Scituate Community Preservation Committee Seeks $1 Million for Four Projects at November Town Meeting
SCITUATE - September 9 - The Scituate Select Board heard presentations Monday night for four Community Preservation Committee (CPC) projects totaling just under $1 million that will go before voters at November Town Meeting, with the largest request being $750,000 to acquire 16.4 acres of conservation land off Clapp Road known as the Dishpan property.
The Full Story
The meeting began on a somber note with a moment of silence for former Select Board member Karen Connolly, who passed away recently just months after ending her time on the board. "Karen Connolly may have been one of the most fearless and selfless people that I've ever worked with," said Select Board Chair Andrew Goodrich.
Following recognition ceremonies for two fire department employees celebrating 30 years of service - Elena Cheverie, the first female firefighter in Scituate, and Lieutenant David Hermance, a paramedic and musician who performs taps at fire department ceremonies - the board moved to address several community initiatives.
Two special events received unanimous approval: the Fishermen's Fest on September 28th from noon to 5 p.m. at the harbor, featuring food trucks, live music, and family activities; and the St. Vincent de Paul Charity Walk on October 14th from 8:30 a.m. to noon, raising funds for residents in need. The charity walk will start at St. Mary's Parish and proceed through the harbor to the lighthouse, with safety measures including police details at key intersections.
The board approved amendments to the Coastal Advisory Commission's charge, changing the composition from specifically designated coastal and inland residents to simply six unclassified resident positions, providing more flexibility in future appointments. Five new commission members were appointed to three-year terms.
Community Preservation Committee Chair Dan Fennelly presented four projects for the November ballot. The largest, the Clapp Road property acquisition for $750,000, would purchase two contiguous lots totaling 16.4 acres that connect to existing conservation land. Fennelly noted that three appraisals were conducted due to significant differences in valuation methodologies, ultimately settling on the $700,000 purchase price with an additional $50,000 for closing costs and conservation restrictions.
The other CPC projects include $3,500 for GAR Hall lighting upgrades to improve safety in the parking area, with the Historical Society contributing $1,200; $145,000 for Cudworth House and Barn roof replacement and structural repairs, with cedar shingles providing an estimated 20-year lifespan; and $125,000 for the first phase of Mordecai Lincoln House repairs addressing foundation issues, drainage problems, insulation replacement, and structural damage to floorboards.
Fennelly also revealed that CPC is pursuing an appraisal of approximately 90 acres of cranberry bogs on the west side of town near Old Oaken Bucket, with results expected in mid-October. He estimated the acquisition cost could exceed the $1.1 million Plymouth paid for similar property.
The Scituate Harbor Cultural District presented plans for a marine-themed mural on the Cole Parkway building housing the bowling alley, featuring sea life with subtle nods to the building's history. The project has secured funding from the Mass Cultural Council and building owner approval, with completion expected by November to coincide with the First Friday Art Walk.
In administrative business, the board approved the annual road salt contract with Morton Salt Company at $68.82 per ton, the same rate as last year, and accepted two charitable donations totaling $1,725 for veterans' services and the Council on Aging.
Town Administrator Jim Boudreau provided updates on ongoing infrastructure projects, including continued sewer line rehabilitation work and the resumption of water tank operations with new circuit boards. He noted that fall hydrant flushing began, starting at the Maple Street tank, and reminded residents that beach parking stickers are no longer required after Labor Day, though lifeguards are no longer on duty.
Board members reported on various committee activities, including progress on Pier 44 renovations after receiving state approvals, the ongoing Spanish exchange student program hosting 16 students from Spain's Basque region, and discussions about future veterans' memorial projects and cemetery expansion needs.
Why It Matters
The CPC projects represent significant investments in Scituate's historic preservation, open space protection, and community infrastructure that will require voter approval at November Town Meeting. With $3.7 million currently in CPC funds and $1.4 million in estimated 2026 receipts, approval of all four projects would leave approximately $2.7 million for future initiatives, providing the town with continued capacity for preservation and improvement projects while maintaining fiscal stability.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve Special Event Fishermen's Fest on September 28, 2025, from 12-5 PM. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 18:57)
Motion: Approve Special Event St. Vincent de Paul Charity Walk on October 14, 2025, from 8:30 AM-12 PM. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 29:08)
Motion: Accept proposed amendments to Coastal Advisory Commission charge with unclassified resident positions. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 37:12)
Motion: Appoint five members to Coastal Advisory Commission for three-year terms. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 38:22)
Motion: Award road salt contract to Morton Salt Company at $68.82 per ton. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 41:11)
Motion: Accept $725 donation from Veterans Advisory Council gift fund. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:10:13)
Motion: Accept $1,000 donation from Patricia Ann Seneski Trust. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:11:29)
Motion: Approve green layer licenses for two applicants. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:11:55)
Public Comment
Limited public participation included a request to establish a memorial for former Select Board member Karen Connolly, with board members expressing support for working with the requester to find an appropriate way to honor her legacy and decades of service to the town.
What's Next
The Community Preservation Committee projects will appear on the November Town Meeting warrant for voter consideration. The Waterways Committee will meet out of cycle to prepare recommendations on Harbor Master building improvements and rate adjustments for the Select Board. Pier 44 renovation project representatives will appear before the board with cost estimates and phasing options following recent state approvals.