Harwich, MA

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hear requests for determinations of applicability and notices of intent for various residential and trust projects. The body will also discuss a potential kayak ramp at the Bells Neck Conservation Area and draft coastal resilience regulations from the Cape Cod Commission.

• Demolition of a structure at 202 Route 28 (Harwich Conservation Trust)
• Demolition of structures at 108 Route 28 (JSLW, LLC)
• Residential dock and seawall improvements at 4 Mill Point Road
• Discussion of a potential kayak ramp in the herring river at Bells Neck Conservation Area
• Review of Cape Cod Commission’s Draft Coastal Resilience Zone Wetlands Regulations

Brooks Free Library Board of Trustees

Community Center Facilities Committee

The Community Center Facilities Committee will discuss the center's animal policy and code of conduct. The meeting includes updates on the patio concrete slab and sticker sales for the beach, transfer station, and treasure chest.

• Community Center Animal Policy
• Community Center Code of Conduct
• Patio Concrete Slab status
• Beach, Transfer Station, and Treasure Chest sticker sales update
• Community Center Memorial Gift (Baird Barsumian)

Caleb Chase Trustees

The Caleb Chase Board of Trustees will hold its annual reorganization, review grant balances and distributions for FY'26 and FY'27, and examine FY'26 financials for the annual report. They will also consider modifications to the investment portfolio and confirm grant and investment policies.

• Annual reorganization of the Trust
• Status of grants balance and distributions in FY'26 and FY'27
• Review of FY'26 financials in preparation for annual report
• Review of Investment Portfolio and consideration of modifications
• Review and confirm Grant Policies and Investment Policies

Planning Board

Board of Health

Council On Aging Board of Directors

Historic District & Historical Commission

Conservation Commission

Planning Board

Zoning Board of Appeals

Brooks Free Library Board of Trustees

Conservation Commission

Planning Board

Board of Health

Historic District & Historical Commission

Conservation Commission

Planning Board

Zoning Board of Appeals

Brooks Free Library Board of Trustees

Conservation Commission

Planning Board

Board of Health

Historic District & Historical Commission

Conservation Commission

Planning Board

Zoning Board of Appeals

Conservation Commission

Planning Board

Board of Health

Conservation Commission

Historic District & Historical Commission

Conservation Commission

Planning Board

Zoning Board of Appeals

Board of Health

Planning Board

Conservation Commission

Historic District & Historical Commission

Historic District & Historical Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Select Board

The Harwich Select Board will hold a meeting that includes a joint session with the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners. The board may vote on any item listed on the agenda.

• Meeting with Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners
• Board may vote on any item listed on the agenda

Charter Commission

The Charter Commission will continue its ongoing discussion of draft charter language, including possible wording for section 10-1-2 and elements of section C7. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and an opportunity for public comments.

• Possible wording for section 10-1-2
• Discussion of elements of section C7
• Continuing discussion on draft red line

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Harwich Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on July 29, 2026, to consider four cases involving nonconforming structures: a partial second-story addition at 132 Gilbert Ln, a stairway relocation at 14 Wah Wah Taysee Rd, a pool construction at 17 Pleasant Rd, and an appeal of a building permit denial to raze and replace a home at 31 Lincoln Village Rd. The board will also discuss zoning amendment changes related to MGL Ch. 40A.

• Case 2026-16: Special permit for partial second-story addition with dormers at 132 Gilbert Ln (RL District)
• Case 2026-17: Special permit or variance to relocate exterior stairway at 14 Wah Wah Taysee Rd (RH-1 District)
• Case 2026-18: Special permit or variance to construct a pool at 17 Pleasant Rd (RH-1 District)
• Case 2026-19: Appeal of building permit denial to raze and replace a home at 31 Lincoln Village Rd (CV & RH-1 Districts)
• Discussion of zoning amendment changes to MGL Ch. 40A

Board of Water/Wastewater Commissioners

The Board of Water & Wastewater Commissioners will consider a contract for a generator at Station 8, discuss a feasibility study for the Weston & Sampson building, and meet with the GHD Route 28 team. They will also review an abatement request for 7 Perry's Way and discuss a public outreach letter to abutters regarding Route 28.

• Generator contract for Station 8
• Weston & Sampson building feasibility study
• Meet GHD Route 28 team
• Abatement for 7 Perry's Way
• Public outreach letter to Route 28 abutters

Harwich Housing Authority

The Harwich Housing Authority will hold a regular meeting to review the financial report for the quarter ending June 30, 2026, and approve warrants 2026.5 and 2026.6. No old or new business is listed.

• Financial report for quarter ending June 30, 2026
• Approval of warrants 2026.5 and 2026.6

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a continued public hearing for a site plan review special permit for a new wholesale landscaping supply yard at 246 Queen Anne Road. The board will also vote on a $150,000 performance insurance bond and a full covenant release for Lot 5 of the Bentley Road Subdivision. Additionally, the board will adopt meeting minutes and receive updates on the Local Comprehensive Plan and hazard mitigation plan.

• Continued public hearing PB2026-06 for 38,403 sq ft outdoor commercial space at 246 Queen Anne Road (Industrial Limited Zoning District)
• Vote to accept $150,000 Performance Insurance Bond for Bentley Road utilities and road completion
• Vote to approve Full Covenant Release of Lot 5, Bentley Road Subdivision
• Adoption of draft meeting minutes from January 27, March 24, April 14, and June 23, 2026
• Cape Cod Commission certification of Harwich’s Local Comprehensive Plan

Recreation and Youth Committee

The Harwich Recreation & Youth Commission will discuss several new business items including a splash pad update, a futsal proposal, a Community Preservation Committee review of wants and needs, Brooks Park backstop and security issues, and a senior softball request. The meeting also includes director, property, and budget reports.

• Splash pad update
• Bob Brackett Futsal proposal
• CPC discussion review of wants/needs
• Brooks Park back stop and security
• Senior softball request/update

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss and vote on conveying a 2-acre town-owned parcel off Pleasant Lake Avenue to the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust Fund. They will also consider several contracts, including a $489,693 catch basin replacement project and a $284,161.80 EKG replacement for the Fire Department. Other items include a debrief with police and fire chiefs on the July 4th holiday, a fine schedule revision for the Harbor Management Plan, and multiple liquor and entertainment license applications.

• Conveyance of 2-acre parcel (Assessor's Parcel 82-R5) off Pleasant Lake Avenue to the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust Fund
• Contract with Robert B. Our, Inc. for Catch Basin Replacement and Drainage Infrastructure Installation ($489,693)
• Contract with Styker Sales, LLC for EKG replacement for the Fire Department ($284,161.80)
• Contract with Environmental Design & Research for SCADA Programming Services for Phase 3 Sewer Design ($185,300)
• Lease of Cranberry Golf Course turf equipment fleet from TD Equipment Finance at 4.23% over 60 months

Select Board

The Select Board will interview five candidates for openings on the Waterways Committee, Recreation & Youth Commission, and Board of Health. The meeting is focused on appointments and procedural discussion, with no major policy decisions or financial items on the agenda.

• Interview of Peter McAvoy for Waterways Committee
• Interview of Ryann Zabielski for Recreation & Youth Commission
• Interview of Doug Gorham for Waterways Committee
• Interview of Nichole Miranda for Board of Health
• Interview of Mark Coleman for Board of Health

Charter Commission

The Harwich Charter Commission will continue its discussion and possible votes on Section 9-1-4 regarding the Finance Committee, following up on a draft red line from a previous meeting. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from July 16, 2026, and public comments.

• Continuing discussion on draft red line for Section 9-1-4 Finance Committee
• Possible votes on the Finance Committee section
• Approval of regular minutes for 7/16/2026

Council On Aging Board of Directors

The Harwich Council on Aging Board of Directors will discuss a needs assessment and receive a director's report on operations and volunteer needs. The meeting is largely procedural, with votes on minutes and board reorganization.

• Approval of minutes from June 17, 2026 meeting
• Director's report on current and anticipated operations
• Discussion of volunteer needs, recruitment, and training
• Review of needs assessment recommendations

Historic District & Historical Commission

Board of Health

The Harwich Board of Health will vote on a variance request from Title 5 minimum setback distances for a septic system at 93 Bank Street, and reconsider previously approved conditions for increased habitable space at 8 Essex Place. The board will also reorganize by electing officers, hear public comment, approve minutes, and vote on several new food and event permits.

