A potential shift in how Plymouth handles household waste and a multi-million dollar push to modernize West Plymouth’s water infrastructure dominated the Select Board’s "on the road" session at West Elementary Tuesday night. Town Manager Derek Brindisi characterized the current private trash hauling system as a free-for-all since the town moved away from a single municipal contract in 2018. Chair Kevin Canty called for a formal investigation into consolidating services to stabilize quality following a wave of industry buyouts, noting, I'm interested in seeing if there's a way that we can provide some kind of service to the community that focuses the number of trash haulers.

Brindisi detailed several high-priority infrastructure projects, including the Federal Furnace water main replacement, which aims to remove asbestos cement pipes by December 2025. To support growth, the town is negotiating with Claremont Development for a new water booster station designed to transfer surplus water from the Center zone to West Plymouth. Member Deborah Iaquinto highlighted the urgency of these updates, later summarizing that the board heard loud and clear resident frustrations regarding the gap between town planning and actual site enforcement. Motion Made by R. Quintal to adjourn. Motion Passed 5-0.

Residents Win Gearhard and Nate Moore voiced sharp criticism regarding the lack of follow-up on special permits, specifically citing missing landscaping buffers at Cranberry Crescent. Moore warned that without robust enforcement, the neighborhood's quality of life would suffer. If bad actors or businesses... come to that understanding then the residents are going to pay the price... the quality of life is really going to be impacted, Moore said. Ms. Gearhard added that these conditions on special permits are not enforced uniformly... there was and still is a very detailed elevated vegetation plan along Route 80 meant to create a visual buffer... It's never been implemented. Member William Keohan, who previously served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, acknowledged the ongoing struggle, noting he has been advocating for more evergreen buffers to replace those previously removed.

Traffic safety along the Route 80 corridor sparked further debate as West Plymouth Steering Committee Chair Judy Barber presented five specific hazardous locations. We have five different spots that we're a little concerned with the safety of the pedestrians and of vehicles, Barber told the board, highlighting sightline issues at Montgomery Drive. Resident Paul Blanchard argued that inconsistent speed limits reaching 45 miles per hour are unsafe as development increases, stating the speed limit ought to be 30 or 35 all the way. Chair Canty cautioned that state-regulated studies often result in higher, not lower, speed limits, suggesting that portable speed humps or flashing signs may be more effective tools for the neighborhood.

Airport Commission Chair Ken Fosdic and Manager Matt Cardillo provided a status report on the airport master plan, revealing that a proposed runway extension has been deferred due to funding constraints. The possibility of the extension has been moved off for several years due to funding issues... but we are continuing with the permitting process, Fosdic explained. To improve transparency, resident Lorraine Ramsey requested printed copies of the 100-page plan, noting, I want to read it, but I can't print it out. Jennifer Harris suggested the document be placed in the public library for easier access. To combat local rumors, Member Keohan and Chair Canty suggested the airport produce educational videos showcasing essential services like MedFlight and State Police operations.

The meeting’s collaborative tone shifted during a debate over procedural transparency. Member Keohan requested "read-only" access to the town’s master scheduling document to better inform constituents. I would ask that at a minimum that document be shared with all board members... so we can see when things are put on that, Keohan argued. Chair Canty pushed back against what he called persistent requests for timing updates, asserting that such inquiries undermine the collaborative tone of the board and that he would not be lectured on the matter.

Public safety concerns extended to federal activity in North Plymouth, where resident Emily Tomkins alleged that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions are spreading fear and occurring without due process. Vice Chair David Golden confirmed a meeting with local advocacy groups is set for November 14th to discuss the matter. Chair Canty expressed specific concern regarding the logistical impact of federal operations, citing instances where ICE left abandoned vehicles in busy intersections, and urged the board to take a formal stand on how federal agencies operate within town limits.

Tensions also flared during comment from Joe Paulo, the winning bidder for Zero Spooner Street, who alleged the town has put your heads in the sand regarding environmental hazards like PFAS and asbestos at the site. While Chair Canty noted the sale is currently a matter for Executive Session, the board later shifted to broader economic strategies. Member Richard Quintal suggested a total overhaul of the town’s business recruitment, stating, I'd like to see business development brought back to the planning board... let's do our homework and potentially establish a dedicated office of business development and tourism.

In other town business, Aaron Malagu sought updates on the Franklin Marsh property acquisition, and Stevie Keith updated the board on the 5-Gallon Challenge, which secured 12,000 pounds of food for local families. Keith said he was really proud of this town, people coming together to step up to the plate. The board also signaled a review of a memo from the Plymouth for All committee regarding law enforcement operations and confirmed upcoming land acknowledgment talks with the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe.