HomeMy WebLinkAboutOSPR Staff Comments (Section 6 & Intro to Section 7)Draft Open Space & Recreation Plan
Initial Comments
06 Analysis of Needs
75 Text edit (2nd paragraph):
Stakeholders identified Barnstable’s most pressing environmental challenges, including nutrient loading, contamination from per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, invasive species, and wildfire risk, which are directly linked to land management and water
quality.
77 Text edit:
Within the last bullet od the “Key Protection Needs Moving Forward” section insert the following language as the final senten ce:
The Town’s vision for balancing these needs through land -use practices is articulated in the Town of Barnstable Local Comprehensive Plan that was approved in
2025.
79
Text edit:
First paragraph: resolve extra space after “In many cases,”
80 Text edit:
First paragraph: remove extra space between first and second bullet
80 Text edit (first sentence within Coordination and Communication)
A recurring theme among stakeholders was the need for stronger coordination across municipal departments and boards, including Recreation,
Community Services, the DPW Department of Public Works, the Conservation Commission, Community Preservation Committee, and the
School Department.
81 Text edit:
At the beginning of the maintenance and stewardship section on page 81, add:
Maintenance is a defining factor in the success and perception of public spaces. Effective governance models establish clear accountability—
whether through municipal parks departments, conservancy partnerships, or hybrid oversight committees .
81 Text edit:
First paragraph: resolve extra space after “opportunities to supplement,”
81 Text edit:
At the end of the maintenance and stewardship section on page 81, add:
Sustaining open space requires diversified funding mechanisms. Traditional sources—municipal budgets, state grants, and bond measures—are
often supplemented by innovative tools such as Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, and public-
private partnerships. Endowments and revolving maintenance funds ensure longevity, while revenue -generating programs—such as event
permits, concessions, or green infrastructure credits—create recurring income streams.
“Friends of” groups can also play a vital role in maintenance of open space by mobilizing volunteer labor, philanthropic cont ributions, and
advocacy. These civic partners often serve as intermediaries between residents and government, fundraising for ameni ties, organizing
stewardship days, and advocating for budget allocations. The partnership model exemplified by organizations like the Central Park Conservancy
has become a national template, blending private initiative with public oversight to achieve supe rior maintenance outcomes.
07 Ten-Year Action Plan
84 Text edit (2nd paragraph)
Specific parties are identified for each action, but effective implementation requires all Town departments, boards, committees, and commissions
to collaborate and communicate closely to advance Open Space and Recreation Plan goals and other Town properties priorities.
84-85 Text edits to Acronyms for Responsible Parties
▪ Department of Public Works – Admin/Tech Support
▪ Division (DPW-ATS)
▪ Department of Public Works – Highway Division
▪ (DPW-H)
▪ Department of Public Works – Structures and
▪ Grounds Division (DPW-S&G)
▪ Department of Public Works – Water Pollution Control
▪ Division (DPW-WPC)
▪ Department of Public Works – Water Supply Division
▪ (DPW-WS)
▪ Marine & Environmental Affairs Department – Animal
▪ Control Division (M&EAD-AC)
▪ Marine & Environmental Affairs Department –
▪ Harbormaster (M&EAD-H)
▪ Marine & Environmental Affairs Department – Natural
▪ Resources Division (M&EAD-NR)
▪ Marine & Environmental Affairs Department –
▪ Shellfishing Division (M&EAD-S)
▪ Planning & Development Department (P&DD)
86 Text edit:
Shift U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to a new bullet
86 Text edit:
Somewhere on page 86, we should add the following:
District Improvement Financing (DIF) is a Massachusetts program that allows municipalities to designate a specific district and capture the
new tax revenue generated by growth and redevelopment within that area. This dedicated revenue stream can then be used to fin ance public
infrastructure improvements—such as streetscapes, utilities, and parks—that further encourage private investment and economic development
in the same district. In 2024 the Town of Barnstable adopted a Hyannis District Improvement Financing District, which will provide a potential
new funding stream for open space improvements in downtown Hyannis.