Meetings Ahead
Meetings in Truro are often held remotely. Go to Truro-ma.gov and click on the meeting you are interested in for an agenda and details on how to join.
Thursday, Nov. 21
- Cemetery Commission, 9 a.m., Town Hall
- Open Space Committee, 1 p.m., online
- Ad Hoc Building Committee, 4:30 p.m., online
- Housing Authority, 5 p.m., Town Hall
Friday, Nov. 22
- Cable and Internet Advisory Committee, 2:15 p.m., Town Hall
- Library Trustees, 3:30 p.m., Public Library
Conversation Starter
25 S. Highland Update
Town Manager Darrin Tangeman updated the select board on Nov. 12 on efforts to preserve a state grant for the South Highland Road workforce housing project after last month’s unauthorized demolition by Cape Cod Builders of one of the two cottages on the site.
Tangeman said that Assistant Town Manager Kelly Clark and DPW Director Jarrod Cabral had been working with MassDevelopment to identify eligible uses for the funds, which are limited to “projects that will improve, rehabilitate, or redevelop blighted, abandoned, vacant, or underutilized properties,” and were specifically slated for renovation of the now-demolished cottage.
Cape Cod Builders proposes to build a new house there, but it is unclear whether that would qualify for funding.
Chair Susan Areson asked that the question of potential reuse of materials from the demolition be addressed at the next update. Clark said she had told the agency that the town preferred not to do that, citing concerns raised by the select board on Oct. 17 about the possible presence of toxic mold.
Clark said the select board could expect to vote on a plan at its Dec. 10 meeting.
Member Sue Girard-Irwin asked if the town had a “plan B.” Should MassDevelopment reject the proposed expenses, Clark said, the town would focus the grant funds on developing the other house on the site. Clark added that the select board could then decide what to do about the current contract with Cape Cod Builders and suggested that should happen in executive session. —Aden Choate
