Red Brook advisory committee endorses 1288 housing proposal for community growth

The Plymouth Planning Board convened on December 18, 2024, to discuss significant community developments in Red Brook, particularly focusing on the proposed increase in housing capacity. The meeting featured input from local residents and advisory committee members advocating for a higher housing count, emphasizing the benefits to the community.

John Ratchless, a resident and member of the Red Brook Advisory Committee (RAC), opened the discussion by expressing strong support for increasing the number of homes from 1,175 to 1,288. He acknowledged existing concerns regarding the wastewater treatment plant but argued that upcoming retrofits would alleviate these issues. Ratchless highlighted the financial advantages of the proposed increase, including approximately $225,000 in annual fees that would support community services and $3.2 million in hookup fees that could help reduce existing debts. He noted that the additional homes would also generate about $1 million in tax revenue for the town.

Ratchless emphasized the positive impact of welcoming new families into the community, which he believes would enhance local businesses and distribute costs more evenly among residents. He concluded by stating that the advisory committee unanimously supports the higher housing number, citing no significant negatives to the proposal.

Following Ratchless, Robert Sullivan, another RAC member, reinforced the community's support for the increased housing count. He shared his personal experience of moving to Red Brook and his involvement in various community committees. Sullivan detailed the RAC's efforts to engage residents through meetings and subcommittees, addressing neighborhood concerns and financial implications related to the housing increase. He reported strong community backing for the proposed 1,288 homes, with many residents attending meetings to voice their support.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued community engagement and collaboration, as residents expressed their willingness to discuss future developments with the planning board. The discussions underscored a collective desire for growth and improvement within the Red Brook community, setting the stage for further planning and decision-making in the coming months.