SCITUATE - October 14 - The Scituate Select Board on Tuesday received a significant update on the Cole Parkway Resilience Project, with engineers revealing that the planned flood protection will be scaled down from defending against a 100-year storm event to only a 10-year event by 2030 due to cost concerns and geographical limitations. The decision reflects a pragmatic acknowledgment that surrounding low-lying areas would undermine higher flood walls, rendering them ineffective regardless of height.
The Full Story
Engineer Allison Varanelli of Collins Engineers presented three conceptual design alternatives for the long-awaited Cole Parkway coastal resilience project, explaining a fundamental shift in the project’s ambitions. Originally, the design called for protecting the harbor parking area against a 2070 100-year storm event, requiring flood barriers at elevation 12 feet. However, engineers discovered that water would simply flow around such barriers from adjacent low-lying areas to the north, west, and south—including elevations as low as 6.5 feet near Old Dock Street and 9.2 feet to the south.
“Even if we were to raise this black line up to that elevation 12 and that’s referencing a vertical datum, we would still have water coming into our site because this is only at elevation 9.2 and that’s outside the footprint,” Varanelli explained. The revised approach will raise flood protection structures only to elevation 9 feet, matching the existing seawall along the eastern side of the site.
The three alternatives presented vary primarily in their approach to parking, green space, and pedestrian amenities. Alternative 1 maintains the most parking spaces, actually adding a net gain of spaces, while making minimal aesthetic changes. It raises the parking lot to elevation 8.5 feet and installs backflow preventers on catch basins to stop tidal flooding from bubbling up through drainage systems—a chronic problem during astronomical high tides.
Alternative 2A introduces a central pedestrian walkway bisecting the parking lot, providing direct harbor access from Front Street businesses while incorporating drainage swales for stormwater management and green space. Alternative 2B goes further, reconfiguring the Front Street entrance, adding wetland restoration and a boardwalk, and extending the boat ramp to mean low water to allow all-tide access—addressing complaints about the ramp’s current limited functionality.
However, these aesthetic and functional improvements come at the cost of parking. While Alternative 1 adds spaces, Alternative 2A and 2B both result in net parking losses, with 2B showing the greatest reduction. The cost differential is also substantial, though specific dollar amounts were not presented at this meeting.
Public feedback from a July meeting with approximately 50 attendees and an online survey with 300 respondents revealed conflicting priorities. Residents identified more green space and better connected harbor walks as top desires, but also cited limited parking and flooding as their primary concerns. “All three alternatives that I presented are going to see an improvement in the coastal flooding and in the catch basin flooding,” Varanelli noted, “but the limited parking, because we’re so limited in space at Cole Parkway, we did want to provide at least one alternative that provided improved parking.”
The project’s scope acknowledges that Cole Parkway improvements alone cannot solve Scituate Harbor’s flooding problems. The engineering team is separately studying expansion of flood protection to areas including the town pier, Mill Wharf restaurant, and Old Dock Street—a much larger undertaking with an original price tag that officials suggested could reach $80 million to $120 million for comprehensive harbor protection. Cole Parkway represents a more modest, achievable first phase.
The Select Board did not vote on a preferred alternative October 14, with the decision left to a steering committee that will continue refining cost estimates and alternatives analysis. A board member emphasized the need to balance priorities: “A lot of people might consider beautification not to be an important topic but it’s not just beautification from a simplistic standpoint. You’re really improving a lot of quality of how people use the harbor, use the walkways, use the green space, use the pedestrian access, use safety as well as the natural flood direction.”
In the evening’s other major business, the board received updates on the North Scituate sewer expansion project, which remains on schedule for construction to begin in November 2026. Engineers from GHD presented progress on 90% design completion, with the pump station planned for the MBTA parking lot at the intersection of Country Way and Keene Road. The force main will run along the rail corridor, utilizing a sleeve pipe installed under the tracks during MBTA work 20 years ago. Testing of that existing infrastructure has shown it remains viable.
