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Yarmouth outlines wastewater, culvert, marina and housing projects tied to comprehensive plan
Summary
Town Planner Kathy Williams listed active projects supporting the LCP: culvert-to-bridge replacements to improve estuary flushing, Packet Landing Marina resiliency work, six Habitat homeownership units, short‑term rental study with UMass Donahue Institute, Mattakee site concepts, Emmy Small school feasibility and Chase Brook Park expansion due later this fall.
Town Planner Kathy Williams used the Yuri Yarmouth podcast to outline a set of active projects and studies she said flow from Yarmouth’s Local Comprehensive Plan.
Key infrastructure and environmental projects: Williams said the town is working with Friends of Bass River on restoration projects and is planning to replace two undersized culverts on North Dennis Road and Weir Road with bridges to improve flushing and reduce nitrogen loading. The town is also evaluating opening a truncated culvert under the Smugglers Beach parking lot to improve pond flushing.
Marina resiliency and commercial fishing support: Williams described Packet Landing Marina as a resiliency project to elevate the lower-level parking, revetment wall and wharf to better protect commercial fishermen and emergency boats managed by the harbormaster.
Housing and development: Williams said Habitat Housing (Habitat for Humanity) is moving forward with six affordable homeownership units near Town Hall. She also summarized the Mattakee utilization committee’s final report offering three concepts (sports facilities, housing, and school/open space) that the select board will vet for financial viability and market demand.
Short-term rentals and schools: The town completed a short‑term rental study with the UMass Donahue Institute and the planning board is considering potential regulatory changes. Williams said a feasibility study for Emmy Small Elementary School has started to evaluate rebuilding on site, consolidating on Station Avenue, or another combination.
Parks and 'undevelopment': Williams described the town’s removal of a blighted motel to create a roughly 5‑acre Chase Brook waterfront park with native plantings, walking trails and a new bridge; she said construction is active and the park should be finished later this fall.
Why it matters: Together, these projects show how the LCP is moving from planning into project-level work that touches water quality, coastal resiliency, housing and recreational access. Many items will need additional funding and public vetting before final approvals.
Next steps: Williams said the town will continue feasibility and financial vetting for major projects and encouraged public engagement as designs advance.
