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Yarmouth committee updates draft Community Preservation Plan and readies public hearing
Summary
The Town of Yarmouth Community Preservation Committee reviewed a revised draft of its Community Preservation Plan on Jan. 14, 2026, agreed to update supporting materials and set a March 4, 2026 comment deadline; staff were asked to produce a CPA funding-by-project report and Brittany DiRienzo will present the Chase Brook Park project at the hearing.
The Town of Yarmouth Community Preservation Committee on Jan. 14, 2026 reviewed a revised draft of its Community Preservation Plan and prepared materials for the committee’s annual public hearing. Chair Judy Wilchynski called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. and confirmed a quorum.
Committee members said the draft now reflects updated average median income figures and household income limits provided by the Community Housing Committee. Members reached consensus to refresh photographs in the plan, add direct links to referenced reports and revise wording in places; staff said they will accept public input on the draft through March 4, 2026. Conservation Administrator Brittany DiRienzo agreed to present the Chase Brook Park project at the public hearing, and the committee requested a CPA funding-by-project report to use as a reference during the hearing.
Scripts and PowerPoint slides for the hearing were distributed to members for review and editing. David Geanacopoulos was assigned to speak at the event about the June 20, 2026 Independence Day celebration, which the Yarmouth Historical Commission is planning in conjunction with the dedication of a Revolutionary War monument.
On other business, staff circulated the draft 2025 Community Preservation Committee Annual Town Report summarizing projects approved at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting and projects recommended for the 2026 meeting; the draft notes the service of former members Gary Ellis and Mary Ann Walsh. Staff also provided an update from FORWARD at the Rock on phase 2 work.
Joanne Crowley reported that the Planning Board will review the draft Community Preservation Plan at its meeting next week. Drew Krauss said he has asked the Select Board to form a working group for the Forest Road housing project and stated that the CPA had at one time appropriated over $1 million toward that project but the funds were later withdrawn. Lee Hamilton said the Community Housing Committee will present six options for the Mattacheese Utilization project to the Select Board and that a public hearing on those options is scheduled for Feb. 26, 2026.
David Geanacopoulos said planning for the June 20 Independence Day celebration is ongoing and that shuttle buses will serve satellite parking at Station Ave. Elementary School. Debbie Clark noted the Recreation Director is fairly new and that the recent resignation of the Assistant Recreation Director will limit staff capacity for outreach and follow-up on CPA opportunities.
Procedural business included approval of the minutes from Dec. 17, 2025 (motion by Debbie Clark, seconded by David Geanacopoulos; vote 7-0-0). The committee adjourned at 4:26 p.m. (motion by Debbie Clark, seconded by Joanne Crowley; vote 7-0-0).
Votes at a glance: - On a motion by Debbie Clark, seconded by David Geanacopoulos, the committee approved the minutes of Dec. 17, 2025 (7-0-0). - On a motion by Debbie Clark, seconded by David Geanacopoulos, the committee approved minutes referenced for 04/15/2026 by roll call vote 6-0-1 (Al Mayers abstaining). - Adjournment: motion by Debbie Clark, seconded by Joanne Crowley; passed 7-0-0.
Next steps: staff will publish the revised draft plan materials, produce the requested CPA funding-by-project report for committee reference, and prepare for the public hearing where the Chase Brook Park presentation will be made.
