PLYMOUTH - January 20, 2026 - Plymouth officials issued a sobering warning Tuesday night, cautioning that the town is rapidly approaching a “fiscal cliff” as major residential developments reach build-out. During a marathon joint session, leaders revealed that new growth revenue—a critical driver of the town’s budget for two decades—is projected to fall by 50% or more in the coming years, leaving the community with a staggering 86% reliance on residential property taxes to fund municipal services.
The Full Story
The January 20th meeting was dominated by a high-stakes presentation on Plymouth’s economic future, bringing together the Select Board, the Planning Board, and the Plymouth Foundation to discuss the draft Comprehensive Plan. Planning Board Chair Steven Bolotin presented data showing that 45% of the town’s annual new growth revenue currently comes from just two developments: Pine Hills and Redbrook. As these projects near completion, that revenue stream will abruptly stop.
“We are looking at a cliff, and it’s not a theoretical one,” Bolotin warned, noting that Plymouth would need the equivalent of two new “Colony Place” developments every year just to replace the lost growth. [02:00:51] He further highlighted a stark imbalance in the tax base: while the state average for commercial and industrial tax revenue is 17%, Plymouth sits at only 14%, leaving residents to shoulder 86% of the tax burden. [01:53:50]
Stephen Cole, Executive Director of the Plymouth Foundation, reinforced the urgency by pointing out the lack of “shovel-ready” land available to attract higher-wage industries. Of Plymouth’s 134 square miles, only 380 acres are currently identified as developable for commercial or industrial use, and none are ready for immediate construction. [01:38:08] Cole addressed the difficulty of recruitment, noting that potential employers frequently ask about infrastructure, housing for workers, and public transportation—all areas where Plymouth currently faces significant deficits. [01:39:47]
The discussion also touched on “human sustainability.” Select Board member Kevin Canty lamented the town’s current status as a “bedroom community,” where 23,000 residents commute elsewhere for work while only 8,000 local jobs are held by Plymouth residents. [02:10:15]
“I think we have a human sustainability problem by having a dynamic like this where so many people are forced to commute to work... two hours getting there, two hours getting back—that’s not much of a life.” [02:14:42] — Kevin Canty, Select Board Member
To address these challenges, Director of Planning and Development Lauren Lind presented an “Implementation Matrix” for the new Comprehensive Plan. [02:06:16] Proposed actions include modernizing zoning bylaws to allow for greater density, mixed-use developments, and “infill” projects that utilize existing infrastructure. [02:07:46] The board also debated the possibility of bringing economic development “in-house” to town hall to streamline the often-cumbersome permitting process. [02:48:02]
In other business, the board moved to protect the town’s “green wealth” by approving Article 23, which conveys nine tax-title properties totaling approximately 27 acres to the Conservation Commission. [03:11:20] These parcels, often deemed unbuildable due to terrain or easements, will now serve as permanent open space and “pocket parks” for local neighborhoods. [03:25:07]
Why It Matters
For the average Plymouth resident, this “fiscal cliff” means that without significant commercial growth or zoning reform, the cost of maintaining schools, roads, and public safety will fall increasingly on residential property taxes. The shift toward “smart growth” and increased density is no longer just a planning preference but a fiscal necessity to prevent exponential tax hikes as the town’s traditional revenue sources dry up.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve Article 23 (Conveyance of tax title properties to Conservation).
Vote: Unanimous (4-0) ([03:30:48])
Motion: To include Article 13 (Facilities Capital Maintenance Stabilization Fund) in the warrant with $5 million from free cash.
Vote: Unanimous (4-0) ([03:47:14])
Motion: To include Article 14 (Nuclear Mitigation Stabilization Fund) with $500,000 from free cash.
Vote: 3-1 (Golden opposed) ([03:58:06])
Motion: To approve a group of one-day alcohol licenses and change of manager permits.
Vote: Unanimous ([01:16:09])
Public Comment
Residents voiced concerns over a variety of issues, including the transparency of the Plymouth Foundation and the environmental impact of sand mining on the town’s aquifer. Climate Action Net-Zero (CANZ) Chair Dale Bryan urged the board to more explicitly integrate the town’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan into the new Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, some residents criticized recent budget cuts to community events like the Thanksgiving parade and called for the elimination of Select Board stipends. [01:17:37]
What’s Next
Comprehensive Plan: Public comments on the draft plan are being accepted through January 25, 2026. [02:08:51]
Salary Review: The Select Board will revisit Article 4 at their next meeting to discuss potentially eliminating elected official salaries for FY2026 in response to budget concerns. [04:21:01]
Holtech Litigation: Select Board member Kevin Canty advocated for Plymouth to join or initiate litigation against the federal government as a “host community” for nuclear waste, seeking monetary compensation for the long-term storage of spent fuel. [04:08:44]
Source Video: Plymouth Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel