Economic Development Committee presents master plan timeline; public raises transparency, mill cleanup and modular waste processing

The board opened a broad discussion with the Economic Development Committee (EDC) covering the master plan update, waterfront concepts, the condition and potential reuse of the town‑owned mill, and a proposed small modular waste‑processing unit at the recycle center.

Kendall of the planning board said the planning board aims to present an updated master plan to voters in March 2027. EDC members described the catalyst grant for the beach feasibility work and emphasized the study is intended to identify allowable options and cost estimates. Several residents expressed concern that conceptual designs had circulated without clear context and urged better public materials: "There is absolutely nothing…The townsfolk can't see it," a selectman said, asking for conceptual ideas to be posted in advance of public meetings.

On the mill, residents and committee members said the town has performed exterior cleanup and security work but that interior junk removal and further stabilization will require grant funding. On waste processing, the EDC described a modular unit that a private partner would host at the town recycle center; proponents said it could reduce disposal costs and be installed without long‑term obligations, while skeptics noted the capital cost and the need for a detailed proposal and RFP. A long exchange focused on committee authority and transparency, including whether two select board members should serve concurrently on the EDC; legal advice referenced by the chair said only one seated board member should vote on an advisory committee to avoid conflicts. The selectmen asked EDC leaders to meet with board officers to develop rules of procedure and to post clearer materials online before the next public session.