Residents press Select Board on rodenticide petition, noise complaints and walkway accessibility

Several residents used the public‑comment period to press the Select Board on environmental and local quality‑of‑life issues.

Patrick Otman of East Harwich asked the board to file the town’s home‑rule petition so Harwich can participate as the Massachusetts Legislature considers the 'Mass Ready Act' versions limiting second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticides. "Since Harwich has voted, please don't delay," Otman said, urging the board to ensure the town’s petition reaches Representative Hadley Luddie’s desk while versions move through committee.

Taylor Powell, owner of Perks, described a recurring pattern of anonymous noise complaints that police repeatedly find unfounded and said those calls consume town public‑safety resources. "Every one of these calls requires a police response which costs a lot of money," Powell said, asking the board to consider ways to identify and address repeat unfounded anonymous complaints and to protect both businesses and emergency resources.

A third commenter urged the board to avoid brick or paver materials for a planned walkway on Route 28/28 in Harwichport because such surfaces create barriers for people with mobility devices. The speaker also voiced public support for Jen Anderson as recreation director and noted ways the town could better structure accessible design choices.

Board members acknowledged the concerns, noted ongoing state legislative timing for the rodenticide question, and said staff would follow up on options to respond to repeated unfounded complaints and to confirm accessible design guidance for the Route 28 walkway project.