The North Scituate expansion will serve approximately 65,000 gallons per day of new flow. To offset this addition, the Department of Public Works presented results of its aggressive infiltration and inflow removal program. Through two phases of trenchless pipe lining covering 47,000 feet of sewer lines and sealing over 100 leaks—including 27 significant “gushers”—the town has eliminated an estimated 75,000 gallons per day of average infiltration. Presenters displayed flow data from the wastewater treatment plant showing a downward trend in effluent volume despite adding new connections, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness.
The board approved a change order of $97,393.40 to address seven newly discovered major leaks and deteriorating manholes found during ongoing inspection work. “It’s kind of the black eye of engineering,” admitted DPW Director Kevin Cafferty, “because one day you don’t have a leak, and then the next day a leak pops up.” The additional work will be funded from existing infiltration and inflow appropriations.
The Select Board also addressed Fire Department fee increases, the first since 2011. Fire Chief Mark Donovan presented updated permit fees designed to bring Scituate in line with surrounding communities, with potential to generate an additional $20,000 in annual revenue. New categories include fees for electrical storage systems (battery backups for solar installations) and dumpster permits for containers over six yards. Most fees increased modestly, though the board questioned why some categories like waste oil storage dropped from $30 to $25 despite other towns charging $50. Donovan explained the reduction reflects a shift to annual renewal inspections rather than one-time lifetime permits.
In snow removal preparation, DPW received approval to increase contractor rates for the 2025-2026 season, the first increase since 2022-2023. The largest increases target hard-to-secure equipment: 10-wheel dump trucks rose $25 per hour, and large loaders with 10-foot plows saw similar jumps. “There’s competition for contractors,” Town Administrator Jim Boudreau explained. “We wanted to bring our rates into the competitive nature so at least the towns that are adjacent to us won’t outbid us.” The snow removal budget remains at $497,115, with officials estimating three blizzards would exhaust available funds under the new rates.
Veterans Services Director Joshua Summers presented updated Cudworth Cemetery policies, raising burial administration fees from $100 to $300 to cover actual municipal costs, and cremation fees from $100 to $150. The policy now allows parents of young veterans with no other family to be interred at Cudworth, addressing cases of service members killed in action in their late teens or early twenties. The cemetery has only 45 ground burial plots remaining, though the columbarium has substantial capacity.
Town Clerk Kathleen Gardner appeared briefly to change the 2026 annual town election date from May 30 to June 6 after discovering the high school gym was unavailable due to a graduation date conflict. The change was approved unanimously.
The Select Board gave conceptual approval to explore expanding shellfish aquaculture grants from one acre to two acres per license holder, potentially increasing total aquaculture area from three to six acres. The three existing grant holders have found current acreage insufficient as oysters grow and require more space. Board members emphasized the need to coordinate with Cohasset officials and address navigational concerns before any final decision. “Unless you point them out, you don’t even know they’re there,” Goodrich said after visiting the sites on the police boat.
In a potentially contentious issue, the board addressed multiple resident complaints about accessory dwelling unit construction enforcement. Board member Freya Schlegel reported the planning board received emails expressing concern about projects residents believe are not being properly monitored, though specific details were not discussed in open session.
Administrative matters included approving a three-year contract with CBIZ CPAs for independent audit services totaling $231,000, with annual costs rising from $65,000 to $75,000 over the contract period. The board also approved Cedar Home Electrical Contractors of Scituate for on-call electrical services after competitive bidding, and awarded a new road salt contract to Morton Salt at $65.73 per ton through Plymouth County Highway Association—$3.09 cheaper than the state bid list and saving approximately $12,000 annually.
The budget forecast meeting earlier in the day produced cautiously optimistic results. Goodrich reported the town appears positioned to meet fiscal year obligations without layoffs, but described the financial situation as “razor thin.” Adjustments to meals and hotel tax revenue estimates based on historical data helped close gaps, and collaboration with the school department ensured coordinated budget planning. “Things are looking okay, but just be prepared if people need to know that we are right there at the level that it has to be,” Goodrich warned.
