Facing a projected structural deficit and what officials have characterized as a fiscal cliff, the Plymouth Select Board took decisive steps Tuesday night to overhaul the town’s financial reporting and budget preparation. Vice Chair David Golden spearheaded a pair of initiatives designed to increase transparency and force department heads to justify spending levels long before the town’s traditional fall budget cycle begins. Golden warned that without surgical intervention and enhanced oversight, the town’s financial stability could be at risk.

The board debated two specific measures to tighten the belt. The first creates a system of enhanced monthly financial reporting, including total spend analysis and revenue tracking to identify future risks early. Motion Made by D. Golden to adopt the enhanced monthly financial reporting as described, including revenue tracking and future risk indicators. Motion Passed 4-0 (Keohan-Yes, Iaquinto-Yes, Canty-Yes, Golden-Yes). Golden noted that the town needs more than just a snapshot of the current balance; it needs to understand the variance reporting and efficiency tracking within each department to navigate the upcoming fiscal years.

The second measure requires department heads to present three distinct budget scenarios starting in November: a level-funded budget, a level-service budget, and a budget representing a 2% increase. Motion Made by D. Golden to direct department heads, beginning in November, to present three budget scenarios: level-funded, level-service, and a 2% increase. Motion Passed 4-0 (Keohan-Yes, Iaquinto-Yes, Canty-Yes, Golden-Yes). Member Deborah Iaquinto stressed the urgency of the situation, while Member William Keohan cautioned that a narrative centered solely on cuts can sometimes backfire. Keohan noted that efficiency tracking can inadvertently encourage departments to spend their full allotments just to avoid losing funds in the next cycle.

Town Manager Derek Brindisi offered a pragmatic warning regarding the new requirements, noting that all collective bargaining agreements have expired. Brindisi stated that making specific budget scenarios public during active negotiations could compromise the town's negotiating position with unions. Despite these concerns, Member Richard Quintal suggested the board should go further by involving Advisory and Finance Committee subcommittees earlier in the process to ensure a unified approach to the deficit.

In a joint session with the Planning Board, officials reviewed a massive redevelopment proposal for 179 Court Street, the site of the former Benny’s Plaza. The 7-acre project, presented by HYM Investment Group and Nexcore Group, envisions a senior living campus featuring 38 memory care units, 56 assisted living units, and 38 independent living units. Bill Sims, counsel for the developers, introduced the vision as a way to revitalize an underutilized parcel while providing necessary housing for aging residents. Developer Doug Mans highlighted that the plan includes significant green space, including a dog park and pickleball courts, intended for public use.

The proposal drew immediate scrutiny from board members regarding its density and infrastructure impact. Member Keohan expressed sharp concern over a proposed 0.7 parking ratio per unit, suggesting it would be insufficient for staff and visitors, particularly with the popular Papi’s Liquors remaining on site. I am worried about the traffic impact on Nelson Street, Keohan said. Member Quintal raised geological concerns, reminding the developers that the site was historically a pond and questioning the land's stability. While Assistant Town Manager Lauren Lind noted the project aligns with town goals for senior housing, she clarified that only the separate mixed-use buildings fronting Court Street would trigger the town's 10% affordability requirement—resulting in approximately two affordable units.

Public comment on the Court Street project was mixed. Resident Paul Leonard described the proposed four-story building as a monster that would be overwhelming for the neighborhood. On the other hand, Peter Bon called the project an improvement over the current eyesore while echoing the board's parking concerns. Pat Adelmann questioned whether the senior units themselves would be affordable for locals, to which the developers responded that it remains a market-rate project. Kathy Dunn invited the developers to meet with the Affordable Housing Trust to discuss possible deed restrictions to secure more affordable units.

The joint boards also discussed a sweeping modernization of Plymouth's zoning bylaws. Planning Board Chair Steve Bulletin emphasized that as state laws increasingly limit local control, Plymouth must be proactive rather than reactive. Bulletin noted that the town has only 360 acres of undeveloped commercial land remaining. Planning Board Member Mr. Man argued for a shift in philosophy, stating the board should move from permit processing to proactive rulemaking to attract service-based industries. Vice Chair Golden supported this shift, advocating for more by-right uses to reduce the red tape that currently forces developers to attend dozens of meetings across multiple boards.

The meeting also touched on the ongoing legal friction between the town administration and the Airport Commission. Resident Rich Ciri used the public comment period to allege that Town Manager Brindisi had violated a Superior Court injunction by issuing directives to cease essential airport functions. This board needs to immediately take action to rein in the town manager, Ciri said, characterizing the manager's actions as retaliation. The board did not respond to the specific allegations during the session.

Town Manager Brindisi’s report included several community updates, including the announcement of the Freedom Memorial Cemetery groundbreaking and the removal of the Lady Justice statue from the 1820 Courthouse for beetle damage repairs. Additionally, following a request from Member Quintal, the board decided to seek regional expertise on energy issues. Motion Made by R. Quintal to invite a representative from ISO New England to present to the Board. Motion Passed 4-0 (Quintal-Yes, Canty-Yes, Iaquinto-Yes, Golden-Yes). Chair Kevin Canty noted that while the 179 Court Street site wasn't his first choice for town use, the developer's cooperation on climate resiliency was a positive step forward for the project's future.