Falmouth's Select Board made a significant decision during their November 4, 2024 meeting, appointing Tom Zine to the Planning Board. This appointment comes at a crucial time as the town grapples with pressing issues related to coastal resiliency and urban planning.

Zine, a seasoned professional planner with extensive experience in local planning, expressed his commitment to addressing the challenges posed by rising sea levels and their impact on Falmouth's neighborhoods. He highlighted the urgent need to revise the town's comprehensive plan, which has not been updated since 2009, to incorporate strategies for managing predicted inundation and enhancing waterfront resilience.

During the meeting, Zine emphasized the importance of creating a vision for a sustainable waterfront, particularly for areas like New Silver Beach and Surf Drive, which are vulnerable to flooding due to their historical development on filled wetlands. He noted that by 2027, an estimated 840 homes in Falmouth could be located seaward of the high tide line, underscoring the need for proactive planning.

The Select Board also discussed the necessity of aligning town agency actions with the comprehensive and strategic plans, a requirement established in the town's charter. Zine's experience in drafting similar regulations in New York positions him well to help Falmouth navigate these complex issues.

In addition to Zine's appointment, the board acknowledged the contributions of other candidates and the importance of maintaining a robust planning board to address the town's evolving needs. Zine's term will last until May 2025, with the possibility of running for a longer term, depending on his experience and community engagement.

As Falmouth prepares for the challenges of climate change and urban development, Zine's appointment signals a commitment to strategic planning and community resilience, setting the stage for future initiatives that will shape the town's landscape.