY26 by appropriating approved levy of $800,000 plus allowable 2.5 percent. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:44:16)
Motion: Approve letter of commitment to support Circuit's Critical Mass proposal for South Shore EV micro-transit pilot. Outcome: Approved. Vote: 4-0-1 (one abstention). (Timestamp: 0:50:47)
Motion: Appoint Katelyn Kelliher Levine to Cultural Council. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:39:30)
Motion: Approve reduction in speed limit from 25 to 20 miles per hour on Doane Street from Beechwood Street to Wompatuck State Park entrance. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:15:11)
Public Comment
No formal public comment period was held, though residents provided input during specific agenda items, including support for speed limit reduction on Doane Street and questions about liquor license applications.
What's Next
The Advisory Committee begins reviewing November Special Town Meeting warrant articles on September 17. The Select Board will vote on final warrant articles at their September 30 meeting. Safe Harbor Coalition holds its first community meeting of the academic year on September 22 via Zoom. The board will continue developing their fiscal year 2027 budget message for adoption at the next meeting.