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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comment-Scott Kania1 Maldonado, Kaitlyn From:Pedicini, Kyle Sent:Monday, November 24, 2025 9:03 AM To:Maldonado, Kaitlyn Subject:FW: Comments on Open Space and Recreation plan From: Scott Kania <scott.kania11@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2025 6:04 PM To: Pedicini, Kyle <Kyle.Pedicini@town.barnstable.ma.us> Subject: Comments on Open Space and Recreation plan Dear Kyle, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the plan. My overall reaction is that it looks like it was prepared by consultants, which I realize it was. By that, I mean that it's extremely lengthy and visually very pleasing, but lacks focus. Even the action plan reads more like a laundry list as assessed to a short list of must do projects. Further, the action plan needs a single named individual to be accountable for every must do project. Some of the projects have several owners, which are just actually individuals. As the expression goes - if everyone owns something, no one owns it. My suggestions on top priorities are:  Shared use path/sidewalk on Phinney's Lane from Rt. 132 to Rt 28.. This is a heavily populated area. Most of us in the area wouldn't think of risking our lives walking on Phinney's. Many of us would prefer not to drive, and have no choice but to drive to retail, restaurants, the Senior Center etc. Also, we're encouraged to walk for the health benefits, but need to do so safely. A sidewalk in this area would defragment other sidewalks and be heavily used  Access to hiking - the plan has an extensive list of trails open to the public, but many are not known or accessible to us. It would be great to have prominent signs and parking, so people can be aware of and fully utilize these wonderful resources. Also, I'd suggest a few trails be open to dogs off leash. All of the others should have large signs declaring that all dogs must be on leash at all times, and post the fine  Access to water - The Ways to water are well marked, but need to have access and parking. For example, there is a Way to Water to Shallow Pond on Huckins Neck. It is completely grown over and inaccessible, and has no parking. Across the street from it there is a Way to Water on Wequaquet Lake. It has a small parking area, but is clearly posted as No Parking. I would love to bring my kayak or small row boat to either of these access points, but it is not possible.  Cyanobacteria - Climate change, aging septic systems and other factors are causing an increase in toxic levels of cyanobacteria in our precious ponds. A group of us has formed the Barnstable Ponds Coalition to address the health of our ponds. Please contact me if you'd like to brainstorm ways we can work together on this critical issue.  Boats - I love living on the Cape. The one big thing that's missing is the ability to moor a boat. The last time I looked, the wait list for most moorings was more years than I have left on this planet, That's a travesty. We are surrounded by water but can't moor a boat. 2 I hope these comments are helpful. I'd be happy to discuss. Scott Kania .