HomeMy WebLinkAboutBarnstable OSRP-Combined Public Comment_091020251
Maldonado, Kaitlyn
From:Sean Anderson <bfdwatersupt@barnstablefiredistrict.com>
Sent:Thursday, September 4, 2025 9:36 AM
To:Maldonado, Kaitlyn
Subject:RE: Town of Barnstable Water Resources Stakeholder Meeting Next Thursday 9/4
Good morning,
Sorry, I have a conflict with todays meeting so I will not be able to attend. Please see
some answers to the questions below.
Thank you,
Sean Anderson
Barnstable Fire District Water Department
PO Box 546
1841 Phinney’s Lane
Barnstable, MA 02630
508-362-6498
From: Maldonado, Kaitlyn <Kaitlyn.Maldonado@town.barnstable.ma.us>
Sent: Friday, August 29, 2025 2:53 PM
To: Maldonado, Kaitlyn <Kaitlyn.Maldonado@town.barnstable.ma.us>
Cc: Kupfer, James <James.Kupfer@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Pedicini, Kyle <Kyle.Pedicini@town.barnstable.ma.us>;
Bertling, Peter <Peter.Bertling@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Unruh, Amber <Amber.Unruh@town.barnstable.ma.us>;
Beaudoin, Griffin <Philip.Beaudoin@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Steen, Robert <Robert.Steen@town.barnstable.ma.us>;
Lawson, Derek <Derek.Lawson@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Taylor, Brian <Brian.Taylor@town.barnstable.ma.us>;
Coleman, Nina <Nina.Coleman@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Croteau, Amy <Amy.Croteau@town.barnstable.ma.us>;
Nappi, Chris <Chris.Nappi@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Keijser, Hans <Hans.Keijser@town.barnstable.ma.us>
Subject: Town of Barnstable Water Resources Stakeholder Meeting Next Thursday 9/4
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Good AŌernoon,
We are looking forward to the upcoming virtual Water Resources Stakeholder MeeƟng to be held virtually next
Thursday 9/4 between 1:00-2:30 PM. Calendar invites have been distributed for the Zoom meeƟng. Please reply to this
email if you did not receive an invite. The objecƟve of the meeƟng is to obtain insight which will inform the Town’s
current effort in updaƟng our Open Space and RecreaƟon Plan. Please find below a list of iniƟal quesƟons. Thank you in
advance for your Ɵme and insight. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any quesƟons.
Interview QuesƟons: Water Resources
1. What aspects of Barnstable’s water resources are currently being managed well?
PFAS removal / treatment in the Hyannis Water System.
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2. What are the biggest challenges facing Barnstable’s water resources today?
PFAS and manganese.
3. What barriers exist in protecƟng water resources?
4. What emerging approaches should Barnstable consider supporƟng or exploring?
Effluent discharges from the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
5. What land acquisiƟon opportuniƟes should Barnstable prioriƟze to protect drinking water supplies, groundwater
recharge, wetlands, or coastal buffers?
6. Is there anything else you would like to share that could help improve the community’s protec Ɵon and use of
water resources?
Best,
Kate
Kate Maldonado
Senior Planner l Planning & Development
Town of Barnstable l 367 Main Street l Hyannis, MA 02601
kaitlyn.maldonado@town.barnstable.ma.us
P 508-862-4791
F 508-862-4782
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Maldonado, Kaitlyn
From:Scott horsley <scotthorsley208@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, September 4, 2025 7:40 AM
To:Maldonado, Kaitlyn
Subject:Re: OSRP Water Resources Stakeholder Questions
Two other thoughts:
1. another emerging technology is wetland restoration in cranberry bogs. The Marstons Mills BCWC
project may provide a cost effective alternative for nutrient reduction.
2. can the OS plan address re-naturalizing ("open space") areas on private properties..... - such as
converting lawns to vegetated buffers?
Scott Horsley
Water Resources Consultant
https://www.linkedin.com/in/horsleyscott/
Cell: (508)-364-7818
On Thu, Sep 4, 2025 at 7:22 AM Scott horsley <scotthorsley208@gmail.com> wrote:
1. What aspects of Barnstable’s water resources are currently being managed well? I WOULD SAY THAT
MANAGEMENT IS EXCELLENT, BUT THE CHALLENGES CONTINUE TO MOUNT.
