I’d like to respond to the recent letter from residents about issues they’d like the Select Board to address. I appreciate residents raising these issues and asking for meaningful discussion about Plymouth’s future. These are important and complex issues, and I agree that residents deserve opportunities to understand the challenges and weigh in on potential solutions.
On affordable housing specifically, I recently issued a Community Report outlining Plymouth’s Affordable Housing Strategy, including the steps the Town is taking to reach the state’s 10% affordable housing goal and strengthen our ability to manage future development. I encourage anyone interested in this issue to take a look:
Many of the other issues raised are also central to our ongoing work and public discussion, including forums and community conversations around housing, development, environmental concerns and other aspects of Plymouth’s future. For example, this week the Town held a public forum on Small Footprint Housing, a concept that could provide truly affordable options for residents at all stages of life. In addition, the Town is developing a Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan and will hold its third neighborhood information and input session on September 10 in Manomet. These opportunities for public input are important, and I hope residents will participate.
There is certainly a lot of work to do. I believe that the best way to make progress is to continue to have conversations that are grounded in facts, focused on practical solutions, and informed by the people who live here. I’m committed to continuing that work and to keeping residents informed about opportunities to participate.
– Deb Iaquinto
Chair, Plymouth Select Board