• Variance request for septic tank setback: 4.3 ft proposed vs 10 ft required (5.7 ft variance) at 93 Bank Street
• Variance request for soil absorption area setback: 17 ft proposed vs 20 ft required (3 ft variance) at 93 Bank Street
• Reconsideration of conditions for increased habitable space at 8 Essex Place
• New permits: Cape Verdean Festival (Tiffany Mendes, 1 Oak St), Bramble Cottage Kitchen (Kelli Schofield, 100 Oak St), Hen House Bakery farm stand (248 Main St), and others
• Farmers market permit for Sea Side Soda Co. (Rich Eaton, 204 Sisson Rd)

Golf Committee

The Harwich Golf Committee will meet to consider old and new business items. The agenda includes a discussion on the driving range, as well as a proposal for Super Junior Day and a request for Community Preservation Act (CPC) funds for golf. The committee will also vote on the minutes from its June meeting.

• Discussion of the driving range
• Super Junior Day event
• CPC (Community Preservation Act) funds for golf
• Approval of June meeting minutes

Harwich Energy and Climate Action Committee

The Harwich Energy and Climate Action Committee will review the recently approved town Comprehensive Plan and receive an update from the town administrator. The meeting also includes public comment, approval of June minutes, and scheduling the next meeting.

• Review of the newly approved town Comprehensive Plan
• Update from the town administrator
• Approval of June meeting minutes
• Public comment period

Real Estate and Open Space Committee

The Real Estate and Open Space Committee will hold a regular meeting to review and update its recommendations to the Select Board. The agenda includes public comments, approval of minutes from June 26, 2026, and member reports. No new business is listed beyond the review of recommendations.

• Review and update REOS recommendations to the Select Board
• Approval of minutes from June 26, 2026
• Public comments period

Cemetery Commission

The Harwich Cemetery Commission will meet to approve minutes, discuss correspondence including a fence replacement at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, review financial reports for cemetery accounts and trust funds, and consider several new burial deeds totaling over $3,000. The meeting also includes updates on CPC-funded preservation projects and a possible commissioner visit to cemeteries.

• Correspondence from abutters John Hodgkins and Brendan Lawlor on fence replacement at Mount Pleasant Cemetery
• Year-to-date review of Cemetery Revolving Account, Cemetery Trust, and Cemetery Budget
• Bills: Eversource $17.50, Web Services of America $5,551.30 for web hosting
• New burial deeds: Sheri DiVittorio $800, Gary J. & Michelle LaFortune $550, Maura A. McDonnell $1,800, Peter T. & Paula Lyons $800, and a deed exchange for Robert & Paula Howard
• Update on CPC Articles: Revolutionary War Memorial and North Harwich Gravestone Preservation

Charter Commission

The Harwich Charter Commission will continue its discussion on the draft red line and the Capital Plan, with possible votes. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and an open period for public comments and other topics.

• Continuing discussion on draft red line
• Continuing discussion on Capital Plan
• Approval of regular minutes from 7/9/2026

The Charter Commission discussed and revised language for Chapter 9 (Capital Plan), including a change to the two-thirds vote requirement in section 9.6.6. No final votes were taken on the chapter; discussion will continue at a future meeting.

• Approved minutes of 07/09/2026 (5-0)
• Discussed proposed charter language for Annual and Special Town Meetings
• Discussed adding language on working groups (per legal opinion, Finance Committee may participate)
• Reviewed Chapter 9 (Capital Plan) section by section with Capital Outlay Committee members
• Revised language in section 9.6.6 but retained two-thirds vote requirement

Conservation Commission

The Harwich Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on several applications, including a new house at 297 Route 28, a residential addition at 18 Sound View Road, a dock and seawall at 4 Mill Point Road, an inground pool at 25 Monomoy Road, and site improvements at 29 & 31-33 Snow Inn Road. Two hearings are continued to August 5, 2026. The commission will also vote on minutes from June 17 and July 1, 2026.

