The protection of Harwich’s drinking water and native habitats took a significant step forward Tuesday night as the Planning Board endorsed the division of a 10.44-acre parcel on Northwestgate Road for transfer to the Harwich Conservation Trust. Agent Dan Crotone, representing owners William and Janet Chasilla, explained that the land is an ideal candidate for preservation because it sits within the drinking water protection district and contains endangered species habitat. They're looking to keep the land behind them that's now part of their yard and transfer the rest to the conservation trust, Crotone noted, adding that the site includes upland, wetland, and pond frontage. Planning Director Christine Flynn recommended the endorsement, confirming the new lots meet all town shape and frontage requirements. Motion Made by M. Maslowski to adopt findings of fact and endorse the ANR plan. Motion Passed (7-0-0).

Infrastructure reliability was also a primary focus as the board granted a site plan review waiver for Eversource Energy to perform upgrades at the substation located at 270 Lothrop Avenue. Attorney Heather Sites explained that the project involves installing three new coupling capacitor voltage transformers (CCVTs) to support distributed energy resources like wind and solar. While the footprint will expand slightly with a 13-foot fence "bump out," Sites emphasized that the use of the property remains unchanged. Member A. Newman inquired about the age of the infrastructure being replaced, prompting Project Manager Jeremy Ter to clarify that the new CCVTs are additions to the site, though some existing components date back decades. The load tap changer component was initially installed in the 1960s, Ter told the board. Member A. Peterson questioned whether the facility was being "hardened" against grid shocks like lightning strikes, to which Ter responded that the equipment is grounded to the existing grid to ensure a strike shouldn't impact the equipment. Motion Made by M. Maslowski to adopt findings of fact and grant the waiver of site plan review. Motion Passed (7-0-0).

The board also cleared the way for a residential overhaul at 297 Route 28, a property that shares a lot with the Bagel Hound commercial space. The project involves demolishing a 1790-era home and replacing it with a new four-bedroom residence elevated to meet FEMA flood regulations. Agent David Requena noted the unique nature of the shared parcel, stating, If this structure didn't share a property boundary with the Bagel Hound, we wouldn't be here today. Member H. Munns asked about the Historic Commission’s review of the 18th-century structure. Requena explained that the commission had no concerns regarding the demolition, as the house was in rough shape and consisted of a hodgepodge of additions. Motion Made by M. Maslowski to adopt findings of fact with conditions and grant the waiver of site plan review. Motion Passed (7-0-0).

In a separate routine matter, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Cape Cod received an endorsement to reduce four existing parcels at 310 Route 137 into two lots. Surveyor John Demerest noted the church decided to cut off a piece of land making it two lots, both of which exceed the restrictive 100,000-square-foot minimum size required for the Six Ponds District. Motion Made by M. Maslowski to adopt findings of fact and endorse the ANR plan. Motion Passed (7-0-0).

During administrative updates, Director Flynn highlighted a potential financial benefit for Harwich residents regarding flood insurance. Harwich currently holds a Class 7 rating in the Community Rating System, which provides a 15% discount on premiums. Our goal is to get to Class 6, Flynn said, which would trigger even deeper discounts. Chair D. Berry also initiated a discussion on a potential demolition by neglect ordinance to protect historic structures, asking staff to research similar bylaws in Orleans. Member M. Maslowski, however, urged caution, recalling that past attempts to include such provisions were not supported by previous town counsel. The board, including members A. Clark Tucker and E. Brutti, concluded the session with the signing of official plans for the newly approved land divisions.