Harwich, MA

Harwich Energy and Climate Action Committee

The Harwich Energy and Climate Action Committee is meeting to approve prior minutes, review the recently approved town Comprehensive Plan, and discuss next steps. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific votes or proposals listed.

• Approve July meeting minutes
• Review recently approved town Comprehensive Plan
• Discuss next steps

Conservation Commission

Community Center Facilities Committee

The Harwich Community Center Facilities Committee is meeting to discuss old business including a draft animal policy, patio slab information, and a joint meeting, as well as new business on selectboard liaison and next steps for facility use fees. The agenda also includes reports from the Council on Aging and Recreation and Youth Commission, and a director's update on programs and building operations.

• Community Center Draft Animal Policy
• Patio Slab Information
• Fees for facility use – Next steps
• Selectboard liaison - Facilities Committee
• Joint Meeting

Historic District & Historical Commission

The Harwich Historic District and Historical Commission will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent to fully demolish a structure over 100 years old at 202 Route 28, Map 11 Parcel T6-0, to create public parking and a trailhead. The meeting also includes new business on a Historic Preservation Restriction Agreement for 62 Route 28 LLC and discussion of expanding the Harwich Historic District.

• Public hearing HH2026-22: Full demolition of structure at 202 Route 28, Map 11 Parcel T6-0, for public parking and trailhead
• New Business: Historic Preservation Restriction Agreement for 62 Route 28 LLC
• Old Business: Consideration of expansion of the Harwich Historic District
• Old Business: Harwich Historic Preservation Awards
• Old Business: Revolutionary War House Plaques

Brooks Free Library Board of Trustees

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Harwich Zoning Board of Appeals is holding a joint meeting with the Planning Board. The main item is a presentation by KP Law on recent changes to MGL Chapter 40A, the state Zoning Act. No decisions or public hearings are scheduled; the agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Joint Planning Board/Zoning Board of Appeals meeting
• Presentation by KP Law on MGL Chapter 40A changes
• Meeting held in-person at Town Hall Griffin Room and remotely via GoTo Meeting
• Next ZBA meeting scheduled for September 30, 2026

Planning Board

Planning Board

Board of Health

Historic District & Historical Commission

Conservation Commission

General

The Harwich Charter Commission will hold a routine meeting to approve minutes and discuss continuing business. The primary agenda item is the planning for the publication of charter changes and a subsequent public hearing. The agenda also allows for discussion of any new topics that may arise.

• Discussion of planning for publication and public hearing
• Review of responses from MA agencies, if received
• Approval of regular minutes for 8/27/2026

MRSD Assessment Working Group

Planning Board

Select Board

Conservation Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Brooks Free Library Board of Trustees

Conservation Commission

Planning Board

Board of Health

Conservation Commission

Historic District & Historical Commission

Planning Board

Zoning Board of Appeals

Conservation Commission

Planning Board

Board of Health

Historic District & Historical Commission

Conservation 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

Finance Committee

The Harwich Finance Committee is meeting for a budget summit to review the Fiscal Year 2026 year-end financials, a 5-year forecast presentation, the Fiscal Year 2028 timeline, and an update on the Monomoy Regional School budget. The committee may vote on any item listed on the agenda.

• Fiscal Year 2026 Year End Financials
• 5-Year Forecast Presentation
• Fiscal Year 2028 Timeline
• Monomoy Regional School Budget Update

Charter Commission

The Harwich Charter Commission will consider and possibly vote on its preliminary report and proposed Charter, a key step in the town's charter review process. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comments.

• Vote to approve preliminary report and proposed Charter
• Approval of minutes from 8/20/2026 meeting
• Public comments

Select Board

The Harwich Select Board is holding a budget summit to review the Fiscal Year 2026 year-end financials, a 5-year forecast, the Fiscal Year 2028 timeline, and an update on the Monomoy Regional School budget. The board may vote on any item listed on the agenda.

• Fiscal Year 2026 Year End Financials
• 5-Year Forecast Presentation
• Fiscal Year 2028 Timeline
• Monomoy Regional School Budget Update

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Harwich Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Case No. 2026-19, in which the property owners seek to overturn the Building Commissioner's denial of a building permit, or alternatively obtain a Special Permit or Variance, to raze and replace a pre-existing nonconforming single-family dwelling at 31 Lincoln Village Rd. This case was continued from July 29, 2026. The board will also discuss zoning amendment changes to MGL Ch. 40A.

