Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Bourne Select Board held a workshop on October 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM (EDT) to discuss several key items related to the Cape Cod Bridges Program, including a land transfer to MassDOT, updates on bridge procurement and funding, Keith Field improvements, and the framework for a formal agreement between the town and MassDOT. The meeting was conducted as a workshop with no public comment period, as stated by the chair.
Town Meeting Article 12 – Transfer of 1025 Scenic Highway to MassDOT: The board discussed the proposed donation of a 0.9-acre landlocked parcel assessed at $51,900 to MassDOT for the construction of the Route 6 eastbound on-ramp, bicycle/pedestrian paths, and landscaping. Members expressed varying positions:
MassDOT Attendance at Town Meeting: The board discussed whether to invite MassDOT to the upcoming special town meeting to answer questions on Article 12. Opinions were mixed: Peter favored having MassDOT present to address resident questions; others (Anne Marie, Gene, MJ, chair) felt the select board could handle questions and that MassDOT attendance might broaden the discussion beyond the article’s scope. The board decided to leave it to MassDOT’s discretion whether to attend.
MassDOT Updates on Bridge Projects: Louisa provided an update on the Cape Cod Bridges Program:
Keith Field Improvements: MassDOT discussed plans for the shared-use path and parking at Keith Field. The original plan to create parking across Sandwich Road was abandoned due to safety concerns. Instead, MassDOT is exploring on-street parking along Sandwich Road with appropriate buffers. The section 4F (de minimis) determination will be revisited. MassDOT is also working with the Recreation Committee and addressing property ownership issues (town, private, easements). A follow-up workshop is scheduled for November 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM (likely as a special meeting to allow public comment) to discuss Keith Field in detail.
Formal Agreement (MOU) Framework: The board discussed the need for a written agreement memorializing mutual commitments between the town and MassDOT. Members agreed that the document should be binding and enforceable, covering topics such as land transfer, traffic management, Keith Field, and communication protocols. The board decided not to vote on directing town counsel at this workshop, preferring to first hold a public discussion at a regular select board meeting where public comment would be allowed. The chair suggested that the two legal counsels (town and MassDOT) should draft a document for public review. No vote was taken on this item.
Oh, it's 301. All right, I gotta get moving. That moved quick on me. Um, okay, so being 301, I will call this workshop to order. Uh we do have a Zoom meeting ID 889-4351 8001. The password is mass. All caps. Um this meeting may be recorded and streamed by Born TV. Audience members recording, please notify us at this time. Do we have anyone present in the room or on Zoom that we know of? Nobody on Zoom has their hand up. So all items um okay, let's I'll discuss. Sorry, we've changed our beginning a little bit. So we just have a remote disclaimer. Remote access is a courtesy. The meeting will not be delayed or suspended due to technical issues. Zoom has been a bit um sketchy lately, so if it goes off, we'll do our best to get it back on. Um so uh I'm just gonna have an opening statement. So before I begin, um I just want to just address something related to our meeting format this evening, this afternoon, actually. I'm used to being here at night. Um, you know, across the Commonwealth, these workshops are used when select boards need to focus time to work through complex issues. Workshops are not meant to be public hearings or set aside for public comment sessions. They're designated for board discussions, questions, and problem solvings, and they're meant to be without interruption. Some um serious discussions need to be had here, and we really do need the time to um to speak with our partners here on these bridges project and and work ahead. So in the past, I know we've allowed some comments just out of courtesy um during some of these discussions, and I obviously appreciate all the support, the engagement from our residents. However, today um we are we're requiring, I just want uninterrupted time for the select board and Mass Dot to speak directly to one another and to listen. So I also want to uh um emphasize that there, you know, has been no lack of opportunities for public comment um at this project as it evolves. Um, you know, residents can always email the full select board with their thoughts, their recommendations and comments. And Mass Dot has held numerous public hearings, public forums across the region. Senator Fernandes recently hosted a meeting in in um in MASHB. Um, and you know, we'll continue, and I'm sure MassDot will continue to be open to talk to people and as the engagements happen. So um let's see, we held our own public, you know, hearing here actually just recently in June or July. July it was, sorry. And here we are tonight. So there will be no opportunities for public comment today. I really do want to strict to stick to the workshop um agenda and get through this and and do some listening. So with that said, one may note that there'll be opportunity at regularly get yes select board meetings. Yes, thank you. You can please we can add if you'd like to if you're vice chair. No, I just want to for the public you know that they'll have ample opportunity at a subsequent, because this is just you know, conversation, ongoing conversation, and it will be standard agenda item. So there will be opportunity to to have some time to reflect, observe, and um formulate questions and comments at a subsequent select board meeting. Right. Anyone else? All right, so moving on. So first we have our um discussion about town meeting article twelve to transfer 1025 scenic highway to the commonwealth.