The Yarmouth Community Preservation Committee moved to protect a critical piece of the town’s heritage this week, backing a $605,000 acquisition of 3.22 acres on Nottingham Drive. The parcel, which sits directly adjacent to the historic Taylor Bray Farm, was identified by Conservation Agent Britney as a high-priority site for both ecological migration and archaeological preservation. While the property holds an appraised value of up to $1.2 million, the town successfully negotiated a lower purchase price to prevent the land from being subdivided into three single-family homes.

During the presentation, Agent Britney noted that the parcel is marked by the National Historic Commission for its significant resources. This parcel is marked by the National Historic Commission and the Historical Commission as having historic and archaeological resources, Britney explained, adding that a conservation restriction will be required to ensure the area remains undisturbed. Motion Made by P. Huggins to allocate $605,000 from the Open Space reserve for the Nottingham Drive land acquisition, with a three-year execution window, subject to any grant reimbursements being returned specifically to the CPA Open Space reserve. The committee sits on a healthy budget, with Chair Judith Wilchynski noting that the town currently holds $3,244,342 in undesignated funds and $1,349,283 specifically reserved for Open Space. Motion Passed (6-0-0).

Member David Geanacopoulos, representing the Historical Commission, voiced strong support for the purchase, stating that his commission was very enthusiastic about this project due to its historical value. Planning Board Representative Joanne Crowley raised concerns regarding an existing driveway encroachment on the western side of the property, but Britney confirmed that the seller is required to resolve the issue as part of the purchase agreement. I want to make sure the reimbursement goes to CPA funds, not general revenue, Crowley emphasized, ensuring that any potential Land Grant funds—which could cover up to half the cost—would be recycled into future preservation efforts.

The committee also grappled with several requests to extend the deadlines for previously funded projects. A $150,000 request for Town Records Preservation dating back to 2021 drew scrutiny after three years of inactivity. Vice Chair Paul Huggins expressed frustration with the delay, noting that while Town Clerk Mary Maslowski has shown progress by adding staff, it's disappointing the money has been tied up for four years. The committee opted to hold the request until next week to hear directly from the Clerk. Other extensions were handled more routinely. Motion Made by D. Krauss to approve an extension for the Cape Cod Center for the Arts (Cape Playhouse) until June 30, 2026. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Member Drew Krauss noted the Playhouse extension was necessary due to unforeseen repair issues, while Member Debbie Clark moved to support a construction-related extension for the Forward at the Rock Phase 2 project. Motion Made by D. Clark to approve an extension for Forward at the Rock Phase 2 until December 31, 2026. Motion Passed (6-0-0).

Staffing changes at Town Hall also took center stage, as Chair Wilchynski announced the hiring of Megan Eldridge as the new Community Development Director. She starts at the end of the month, and we will invite her to our October 8th meeting, Wilchynski said. Clark added that Eldridge, who previously served as Assistant Town Administrator in Harwich, is very, very good. Additionally, the town has brought on Amy Frigulietti as the new Assistant Town Administrator, effective November 3. Amid these administrative shifts, the town is also navigating legal hurdles, with Huggins reporting a new contract for sewer work with a company called "Dig It" following litigation with a previous contractor.

Looking ahead, the committee performed a preliminary review of ten incoming funding applications that signal a heavy focus on affordable housing and coastal resiliency. Proposals include $300,000 for emergency loans through the Harwich Ecumenical Council for the Homeless (HECH) and $180,858 for Habitat for Humanity to build six affordable homes near Simpkins Field. Regarding the HECH request, Crowley asked for data on how much has actually been borrowed and repaid to them over the years. The committee is also eyeing a $476,000 request from Natural Resources to elevate the driveway and replace pilings at Packet Landing to combat rising sea levels. Wilchynski argued that this preservation work is essential, as the park was originally built with CPA funds and now faces threats from flooding.

The meeting concluded with updates on the town's long-term planning. Crowley urged residents to attend the October 1 public hearing for the Local Comprehensive Plan, a document she described as the roadmap for town priorities and grant eligibility for the next decade. Meanwhile, Geanacopoulos shared that the Historical Commission is planning a major event for June 2026 to unveil a Revolutionary War monument at Thatcher Park, featuring a granite statue of a colonial family and identifying 53 veterans' graves. We are looking for members, Geanacopoulos noted, as the commission prepares for the 250th anniversary of Yarmouth’s independence.