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Dennis schedules environmental‑justice outreach meeting tied to open‑space plan update
Summary
The Dennis Planning Board announced a public outreach session on Oct. 15 to engage environmental‑justice communities as part of the town's open‑space and recreation plan update; organizers plan translated flyers and targeted local outreach. The meeting is Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Dennisport Library.
The Dennis Planning Board announced a public meeting to engage environmental‑justice communities about the town’s open‑space and recreation plan update, saying the session will be held at the Dennisport Public Library on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.
"One of the things we have to do to get our open space and recreation plan certified is we had to do enhanced outreach to environmental justice communities," Paul said, describing the meeting's purpose and certification requirement. Paul said the town prepared a flyer and arranged Spanish and Portuguese translations with Brenda Vasquez, the COA and disabilities coordinator, and will send the materials to churches and community WhatsApp groups to boost turnout.
The board said the outreach session will introduce the updated plan, educate attendees about environmental justice, review amenities in affected neighborhoods, and seek input on needs that may have been overlooked. Paul outlined four block groups the town identifies as environmental‑justice areas, citing minority population and median‑income figures used to map the neighborhoods.
Paul highlighted existing amenities and a recent grant that the board said will support nearby improvements: "We're doing a $3,000,000 upgrade to clean up the pond down there," he said, referring to work near Seaview Park. He also listed accessible features already in town, including a Braille Trail at Johnny Kelly Park and an all‑access playground in West Dennis.
Organizers said the session will be a mix of presentation and conversation and that they will repeat the event at the Center for Active Living if turnout exceeds the Dennisport Library room capacity. The Planning Board provided the event notice on the town website and said a virtual dial‑in option is also available.
