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Select Board contenders debate solar siting, downtown revival and housing as election nears
Summary
Select Board candidates in Wareham discussed local control over solar siting, strategies to revitalize Main Street and approaches to affordable housing; several opposed an operational override and candidates emphasized communication and careful development.
Select Board candidates at Wareham's Candidates Night discussed town priorities including solar siting, Main Street revitalization and affordable housing as they sought votes ahead of the May 5 election.
Several candidates framed the town's strengths as people, landscape and affordability. "This is a beautiful, beautiful place to live," said Sarah, who noted a priority to improve communication from town administration. Incumbent chair Judith Whiteside cataloged recent projects she said she helped secure — ADA improvements, parks, grant funding and downtown storefront renewal support — and called for continued, visible results.
Solar development drew pointed debate about local control. Judith said she was "tired of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts telling us how to run our towns," arguing the town should protect upland character. Sarah described recent planning work to restrict new solar to a business overlay district and credited the town for highlighting issues such as battery decommissioning and decommissioning plans. Candidate James Manise favored placing panels on developed land and parking areas when possible and urged careful siting.
On Main Street revitalization, candidates proposed a mix of grants, design guidelines and events. Judith cited the redevelopment authority's storefront renovation grant and pointed to Onset Village as a nearby model of a mixed-use downtown; others urged property‑owner engagement and seasonal festivals to attract visitors.
Affordable housing and 40B projects came up repeatedly. Candidates described Wareham's safe‑harbor status at roughly 11% subsidized housing and discussed 'friendly' 40B projects that worked with town officials. James Manise, who serves on the affordable housing trust, said inclusionary provisions for large projects (for example, a 10% affordable set‑aside) should be pursued and emphasized design and community amenities for new developments.
Asked whether they would support an operational Proposition 2½ override, most candidates said no, citing a history of rejection by voters and a high proportion of residents on fixed incomes. Several said the town should pursue targeted capital funding and explore revenue sources such as new solar tax revenue rather than broad operational overrides.
Candidates closed by reminding residents to vote May 5 and stressing plans to protect town character while pursuing measured economic development. No formal board actions occurred during the forum.
