Harwich infrastructure projects received a significant boost this week as DPW Director Lincoln Hooper announced a projected $4 million influx from the MassDOT municipal pavement program. The state funding is slated to resurface and improve town-owned, state-numbered sections of Route 124 and Route 39, including the stretch from Harwich Center to the roundabout and the corridor from Route 6 to the Brewster town line. Hooper noted the program mirrors a former state initiative aimed at resurfacing without the often-costly widening required for "complete streets" bike and sidewalk improvements. Regarding the impact of the grant, Hooper told the committee, I don't know exactly what it does as of yet, but my guess if they're going to resurface those two roads, this is probably in a $4 million range.

The committee also took a formal stand on the 40B housing development proposed by Penrose at 456 Queen Anne Road. Balancing the town’s acute need for affordable housing against traffic safety concerns, members voted to request significant changes to the project's site plan. Chair Linda Cebula expressed personal reservations about the current design’s proximity to existing traffic signals, noting she had previously spoken as a private citizen on the matter. I was concerned about traffic coming onto Oak Street so close to the lights and the request for a waiver to have only 70% of required parking, Cebula said, adding that she worried residents would end up parking in the roundabout. Motion Made by L. Hooper to provide feedback to the Planning Board and ZBA regarding the Penrose property, recommending moving the entrance/egress as far east as possible from the Route 124/Queen Anne intersection and implementing a right-in/right-out configuration on Route 124. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

Committee member Ed McManus emphasized that while 40B developments are the law of the land, the town must ensure they integrate safely. We need housing for people who work here—police, teachers, home health care, McManus noted, though the committee agreed that moving the main entrance further from the intersection was a necessary safety mitigation. This decision follows the Select Board’s recent authorization of a technical review for the 60-unit project as Harwich continues to navigate the "Scale vs. Density" conflict identified in the Local Comprehensive Plan.

Safety discussions extended to Snowinn Road, where Wychmere representative Steven Cullen and local residents advocated for the installation of speed tables. Cullen stated that the application was a response to community feedback regarding excessive speeds, telling the board, We wanted to be part of the solution. Resident Barbara Nixon supported the request, describing a deteriorating environment for pedestrians. I don't even walk my dogs on Snowinn anymore come Memorial Day, Nixon said. It's too dangerous. However, Hooper revealed that the Fire Chief currently opposes the measures based on 2023 speed data showing an average speed under 20 miles per hour. While the Fire Chief is concerned about response times and damage to million-dollar equipment, McManus argued for the effectiveness of the infrastructure. I'm a fan of speed tables. They work really well. Speed bumps make your teeth fall out, but a speed table is reasonable, McManus said. For now, the DPW and Police Department will investigate conflicting speed signage in the area while Cullen seeks a direct meeting with the Fire Chief.

Pedestrian safety along the busy Route 28 corridor is also set for a $10,000 improvement. Hooper confirmed he is working with Steve Tupper of the Cape Cod Commission to site a new crosswalk at the intersection of Route 28 and Route 137, known locally as the "Cruise Walk" area. Despite Tupper’s elevated role as deputy director, Police Lieutenant Aram Gormly noted his continued willingness to assist Harwich with traffic engineering. Steve's not really supposed to be doing this any longer as deputy director, but because of the relationships, he's always been amenable and we usually get to 'yes' with the man, Gormly said. Hooper agreed the corridor is dangerous, noting the only existing crosswalk is at CVS, and pledged to put the $10,000 project in motion once a site is finalized.

Budgetary constraints, however, have halted a proposed sidewalk extension from Oak Street to Queen Anne Road. Hooper informed the committee that the town is currently ineligible for "Safe Routes to School" grants for the project. To fund the sidewalk locally would require approximately $1.3 million, a figure Hooper described as prohibitive. I have no plans to pursue anything like that, Hooper stated, effectively tabling the project until alternative funding or eligibility changes occur. Meanwhile, a major intersection overhaul at Route 39 and Chatham Road is moving forward. A $329,000 contract was awarded to DeMbroia, who beat out local firm Lawrence Lynch by roughly $13,000. Preliminary work is expected to begin in March with a goal of completion by June.

In other business, the committee received an update on the Herring Run culvert crossing at Route 124. Hooper announced that $5 million in construction funding has been verbally pledged through federal NRCS and MVP grants. Although the project was briefly delayed by a government shutdown, it is now proceeding independently of the state pavement program. Member Jerry Beltis raised concerns about sightlines at the Julian Road island on Route 28, though Hooper maintained that his field verification showed no safety issues at the memorial square. The meeting concluded with a reminder for all members to complete their mandatory biennial ethics and Open Meeting Law certifications. Motion Made by a committee member to approve the minutes of December 9th. Motion Passed 4-0-0.