PLYMOUTH - February 10, 2026 - In a wide-ranging session featuring the town’s legislative delegation, the Plymouth Select Board received updates on over $1 million in secured earmarks, the ongoing struggle to modernize the “bad law” of 40B housing, and a significant proposal to revitalize the State Pier with a tourist ferry connection to Boston.
The Full Story
The meeting opened with a presentation from Senator Dylan Fernandes, Representative Kathy LaNatra, and Representative Michelle Badger, who detailed the legislative successes and upcoming challenges at the State House. Senator Fernandes highlighted that the delegation has secured 20 legislative earmarks totaling over $1 million for Plymouth. [32:09] These funds are earmarked for projects including the Spooner’s Alley redevelopment, a new veteran center van, a planning grant for a local veterans’ home, and $110,000 for tourism initiatives. [32:32]
A major focal point of the discussion was the revitalization of downtown Plymouth. Senator Fernandes announced a move toward a long-term lease agreement for DCR property, which would essentially allow a “town takeover” without the town having to surrender financial assets. [34:12] Linked to this is a vision for the State Pier. With $1.5 million in Seaport Economic Council grants secured for renovations, the delegation proposed exploring a summer tourist ferry between Plymouth and Boston to drive economic development. [35:42]
The conversation turned sharply toward housing and the controversial Chapter 40B statute. Select Board members expressed deep frustration with the current law, with Chair David Golden noting it “pits the residents against their elected representatives” when the state overrides local zoning decisions. [01:19:16] Senator Fernandes acknowledged that 40B is “a bad law” but noted the difficulty in passing even modest tweaks during a statewide housing crunch. [01:21:42] He suggested Plymouth aim for the 10% affordable housing threshold to gain more leverage over developers. [01:22:23]
Badger addressed efforts at relief for school transportation costs, a specific struggle Plymouth faces with transporting students across its 400+ miles of roads, a burden not fully recognized by current state formulas.
"There’s still a lot of work to be done and we’ll continue to bring it up at any chance I can... it is the long game here." — Representative Michelle Badger
The board also held a joint session with the Plymouth Housing Authority to fill a vacancy. After interviewing five candidates, the joint committee appointed Courtney Curran to a term expiring in May 2026. [01:56:52] Additionally, Wastewater Manager Doug Pinard presented a success story regarding the GAP 3 energy grant, revealing that $120,000 in upgrades (80% state-funded) will save the town approximately $38,000 annually in electricity costs. [02:01:10]
Why It Matters
For the average Plymouth resident, this meeting signals both progress and impending fiscal pressure. The $37,000 in energy savings and over $1 million in earmarks provide some relief, but the “billions of dollars in cuts” looms at the federal level, threatening SNAP benefits and healthcare funding. [01:13:00] Furthermore, the ongoing 40B debate affects local property values and neighborhood character, while the proposed ferry could significantly boost the local tourism economy.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the two listed licenses (one-day wine and malt, amplified music permit) as a group. [01:27:48]
Outcome: Passed [01:28:10]
Motion: To appoint Courtney Curran to the Plymouth Housing Authority. [01:56:28]
Outcome: Passed (9-1) [01:56:52]
Motion: To include Article 6 (Wastewater Budget Amendments) on the Town Meeting warrant. [02:11:52]
Outcome: Passed [02:12:11]
Motion: To include Article 22 (Codification of Zoning Bylaws) on the warrant. [02:22:37]
Outcome: Passed [02:23:09]
Public Comment
No residents spoke during the formal public comment period, though several candidates for the Housing Authority vacancy provided testimony regarding their qualifications and vision for affordable housing in Plymouth. [01:31:35]
What’s Next
A Select Board budget oversight workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM. [02:39:40] The board also plans to place the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration on a future agenda to discuss a potential $100,000 allocation for local festivities. [02:35:39]
Source Video: Plymouth Meetings: Local Seen Streaming Channel