The Harwich Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has pulled the plug on a long-stalled public access project at Hinkley Pond, citing inflexible state requirements that would have forced a costly total redesign of the site. Conservation Administrator Amy Usowski informed the committee that the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is demanding the entire former parking area be converted to an impervious, ADA-compliant surface to protect the adjacent rail trail from mulch or stone debris. Usowski explained that to pave the whole thing, the storm water system would have to be totally re-engineered, a task far exceeding the original scope of the 2018 project.

Committee members expressed frustration with the state’s lack of clarity and noted that the landscape of the area has changed since the funds were first allocated seven years ago. Member Kathy Green pointed out that the Harwich Conservation Trust is already constructing an ADA-compliant viewing platform nearby, making a second similar project potentially redundant. Member John Ketchum suggested a clean break was necessary, noting that if we rescind now, conservation can try to get a clear plan and commitments from DCR and then come back for appropriate funding. Chair David Maslowski agreed, noting that the project had long surpassed its three-year term limit. Motion Made by K. Green to rescind the unused balance of 2018 article number 57 public access of the Hinkley's Pond Remediation Project. Motion Passed (5-0).

The decision to rescind the Hinkley Pond funds comes amid a broader push by the CPC to tighten its oversight of taxpayer money following recent administrative hurdles, including a high-profile $400,000 state grant misallocation error discovered earlier this spring. Maslowski voiced significant irritation with the Board of Selectmen and the town’s audit firm regarding the delayed release of final financial documents. They provided information to us but they haven't provided the final document, and I have a real problem with that, Maslowski said, emphasizing that while the board’s internal numbers are correct, the lack of a formal conclusion from the auditor creates unnecessary friction. He also noted a need to correct the record after a resident provided inaccurate figures regarding Community Preservation Act funds during Town Meeting, stating the actual total was closer to $1.6 million rather than the $2.5 million cited by the member of the public.

The committee is also preparing for a potential "power struggle" regarding grant agreements required before approved funds can be released on July 1. Friction has surfaced between the CPC and the Affordable Housing Trust over the requirement to sign these legal contracts. Maslowski reported that the Housing Trust has yet to sign their agreement, leading to a tense standoff. I told the chair to sign the damn thing or they wouldn't get money, and that didn't go over well, Maslowski said, adding that our obligation is to the taxpayers, not the selectmen. Ketchum urged a diplomatic approach to the upcoming negotiations with the Board of Selectmen, suggesting the board clearly articulate why we need this to avoid further administrative delays.

To prevent future projects from languishing in limbo, the board discussed implementing a formal policy with teeth to rescind funds from applicants who fail to provide regular progress reports. Marcy Segerson advocated for a standardized reporting form, noting that you need a policy to give you teeth when dealing with non-compliant departments or organizations. Green suggested that at the three-year mark, the board should automatically vote to either extend or rescind every project to ensure data-driven decision-making. The board reached a consensus to review these new guidelines and a digital reporting template during their June meeting.

In a brighter update for local recreation, Usowski reported success in the rehabilitation of town-owned conservation lands, specifically at Bell’s Neck and Robbins Pond. Using a portion of a $20,000 allocation from 2020, the department has installed fencing, signage, and trail cameras while relocating the Depot Road parking lot under budget. Usowski plans to use the remaining $6,428 for native plantings this spring. This $20,000 has allowed us to do so much more than my little budget allows, Usowski told the board, noting the funds are essential for maintaining the town's natural assets against poaching and nocturnal nuisances.