• Ellery Althaus, 297 Route 28: removal of existing house, new Title-5 septic, new house above flood-zone garage
• Michael Weinberg & Maureen McAndrew, 18 Sound View Road: residential addition and site access in wetland buffer zone (continued to Aug 5)
• Vincent Yakovonis, 4 Mill Point Road: residential dock, seawall improvements, salt marsh creation (continued to Aug 5)
• Louis & Dawn Finocchiaro, 25 Monomoy Road: inground pool, retaining wall, patio, cabana in coastal storm flowage area
• Timothy J. Ewart, 166 Bank Street: additions, pool, patio, fence, drainage improvements, native plantings (continued from July 1)

Brooks Academy Museum Commission

The commission will discuss updates on restoration work, review revised ADA ramp modifications and latest museum drawings, and consider Harwich Historic Commission guidelines. They will also plan an update for the Select Board and discuss landscaping changes, including removal of a non-working fountain, and an amphitheater proposal by Paul Doane.

• Review of revised ADA ramp and proposed modifications
• Review of latest Brooks Museum drawings
• Discussion of Harwich Historic Commission guidelines on building restoration
• Update on amphitheater proposal by Paul Doane
• Discussion of landscaping changes and removal of non-working fountain

Historic District & Historical Commission

The Harwich Historic District Commission will hold public hearings on four applications, including a water filling station at Exchange Park and three residential projects involving historic properties. The board will also discuss expanding the Harwich Historic District and Hometown Hero flags. All items are from the June 17, 2026 meeting or new business.

• HH2026-20: Demolish/rebuild garage and connector attached to historic house at 221 Church Street, with new foundation and red cedar roof
• HH2026-21: Town of Harwich proposes installing a water filling station at Exchange Park, 702 Main Street, in the Harwich Historic District
• HH2026-08: Demolish barn and rebuild front porch at 97 Route 28 (structure over 100 years old), continued from June 17
• HH2026-19: Expand existing window to install patio slider door at 1000 Queen Anne Road (structure over 100 years old)
• Discussion on expansion of the Harwich Historic District

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing and vote on a $150,000 performance insurance bond and full covenant release for Lot 5 of the Bentley Road Subdivision. The board will also discuss reorganization (chair, vice chair, clerk), adopt minutes from four prior meetings, and receive a town planner update on Cape Cod Commission certification and hazard mitigation plan review.

• Public hearing on $150,000 performance bond for Bentley Road road and utility work
• Vote on full covenant release of Lot 5, Bentley Road
• Discussion on Planning Board reorganization
• Adoption of minutes from Jan 27, Mar 24, Apr 14, and Jun 23, 2026
• Town Planner update on Cape Cod Commission certification and MEMA/FEMA hazard mitigation plan

Traffic Safety Committee

The Harwich Traffic Safety Committee will discuss a downtown corridor study by EDR Engineering and consider requesting the Cape Cod Commission to plan changes to exits 10/11 on/off ramps. They will also follow up on crosswalk and intersection safety issues. Votes may be taken on these items.

• Harwich Downtown Corridor study by EDR Engineering
• Request to Cape Cod Commission for changes to exits 10/11 on/off ramps
• Follow-up on crosswalk at 182 Route 137
• Update on Queen Ann Road/Route 124 intersection study by VHB
• Status of Old Chatham Road and Route 39

Board of Water/Wastewater Commissioners

The Board of Water & Wastewater Commissioners will vote on a skid steer contract, review bid results for the Route 28 water main replacement, and discuss public outreach for that project. They will also receive an update on the water fill station at 702 Main Street and consider the consent agenda, including minutes from prior meetings.

• Vote on skid steer contract
• Route 28 water main replacement bid results
• Route 28 public outreach scheduled for August 20, 2026
• Water fill station at 702 Main Street update
• Abatements for 36 Standish Woods Circle and 435 Route 137

Select Board

The Harwich Select Board will hold a joint meeting with the Water & Wastewater Commissioners to discuss the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. The board will vote on year-end budget transfers, easement takings for sewer projects at 15 Wales Road and 261 Pleasant Bay Road, and several one-day liquor and entertainment license applications. They will also discuss Town Administrator goals and appoint a citizen representative to a regional formula working group.

