The Harwich Conservation Commission is escalating its efforts to address the deteriorating state of town-owned land at 374 Main Street, formally requesting that Town Manager James McGrail intervene to remediate a site left in disarray by a previous lessee. The property, once slated to become a satellite campus for the Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, has become a point of frustration for officials and residents alike after the school's funding for the project fell through.

Conservation Agent Amy Usowski reported that while the Harwich Conservation Trust has engaged consultants to study the area's hydrology, the immediate concern remains the debris left behind. What is pressing is the state of the property that the previous lessee left it in, Usowski told the commission, noting she had drafted a letter to the administration to initiate a cleanup. Chair John Ketchum emphasized the necessity of the request, stating the letter asks as nicely as possible that the town immediately take up the issue of whatever is left on there and use whatever means necessary to ensure it is removed. Ketchum suggested the town must ensure that effects of the previous lessee are removed, specifically anything contributing to degradation.

The discussion drew sharp criticism from resident Matt Sutton, who characterized the history of the site as corporate welfare. Sutton noted that the property had been used as a private fiefdom for over two decades under the encouragement of previous town officials. The income from the previous lessee was maybe $80,000 over 20 years, which won't even cover the cleanup, Sutton said, urging the commission to reclaim the land for public access. Member Wayne Coulson agreed on the urgency of the matter, noting, The bottom line is getting this place cleaned up. There were some questionable materials stockpiled up there. All that stuff has to get out of there. Member Sophia Pilling added that the financial burden should not fall on taxpayers, stating, The cost of cleanup—I wouldn't see any other option than for that responsibility to be on the person who has been leasing the property. Motion Made by W. Coulson to send the new letter to the town manager and the board of selectmen. Motion Passed 6-0.

Parallel to the cleanup effort, the commission moved toward strengthening local environmental protections by merging two proposals to regulate fertilizers within its jurisdiction. The updated regulations aim to align Harwich with state standards under 330 CMR 31. One thing I think is important is referring to the state fertilizer regs... so it doesn't seem like we're arbitrarily making these things up, Ketchum said. Member Susan Cyr expressed support for the expanded scope of the rules, asking, We are replacing what currently says 'no fertilizers' and blowing it out to include all this? I'm fine with it. Vice Chair Mark Coleman provided a draft that several members found more precise. I like that Mark's version is a little clearer, Pilling remarked. I think it calls out compost, which achieves precisely the problem that triggered this whole thing. Member Vivienne Mulhall-Maguire agreed to work with staff to meld the two versions, noting, I like the fact that there's an exception because there might be a situation where, with a soil test, you might have to put something down like biochar.

In residential business, the commission approved a significant septic upgrade at 263 Bank Street, replacing an old cesspool system with an advanced "Innovative Alternative" (IA) system. Laura Schofield of Schofield Brothers explained that the new Title 5 system would be placed as far from the adjacent wooded swamp as possible. Those will be removed and provided with a Title 5 system, Schofield said of the existing cesspool drywells. Coulson noted the site’s history, mentioning it was the former home of Dan Lakin, a retired Boston Globe reporter and former Conservation Commission chair. Motion Made by M. Coleman for approval with a Negative 3 determination. Motion Passed 6-0.

The commission also cleared the way for a new walkover structure at 6 Panorama Point to replace slippery timber steps on a steep slope. Charlie Agro of BSC Group told the board, The stairs would be a safety improvement as the timber steps get slippery. It is a betterment to the resource area by raising it off the ground. Motion Made by S. Cyr to approve the notice of intent for six Panorama Point Drive. Motion Passed 6-0. Additionally, a redevelopment plan for 140 Clearwater Drive was approved, which involves rebuilding a dwelling on an existing foundation. Representative Matt Farrell noted, The proposal is to rebuild on the existing foundation with a new covered entryway and a slight expansion on the front side away from the wetland. Pilling requested a tree protection plan to ensure an 18-inch tree at the buffer line remains unharmed during construction. Motion Made by W. Coulson to approve the plan for 140 Clear Water Drive. Motion Passed 6-0.

The meeting concluded with community announcements, including the upcoming Tour de Trash and regional health fair on April 25 at the 204 building, and the start of symbolic plover fencing at Red River Beach. Usowski also reminded the public of the Meet Your Local Farmers event scheduled for April 28 at the Tech School.