The Department of Public Works confirmed continuing work on the storm drain infrastructure improvement project, with concrete pipe lining expected to continue for approximately two more weeks. Public Grounds will hold its annual surplus auction later this month, with bidding available through auctionsinternational.com.
Community events announced included Veterans Day observances on November 11, with Post 144 hosting a free turkey luncheon provided by The Voyage Restaurant for veterans and one guest (reservations required by November 7), and a 10:45 a.m. flag ceremony at the Senior Center. The Commission on Disabilities will hold its annual accessibility event Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the high school gymnasium.
Why It Matters
The decision to scale back Cole Parkway flood protection from a 100-year to a 10-year storm standard represents a significant trade-off between cost and climate resilience. While the revised design will address chronic nuisance flooding during high tides and moderate storms, it will not protect the downtown harbor area during major coastal events. For harbor businesses, waterfront property owners, and downtown merchants, this means accepting continued flood risk during significant nor’easters and hurricanes. The alternatives presented also force difficult choices between preserving parking—critical for harbor businesses—and creating the pedestrian amenities and green space that enhance quality of life and potentially increase property values. The project timeline suggests construction starting in late 2026 at the earliest, meaning current flooding conditions will persist for at least two more years. Meanwhile, the North Scituate sewer expansion progresses on schedule, representing the town’s largest infrastructure investment in decades and opening development opportunities in an underserved area, though at the cost of six MBTA parking spaces during construction.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Change 2026 annual town election date from May 30 to June 6, 2026 due to high school graduation conflict. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:09:00)
Motion: Accept $50 donation and future memorial donations to Veterans Advisory Council gift fund for Cudworth Cemetery. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:13:15)
Motion: Approve recommended changes to Cudworth Cemetery policy including increased fees and updated eligibility. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:18:08)
Motion: Set 2025-2026 snow plowing and sanding rates with increased contractor hourly rates. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:25:54)
Motion: Approve Scituate Fire Department fee schedule with increases effective immediately. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:33:41)
Motion: Award contract to Cedar Home Electrical Contractors, Inc. for on-call electrical services with two one-year extension options. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:50:28)
Motion: Award contract to CBIZ CPAs for independent audit services for fiscal years 2026-2028 totaling $231,000. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:53:20)
Motion: Approve Rain Layer license to Jay Lorenzo Company. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:53:38)
Motion: Award road salt contract to Morton Salt Company at $65.73 per ton through Plymouth County Highway Association. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:47:37)
Motion: Award change order to National Water Main for infiltration and inflow repairs in amount of $97,393.40. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:44:36)
Motion: Approve September 23, 2025 Select Board meeting minutes. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:18:10)
Motion: Adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:18:17)
Public Comment
No formal public comment period was held during this meeting. One resident, Chris Connors, asked a question during the Cole Parkway presentation about prioritizing trailer parking spaces over regular parking spots at the boat ramp, expressing concern that mooring and slip holders who pay waterways fees lack adequate parking while trailer users can access the state boat ramp. Officials explained that trailer parking addresses current practice where larger vehicles already occupy multiple spaces, and that designations could be flexible depending on season and usage patterns.
What’s Next
The Cole Parkway Resilience Project steering committee will continue refining alternatives analysis and cost estimates, with another public engagement session planned before bringing a recommended alternative to the Select Board. The North Scituate sewer expansion project will complete 90% design by January 2026, finish permitting by April 2026, and go to bid in September 2026 with construction starting November 2026. The sidewalk subcommittee will hold a public meeting November 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center to gather input on potential new sidewalk construction projects before finalizing prioritization. The infiltration and inflow removal program continues with ongoing pipe inspections and repairs. Town departments will proceed with implementation of updated fee schedules and contractor rate increases for the upcoming season.
The veterans dinner is at the senior center not at the Voyage. The Voyage has generously donated the meals.