Parks and Recreation manager presents Article 16 seeking $8 million for bluff debris removal

Charlie Polachi, Parks and Recreation manager, presented Article 16 and asked voters to approve $8 million to fund phase two of the Tom Never's debris removal project. "Article 16 asks the voters to approve $8 million for phase two of the Tom Never's debris removal project," Polachi said.

Polachi said the funding would allow the town to continue removing buried debris from the bluff area "before erosion exposes it on the beach." He described the work as a continuation of a recently completed first phase: "Phase one focused on removing debris located directly on the beach and to the western side of the property." Polachi said phase two would focus on "identifying and removing buried debris upland of the bluff," because over time "the erosion could cause this material to fall on the beach." He added, "Removing the debris before that happens helps prevent it from entering the coastal zone."

Polachi also framed the project as more manageable if the town acts before erosion advances: "Addressing the debris before erosion exposes it makes the work more manageable and efficient, both from a planning and permitting perspective and during construction." He said the project aligns with the Select Board's strategic plan by advancing the town's goal of environmental leadership and described the work as protecting the beach and coastal environment from solid-waste exposure.

On funding, Polachi said the project would be financed through a debt exclusion if voters approve Article 16 at the annual town meeting and the subsequent annual town election. He gave an illustrative example for a qualifying year-round residential property valued at $1,878,950: "the estimated tax increase would be about $11.85 per year for 25 years." The presentation did not include additional details on project schedule, contractor selection, or alternative funding sources.

If approved, the measure will proceed to the annual town election for voter approval; other procedural steps, permitting and construction timelines were not specified during the presentation.