SCITUATE - December 16, 2025 - The struggle against rising seas took concrete form December 16 as architects unveiled a feasibility design for a new Harbormaster and Coast Guard facility elevated 10 feet above the current grade. While the building represents a vision of resilience, the meeting hit choppy waters on financial matters, as the Board stalled a vote on increasing boat slip fees due to confusion over “premium” slip surcharges.
The Full Story
Scituate’s waterfront may soon look dramatically different. Chris Doktor of Olson Lewis Architects presented a feasibility study for a new combined Harbormaster and Coast Guard facility at Cole Parkway. The proposed design addresses a critical reality: FEMA flood maps place the site in an “AE15” zone, requiring the first floor to sit at an elevation of 20 feet—roughly 10 feet higher than the current ground level.
The “wharf-style” design features a series of smaller gables to maintain a pedestrian scale, despite the imposing height. It includes public restrooms, showers for transient boaters, and a dedicated Coast Guard barrack. The height is non-negotiable for new construction; as officials noted, even a renovation of the existing bathrooms would trigger FEMA’s “50% rule,” forcing the entire structure to be elevated anyway.
“Once we touch those [bathrooms], we’re pretty much at 50% the value of the building. And then we get kicked into the codes... that kicks in to set the floor height relative to FEMA requirements.” — [speaker off camera]
Waterways Fees Hit a Snag The Waterways Commission presented a plan to increase revenue to cover future capital costs, including the new building and dredging. The proposal included raising resident slip fees by 8% and non-resident fees by 10%. However, the presentation included a “premium” surcharge for outer slips that was not in the official motion paperwork, leading to confusion among Board members.
Vice Chair Susan Harrison questioned the discrepancy, noting the “outer slip” charge wasn’t in the packet. Consequently, the Select Board declined to vote on the fees, asking the Commission to return with a consolidated, clear proposal.
Economic Development Shift The Economic Development Commission (EDC) faced its own fiscal adjustment. Town Administrator Jim Boudreau announced that the EDC’s funding would move from a guaranteed “above the line” fixed cost to a standard departmental line item starting in FY27. EDC Chair Berry Kurland defended the commission’s $44,000 strategic plan, which includes a branding initiative and a $12,000 investment in a visitor website, warning against cutting growth-focused spending.
“If Scituate fails to invest because economic development does seem optional, we are cutting one of the only revenue-generating levers available to us. We can’t reduce our way into growth.” — Berry Kurland, EDC Chair
Why It Matters
The Harbormaster project illustrates the literal cost of climate resilience for Scituate taxpayers—municipal buildings must now be built on stilts to survive. Meanwhile, the delay in Waterways fees signals that user fees for boaters—a primary revenue source for harbor maintenance—will face scrutiny before approval.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Close the warrants for the Annual and Special Town Meetings of April 13, 2026.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous ([03:27:50])
Motion: Approve renewal of Drainlayer licenses.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous ([03:28:24])
Motion: Approve the Beautification Commission Mission Statement.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous ([03:29:05])
Public Comment
EDC Support: Residents Aaron Cutler and Chris Kennedy (Kennedy’s Country Gardens) spoke early in the meeting to support full funding for the Economic Development Commission, urging the town not to let the commission “wither away.”
What’s Next
Warrant Review: The Board closed the warrant for the April Town Meeting. Upcoming articles include zoning changes, a petition regarding Glades Road parking, and a vote to allow Pembroke to join the South Shore Vocational Technical School District.
Waterways Fees: The Waterways Commission must return with a finalized fee schedule for a vote.
Source Video: Scituate Community Television Scituate Select Board Meeting - 12-16-2025