PLYMOUTH - December 9 - Facing a standing-room-only crowd at Cold Spring Elementary School, the Plymouth Select Board heard intense comments regarding federal immigration enforcement in North Plymouth. In response, the Board committed to reviewing a formal policy on town cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at their first meeting in January.
The Full Story
The Select Board brought town government directly to North Plymouth for this “Town Hall on the Road,” but the agenda was quickly dominated by the community’s response to recent ICE operations.
“Live Your Values Aloud” Dozens of residents lined up to speak, describing a neighborhood gripped by fear. Speakers detailed incidents of parents being detained near schools and unmarked vehicles pursuing residents, creating a climate of terror for immigrant families.
“We are witnessing trauma caused by unprecedented violent enforcement aimed at noncriminal hardworking people... Our neighbors need clarity and reassurance that their town will not ignore their fear.” — Anne Franzino [42:59]
Board Response & Policy Proposal Select Board member Kevin Canty announced he is drafting a policy to define the town’s engagement with federal immigration authorities. While acknowledging the town cannot nullify federal law, Canty argued Plymouth has no obligation to assist in operations that he believes undermine public safety.
“We cannot stop them but we do not need to help them... If we allow a group to be dehumanized, ostracized, put to the side then we are creating a second class of citizen in our community.” — Kevin Canty [56:04]
Dissenting Voices Not all attendees supported the move toward non-cooperation. Several residents argued that the town must respect federal law and support law enforcement officers executing valid deportation orders.
“Shame on this town if we are going to start seeking to nullify federal law.” — Tim Shobrook [55:07]
Pulte Homes (PY) Development Stalls Town Manager Derek Brindisi provided a critical update on the controversial 163-unit 40B proposal by Pulte Homes in North Plymouth. The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) hearing, originally scheduled for mid-December, has been continued to January 5, 2026 [39:14]. The Board reiterated its opposition, with members citing traffic safety and infrastructure concerns.
“This is a... very aggressive unfriendly out of town developer that is using a state statute... to force a project into our neighborhoods.” — Kevin Canty [35:38]
Infrastructure Updates
Zero Spooner Street (Old Fire Station): The town has rescinded an award for the redevelopment of the old fire station after negotiations failed. The Board plans to issue a revised RFP, with suggestions to explore “Brownfields” funding for cleanup [20:31].
Cherry Street Water Main: Design is near completion, with bidding expected this spring [11:41].
Why It Matters
For North Plymouth, the outcome of the January policy discussion could fundamentally change the relationship between the town’s large immigrant population and local law enforcement. A policy of non-cooperation would be aimed at restoring trust, ensuring victims and witnesses feel safe reporting crimes. Meanwhile, the delay in the Pulte Homes project offers the neighborhood a brief reprieve, but the threat of a massive development on already congested roads remains a primary anxiety for residents.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve Administrative Notes 1 and 3.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: 5-0 [08:45]
Motion: Approve Conservation Restrictions for Pinnacle Bog Preserve and Rocky Point Preserve (approx. 75 acres).
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: 5-0 [10:10]
Motion: Adjourn.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: 5-0 [02:54:46]
Public Comment
Immigration/ICE: The majority of speakers urged the Board to limit cooperation with ICE to protect immigrant neighbors. A minority emphasized the rule of law and support for federal enforcement.
Development/Traffic: Residents expressed skepticism about the traffic data provided for the Pulte Homes project, with one resident noting manual counts seemed to underreport volume compared to his own observations [02:17:33].
Neighborhood Identity: Calls were made to establish a historic district in North Plymouth to preserve its unique architectural character [02:27:22].
What’s Next
January 5, 2026: ZBA Hearing on the Pulte Homes 40B project.
January 6, 2026: Select Board to discuss and vote on the proposed ICE cooperation policy.