Mattakees Utilization Committee outlines seven-phase plan, asks public for ideas

The Mattakees Utilization Committee, created by the Yarmouth Select Board to develop reuse options for the 70-acre Mattakeeset and M.E. Small School site, presented its charge and an initial seven-phase process at Wednesday's Select Board meeting and solicited public input for an upcoming brainstorming session.

Sharon Weimer, chair of the Mattakees Utilization Committee (MUC), said the committee will "take specific steps ... to ensure inclusion of the many interests in the property in an impartial manner" and produce plans and cost profiles for potential uses ranging from recreation and parks to housing, economic development and educational facilities. "The outcome shall provide plans, profiles, and renderings with costs associated with engineering, permitting, design, construction, implementation, funding, and operations," she said.

Assistant Town Administrator Bill Scott described a phased approach that begins with information-gathering and public "muck around" workshops, proceeds through development of three concept alternatives from participating topical teams (housing, open space, economic development, municipal facilities, recreation, education and others), and concludes with a utilization plan and implementation recommendations. The process is designed to limit early consultant expense by using existing town plans and committee expertise, Scott said. He said the committee has posted background materials online, has an RFP out for a consultant, and will use town staff and existing committee work to shape initial concepts.

Scott and Weimer emphasized public outreach and coordination. The committee plans a series of topical meetings, each with a three-meeting progression (broad idea gathering, narrowing to three concepts, then refinement). Proposals are to be compiled for the Select Board and may lead to RFPs for developers or municipal implementation steps contingent on town meeting approval.

Committee members told the board they will seek creative public engagement including surveys and facilitated sessions. Select Board members praised the committee's structure and urged active outreach to avoid losing public interest during the multi-month process. The board and committee also discussed the need to align the committee's schedule with fall or spring town meeting deadlines and possible grant opportunities for demolition or remediation if parts of the building are removed.

The MUC asked residents with ideas to submit them and invited the public to early topical and brainstorming meetings; additional public sessions and project materials will be posted on the town website.