Gloucester, Massachusetts Development News
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Manchester-By-The-Sea Select Board Meeting | July 20, 2026
Published: Jul 20, 2026
Town Considers Solar Study and Prioritizes Sidewalk Improvements
The town is exploring options for town-wide solar implementation. The DPW is seeking feedback on the benefit of conducting a study to assess this potential. Options discussed include polling residents through a citizen petition for town meeting or a non-binding ballot item to gauge public interest. Members of the Facilities Planning Committee and Sustainability Committee/ConCom may conduct these polls. Additionally, the Downtown Improvement and Bike & Pedestrian committees are interested in advising on sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements on Central Street from Pine to Elm, potentially coinciding with upcoming DPW projects (Culver or Bennett Street utilities). The timing of potential traffic studies in this area was also questioned, with a preference for avoiding winter or periods of significant construction.
Sculpture Installation Approved; Waste Management Changes Adopted
The select board approved the temporary installation of the 'Tide Keeper' sculpture at Reed Park for up to one year. This approval is conditional upon review and approval from the DPW and Tree Warden, and specifically excludes lights. The artist, Elisa, is pursuing permits for a permanent installation in the harbor, with the temporary park installation intended to build community engagement and support fundraising efforts. The board also voted on several items related to waste and recycling collection, including approving the proposed curbside program and associated fees, the shift to a Tuesday/Wednesday collection schedule, and the implementation of every-other-week recycling collection. Motions were made and approved for these waste management changes.
Public Expresses Concerns Over Art Installation Process and Permanent Harbor Plans
During the discussion on the temporary art installation at Reed Park, resident Rick Rogers raised concerns about the potential for a permanent installation in the harbor, questioning the process and public comment opportunities. Town staff clarified that the current agenda item pertains only to the temporary park installation and that the permanent harbor installation would involve a separate, multi-stage permitting process, including potential reviews by the Planning Board and Conservation Commission, as well as a public comment period triggered by a Chapter 91 permit application. Resident Sandy Rogers also commented, supporting the Tree Warden's review of the park installation and expressing concern about potential property damage and safety issues related to the sculpture's size and placement, emphasizing the need for fundraising to cover any damages.
Town Faces Level 3 Drought; Water Supply Management Discussed
The town is currently under a declared Level 3 critical drought by the state. The Lincoln Street well is back online, but the Graly Pond level is at 26 feet, with full being 31 feet, which is lower than typical for this time of year due to drought conditions and recent reliance on the pond for water supply. Water demand has decreased significantly since the water ban, from an average of 900,000 gallons per day to 500-600,000 gallons per day. However, demand has recently crept back up to 700-800,000 gallons per day. The plan is to shift some water sourcing burden back to the Lincoln Street wells to allow Graly Pond to recover. There is discussion about whether to loosen the current water ban, with some board members questioning the logic given the recent increase in demand. The state's drought report's assertion that all water sources ultimately draw from the same river basin was questioned, with clarification that the town is in the north coastal basin, separate from the Ipswich River Basin.
Wastewater Plant Upgrades Complete; Coastal Survey Underway; Capital Planning Continues
The town is moving forward with several wastewater and infrastructure projects. The gasket replacement project at the wastewater plant is 100% complete, which is expected to significantly reduce odors by improving airtightness in the tanks. Pricing is being obtained for the replacement of wood chips and potentially a fabric liner in the BOF filters as the next step. A coastal property drone survey is in progress to establish a baseline of material and condition for annual and post-storm assessments, aiding in damage claims. Capital planning and contract negotiations are ongoing, with a focus on prioritizing projects like DPW, police, and fire facilities, while also addressing more time-sensitive needs such as the St. Louis Community Center and Singing Beach Bath House. The town is also considering a study on town-wide solar implementation and assessing pedestrian safety improvements on Central Street.
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The Gloucester News archive
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