• Vote to authorize easement taking for 15 Wales Road (Phase 3A sewer extension)
• Vote to authorize easement taking for 261 Pleasant Bay Road (Phase 3 sewer extension)
• Discussion/vote on year-end budget transfers per MGL Chapter 44 Section 33b
• Special permit for one-day wines & malt liquor license at 204 Sisson Road (July 17)
• Special permit for one-day entertainment license at 138 Route 137 (July 18)

The Select Board accepted the resignation of Kevin DuPont from the Board of Health and approved several DPW equipment contracts. The Board also held a joint meeting with the Board of Water & Wastewater Commissioners to review the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan update.

• Accepted resignation of Kevin DuPont from Board of Health (4-1-0)
• Approved Select Board Meeting Minutes dated June 29, 2026 (5-0-0)
• Accepted $1,000 gift from M. Jeanette Louth to the Caleb Chase Fund (5-0-0)
• Approved $49,485.09 contract with Hunter Engineering Company for wheel alignment machine
• Approved $11,192 contract with RPM Small Engine for Windstorm 37HP Blower
• Approved $53,000 contract with Environmental Design & Research for Wales Road Wastewater SCADA services
• Approved $28,000 scope document with Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. for North Harwich Implementation Plan

Board of Water/Wastewater Commissioners

The Board of Water & Wastewater Commissioners is meeting jointly with the Select Board to receive updates on the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) from GHD, Inc. and on a Department of Public Works feasibility study for a proposed DPW building.

• Update: Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) by GHD, Inc
• Update: Department of Public Works Feasibility Study on proposed DPW Building

Harwich Affordable Housing Trust

The Harwich Affordable Housing Trust will discuss and possibly vote on a draft lease with the Select Board for the 265 Sisson Road property. They will also review finances, receive updates on the Pennrose project and several other properties, and vote on a minimal balance policy.

• Draft lease between the Trust and Select Board for 265 Sisson Road property, with discussion and possible vote
• Pennrose Project update from Brendan Lowney
• 0 Depot Street update and discussion of draft Request for Proposals (RFP)
• 0 Depot Road update and discussion of Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) application
• Vote to approve Harwich Affordable Housing Trust Minimal Balance Policy

Charter Commission

The Harwich Charter Commission will discuss continuing business items including compliance, the capital plan, and other topics for the current draft. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and public comments.

• Approval of regular minutes for June 18 and June 25
• Discussion of compliance matters
• Review of the capital plan
• Other topics for the current draft

The Harwich Charter Commission unanimously approved minutes from June 18 and June 25, and re-elected its officers (Chair Linda Cebula, Vice Chair Sandra Hall, Clerk Herb Bell, Treasurer Jon Chorey) all by 7-0 votes. Members agreed on language changes for a Compliance section and decided to name the body the By-law/Charter Review and Compliance Commission. The Commission set July 30, 2026 as the date to vote on the proposed new Charter.

• Approved minutes of June 18 and June 25 (7-0)
• Re-elected Linda Cebula as Chair (7-0)
• Re-elected Sandra Hall as Vice Chair (7-0)
• Re-elected Herb Bell as Clerk (7-0)
• Re-elected Jon Chorey as Treasurer (7-0)
• Agreed on language changes for Compliance section and renamed committee to By-law/Charter Review and Compliance Commission
• Set July 30, 2026 as date to vote on proposed Charter

Finance Committee

The Harwich Finance Committee will discuss a presentation on the 204 Sisson Road Revolving Fund, year-end transfers, reorganization, and possible appointments. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and other new year business.

• Finance Director presentation on the 204 Sisson Road Revolving Fund
• Year End Transfers
• Reorganization of the committee
• Possible appointments and votes

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will hold a public information hearing to discuss the Community Preservation Act, possible projects, and submittal guidelines. The regular meeting will follow, including approval of June 11, 2026 minutes, discussion of administrative procedures, and updates on signs, applications, and the website.

• Public hearing on Community Preservation Act needs, possibilities, and resources
• Discussion of project ideas for open space, community housing, historic preservation, or recreation
• Approval of June 11, 2026 regular meeting minutes
• Discussion of committee administrative procedures
• Updates on signs, applications, and website