Meetings Ahead
All meetings are being held remotely. Go to the town’s website, select “remote meeting information,” then follow an additional link for instructions on watching and participating.
Monday, May 4
- Conservation Commission, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5
- Board of Health, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6
- Planning Board, 6 p.m.
Conversation Starters
Coronavirus Update
As of April 28, there was one active case in Truro. Eight cases were reported resolved.
Judge Rules Against Habitat for Humanity
The seven-year effort to build three affordable homes on Route 6 has been blocked by Barnstable Superior Court Justice Thomas Perrino, who has agreed with a neighbor’s objections to the project.
Since 2013, when the nonprofit housing agency received contributions from local housing organizations for the purpose, Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod has been trying to build the houses at 181 Rt. 6, near the Pamet roads exit.
The Truro Zoning Board of Appeals approved a comprehensive permit allowing the project.
But neighbor Brenda Connors, of 4 Avery Way, challenged it successfully several times in court. Reached by phone Monday, Connors did not wish to comment.
On March 30, following a November trial in Barnstable Superior Court, Perrino ruled in favor of Connors, saying the runoff from the project would damage her property.
“We are currently in conversation about how to erect a retaining wall to protect the neighboring property from any damage,” said Wendy Cullinan, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, by email. “Habitat wants to be a good neighbor.”
Contributions to buy the land came from the Truro Community Preservation Committee, Highland Affordable Housing, and the Truro Housing Authority, Cullinan wrote.
Frequently the type of lots available for affordable housing are not easily developed, she said.
She is assessing next steps.
“Our decision is to weigh the pros and cons and move forward,” Cullinan stated. “The pro, being three families will have a home, carries a lot of weight.” —K.C. Myers