2. What are the biggest challenges facing Barnstable’s water resources today? A) IMPLEMENTING THE
CWMP (COST), B) STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, C) PROTECTION & RESTORATION OF
PONDS, D) SOURCE WATER (DRINKING WATER) PROTECTION
3. What barriers exist in protecting water resources? COST, AND CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES (EXAMPLE I/A SEPTICS). LIMITATION OF
FINANCING PROGRAMS SUCH AS SRF DUE TO PURPORTED LIMITATION OF SPENDING
PUBLIC MONEY ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. THIS IS A PERCEIVED BARRIER THAT I AM NOT SURE
IS VALID (EXAMPLE: LONG ISLAND, NY)
4. What emerging approaches should Barnstable consider supporting or exploring?A) I/A SEPTIC
TECHNOLOGIES NOW REFERRED TO AS NITROGEN-REDUCING (NR) SEPTIC SYSTEMS, B)
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES FOR POND RESTORATION/PRESERVATION INCLUDING
CLUSTER/NEIGHBORHOOD WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS)
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5. What land acquisition opportunities should Barnstable prioritize to protect drinking water supplies,
groundwater recharge, wetlands, or coastal buffers? LAND ACQUISITION/PRESERVATION IS
CRITICAL, WE SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER TRANSFER-OF-DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AS POSSIBLE
MEANS TO RELIEVE DEVELOPMENT PRESSURES ON REMAINING DEVELOPABLE
LAND. EXPLORE POSSIBILITIES FOR UN-DEVELOPMENT IN COASTAL HAZARD AREAS AND
OTHER CRITICAL WR AREAS
6. Is there anything else you would like to share that could help improve the community’s protection and
use of water resources? NOT AT THIS TIME
Scott Horsley
Water Resources Consultant
https://www.linkedin.com/in/horsleyscott/
Cell: (508)-364-7818
On Wed, Sep 3, 2025 at 10:10 AM Maldonado, Kaitlyn <Kaitlyn.Maldonado@town.barnstable.ma.us >
wrote:
Scott,
It was great connecting with you over the phone. Please find the initial list of questions to be discussed with
water resource stakeholders tomorrow. We greatly appreciate your time and insight. We will stay in touch as this
effort progresses.
Interview Questions: Water Resources
1. What aspects of Barnstable’s water resources are currently being managed well?
2. What are the biggest challenges facing Barnstable’s water resources today?
3. What barriers exist in protecting water resources?
4. What emerging approaches should Barnstable consider supporting or exploring?
3
5. What land acquisition opportunities should Barnstable prioritize to protect drinking water supplies,
groundwater recharge, wetlands, or coastal buffers?
6. Is there anything else you would like to share that could help improve the community’s protection and
use of water resources?
Best,
Kate
Kate Maldonado
Senior Planner l Planning & Development
Town of Barnstable l 367 Main Street l Hyannis, MA 02601
kaitlyn.maldonado@town.barnstable.ma.us
P 508-862-4791
F 508-862-4782
1
Pedicini, Kyle
From:Tim Shanahan <timshan55@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, September 2, 2025 2:43 PM
To:Pedicini, Kyle
Subject:Open Space & Recreation Plan Update
Hi,
I recently watched the 8/28/25 Open Space & Recreation Plan Update meeting. I wanted to offer my
thoughts.
In all cases, any upgrades, improvements, and new facilities must consider and mitigate any negative
impact on surrounding homes, neighborhoods, and communities.
The issue of the pickleball noise at the Marstons Mills complex is one that is a particular issue to me and
my family. As I am sure you are aware, hundreds of pickleball noise lawsuits have been filed across the
country, with some very high profile cases happening here on the Cape.
Clearly, it's a hugely popular activity and is likely one of the most utilized sports courts in town. However,
one only has to spend a short time on Ross Lane to realize the impact it has on the neighborhood. I'm not
sure, but I haven't been able to find any neighborhood impact studies or surveys done when these courts
were converted from tennis courts.
Given the possible, if not likely, potential for large litigation costs to the town it is simply negligent to not
have investigated this issue prior to building this part.
Before pursuing new and/or upgraded facilities, I strongly believe that mitigating the existing noise issue
needs to be prioritized. Simply put - fix the problem that was created before spending money on new
projects.
Please also understand that I am not advocating for shutting down the pickleball courts - as has been
done in other local towns. It's a great activity that clearly brings a lot of joy to the players. However, a fair
consideration of the impact on the affected neighborhoods is mandatory.
