COHASSET - March 10, 2026 - In a session dominated by upcoming Town Meeting warrant articles, the Cohasset Select Board faced a sharp challenge from the Open Space Committee regarding the planned 160-foot cell tower in Wheelwright Park. While town officials defended the project as a critical public safety necessity, residents and committee members argued the process lacked transparency and violated the original intent of the land’s conservation. The meeting also saw the approval of an all-alcohol license for the South Shore Music Circus and a heated discussion regarding the future design of the Elm Street fire station.
The Full Story
The primary conflict of the evening centered on Article 26, a citizen petition brought forward by members of the Open Space Committee, including Virginia LeClair and Adam Norman. The petitioners are seeking to affirm the original 1917 deed restrictions for Wheelwright Park, which they argue should prohibit the construction of a 160-foot telecommunications monopole and the clearing of approximately 30 trees.
“The board is of the impression that due process and clear intent has not been made,” LeClair stated, noting that the Open Space Committee was never formally consulted before the project moved toward construction. Petitioners also raised concerns that the “no net loss” mitigation land swap—a parcel on Route 3A—is essentially a “swamp” and not a viable recreational replacement for the two acres being disturbed in the park.
Select Board member David Farrag delivered a forceful defense of the project, highlighting that the 2022 Town Meeting vote passed by over two-thirds and had been reviewed by the state legislature and the Attorney General. Farrag characterized the tower as a non-negotiable public safety improvement for a “triangle” of dead zones affecting Sandy Beach, Atlantic Avenue, and Jerusalem Road.
“It’s been stamped and approved by everybody except for the Pope. ... If anyone gets injured in Wheelwright Park, they better hope they’re in the right place because they’re not going to be able to make a phone call.” [0:28:52]— David Farrag, Select Board
The Board eventually agreed to have legal counsel investigate whether a portion of the tower’s revenue could be diverted into a revolving fund specifically for Wheelwright Park maintenance.
In other business, the Board held a public hearing for the South Shore Music Circus, which applied to convert its wine and malt license into an “all-alcohol” on-premises license under new state legislation. General Manager Ross Roncelli explained the move was driven by customer demand for canned cocktails and variety. The Board approved the change, with member David Farrag jokingly hoping the venue wouldn’t end up on an episode of “Bar Rescue”.
The future of Cohasset’s fire services also remains in flux. Fire Chief John Dockray expressed frustration over the “placeholder” Article 16 for the redesign of the Elm Street station. Confusion arose regarding whether the town will proceed with a two-bay station at 135 King Street or consolidate equipment—including a 30-year-old inflatable boat currently stored outside—entirely at Elm Street. The Board agreed to schedule a specialized working session with the Fire Department and union representatives to solidify a cohesive plan before Town Meeting.
Finally, the Board reviewed the preliminary FY27 budget of $58.7 million, noting that health insurance and benefits now account for $12.5 million, or roughly 20% of total spending.
Why It Matters
For Cohasset residents, the Wheelwright Park debate represents a fundamental tension between preserving historic open space and modernizing infrastructure for emergency response. The outcome of the citizen petition at Town Meeting will determine if the town can move forward with a project it deems essential for 911 reliability or if legal and conservation hurdles will force a total relocation. Additionally, the shift in fire station planning suggests that residents may soon be asked to fund a significant capital project at Elm Street rather than the previously discussed King Street expansion.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To appoint David Farrag as Clerk of the Select Board following the resignation of Julie Rollins.
Vote: Unanimous ([04:15])
Motion: To approve the change to an on-premises all-alcoholic beverage license for South Shore Playhouse Associates (South Shore Music Circus).
Vote: Unanimous ([11:00])
Motion: To recommend Article 17 (Wastewater Treatment Plant System Upgrades Design) to the Town Meeting floor for a $1 million bond authorization.
Vote: Unanimous ([01:31:27])
Motion: To approve Cohasset entering into the state’s MEMA mutual aid program.
Vote: Unanimous ([03:26])
Public Comment
No residents spoke during the initial public comment period. However, extensive public input was provided during the discussions on Article 25 (Noise Control/Leaf Blowers) and Article 26 (Wheelwright Park). Fran Collins, petitioner for Article 25, argued that gasoline-powered leaf blowers are “terribly intrusive” and urged a transition to electric alternatives to reduce noise and air pollution.
What’s Next
Advisory Committee Meeting: Scheduled for March 11 to vote on recommendations for the noise and cell tower petitions.
Select Board Working Session: A special meeting will be coordinated with Fire Chief John Dockray and the firefighters’ union to finalize the Elm Street station design plan.
Town Meeting: Final warrants and the budget will be presented for voter approval in early May.
Source Video: Town of Cohasset - Select Board March 10, 2026