Thank you,
Tim Shanahan
49 Sheep Meadow Rd
W. Barnstable, MA 02668
508-292-9771
1
Maldonado, Kaitlyn
From:Tony Lapolla <tlapolla53@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, September 7, 2025 8:28 AM
To:Maldonado, Kaitlyn
Cc:Rene King; Pedicini, Kyle
Subject:Stakeholder Responses
Kaitlyn,
I am sure that you are busy with your study, so there's no need for you to set up another
meeting. With that said, I am sending you my thoughts on the questions you sent me in this note. My
responses will focus on recreational opportunities in Barnstable. I'm sure that you will garner input
surrounding open space from other constituencies.
Barstable offers a range of recreational activities for its residents. The beaches, especially Craigville,
Dowses, and Covells, are well used. Hathaway Pond is also a popular facility for dog owners, and
the pond is very active on weekends. Additionally, Sandy Neck is a treasure that the town should be
proud of. The 4,700 acres offer beach, camping, and access to recreational facilities and
vehicles. Additionally, the nature programs are vast.
The Marton Mills Pickleball Courts are popular. I was there last weekend, and the parking lot was
full. Lastly, the HYCC is an excellent facility that provides two sheets of ice for skaters and many
recreational hockey programs for youth and adults. Additionally, the basketball court provides
valuable indoor space for youth and adult programs.
There is currently no access to an indoor pool that would serve all members of the community,
including individuals with special needs, as well as recreational programs for families and youth within
the community. In a beach/water community, where the potential for drownings is increased, it would
be nice to offer swim lessons for all members of the community throughout the year.
There is a need to improve or enhance bike and walking access within the community. Improved bike
lanes and sidewalks should be an ongoing project for Barnstable. This may provide improved access
to recreational facilities. I am not aware of the public transportation options to the facilities, but this is
particularly essential for youth and older members of our community.
The town does a good job of maintaining its playing fields, but, again, there is a need to repair and/or
renovate some of the facilities. The facilities at the high school and some parks are well-maintained,
but others need attention. Has a study been conducted on the cost associated with artificial turf?
Feel free to let me know if you have questions or need any more information from me. Lastly, do you
know the date for the October meeting where you will present the draft of your plan?
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Best,
Tony
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Maldonado, Kaitlyn
From:tom4202uk@aol.com
Sent:Tuesday, September 9, 2025 1:05 PM
To:Maldonado, Kaitlyn
Subject:SNK Board Open Space Project Feedback
Hi Kate, The SNK Board had a discussion at last night's meeting regarding the open space project.
The SNK board has three strategic areas of focus:
1. Conservation, Erosion, Coastal resiliency.
2. Public use and outreach;
3 Economic sustainability
We discuss opportunities and risks in these areas every meeting and clearly they touch all areas of
the Open Space Program although the focus of the board is only on the resources at SNK. We have
representatives on the board from both ConCom and RecCom so all our efforts look across the
spectrum.
Couple of observations were raised last night:
1. One of the challenges in responding to this project we discussed, is that we are not sure if there
has been a review of the "to dos" from the 2018 plan to see what has and has not been done. For
example, one "to do' was the development of North Side Coastal Resource Management Plan...has
this been done?
2. Conservation:
Q1. We feel that Sandy Neck is a great example of a resource area which benefits from excellent
teamwork. A combination of SNK management backed up by town resources, e.g., DPW, Finance,
etc; SNK Board and Barnstable Police all performing different roles but working together to achieve a
common objective. The current coastal resiliency project is a good example of this teamwork in
action.
Q3. We have identified a need to proactively create opportunities for under served residents,
particularly children to experience Sandy Neck. In May, after a board discussion on this topic, the
SNK team working with RecCom had a busload of 3rd grade student from Hyannis West visit SNK for
the day. We need to do more of this type of outreach. Not sure if this is active across other Barnstable
resources.
Q4. Barnstable harbor water quality- Essential both to economy, user experience and future health
of flora and fauna in the harbor and marsh. We need to understand current risks and develop a long
term plan to mitigate any issue which could impact the quality of water in the harbor and marsh.
3. Water Resources:
Q2/Q3. Major issue we discussed is managing the dilemma of allowing access while providing
protection to resources. Our assumption is that pressure for more human use of these resources will
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increase over time as will development due to housing shortages, etc.. This will create significant
challenges in maintaining a balance between flora, fauna and humans. And not only the humans who
use beaches for recreation, but also the impacts of development, septic systems, etc.
A final suggestion which you may be already doing, is to grade each opportunity in the final plan by
degree of impact vs. ease of implementation vs cost/benefit to help town to develop a prioritized plan
rather than just a huge list.
Happy to discuss further and hope this helps.
Best, Tom O'Neill