• Case No. 2026-19: appeal of building permit denial for 31 Lincoln Village Rd (Assessors' Map 13, Parcel W1-21)
• Request for Special Permit or Variance under Zoning By-laws §325-54(A)(4)&(5) and MGL Ch. 40A
• Discussion on zoning amendment changes to MGL Ch. 40A
• Approval of minutes from prior meetings

Planning Board

The Harwich Planning Board will hold a continued public hearing for a site plan review special permit for a new outdoor commercial space at 246 Queen Anne Road, but the applicant has requested another continuance to September 8, 2026. The board will also vote on releasing a $300,000 performance bond for Arthur's Way, nominate a representative to the Community Preservation Committee, and adopt several sets of meeting minutes. The agenda includes routine updates from the Town Planner on recent approvals and upcoming presentations.

• Continued public hearing PB2026-06 for 246 Queen Anne Road: 38,403 sq ft wholesale landscaping supply yard with 8 parking spaces, continued to Sept 8, 2026
• Vote to authorize release of $300,000 performance bond for Arthur's Way (PB2015-16) based on final inspection
• Vote to nominate Planning Board representative to Community Preservation Committee
• Adoption of meeting minutes from Jan 27, Mar 24, Apr 14, Jun 23, Jul 14, Jul 28, 2026, and Aug 12, Aug 26, Sep 9, 2025
• Town Planner update on HMP final approval, HPP certification, and Chapter 40A changes presentation

Recreation and Youth Committee

The Harwich Recreation and Youth Commission is meeting to handle new and old business, including a possible revote on a pickleball monitor, approval of minutes from five prior meetings, and a grant proposal. Old business includes a possible vote on the Sand Pond boat house demolition, a splash pad update, policy review, and fencing at Brooks Park. The commission will also receive reports from the director, property maintenance, budget, and subcommittees.

• Pickleball Monitor – Rescind and revote
• Sand Pond boat house demolition – possible vote
• Grant Proposal, Stephanie Hall – National Fitness
• Fencing – Brooks Park Playground and Field backstop
• Approval of minutes from April 28, May 26, June 24, July 28, and August 11, 2026

Select Board

The Harwich Select Board will vote on several contracts, including a $424,689.67 boat for Saquatucket Harbor, a $127,723.65 dump truck, and a $10,000 housing agreement. They will also discuss and vote on updates to the Hazard Mitigation Plan, appoint hearing officers for alleged liquor license violations at two businesses, and consider special permits for one-day alcohol sales at local events.

• Vote on $424,689.67 contract with SAFE Boats International for a replacement boat for Saquatucket Harbor
• Vote on $127,723.65 contract with Colonial Municipal Group for a 2027 Ford F-450 dump truck
• Discussion/vote to appoint Hearing Officers for alleged liquor license violations at Perks (July 31) and Noble House (August 7)
• Discussion/vote on special permit applications for one-day wines & malt permits for Cape Cod Rugby and Rotary Club of Harwich-Dennis
• Vote to approve $6,272.50 payment and maintenance agreement with Dale W. & Ann M. Pitzen for grinder pump reimbursement

Real Estate and Open Space Committee

The Real Estate and Open Space Committee will meet in executive session to discuss the potential purchase, exchange, or lease of properties. These properties are located in Harwich north of Queen Anne Road.

• Discussion of real property located north of Queen Anne Road

Board of Water/Wastewater Commissioners

The Board of Water and Wastewater Commissioners is holding a public informational session on two upcoming projects along Route 28: the water main replacement from South Street in Harwich Port to Division Street, and the dry sewer pipe project from the Herring River to Division Street. Work is scheduled to begin this fall 2026. The meeting is open to the public with remote participation available.

• Route 28 Water Main Replacement Project from South Street, Harwich Port to Division Street, beginning fall 2026
• Route 28 Dry Sewer Pipe Project from Herring River to Division Street, update on town work
• Public information session held at Harwich Town Hall, Griffin Room, 732 Main Street, 6:00–8:00 PM
• Remote participation available via GoTo Meeting, access code 129-622-997

Cemetery Commission

The Harwich Cemetery Commission is meeting to review routine business including minutes, correspondence, and financial updates. They will discuss a request for legal services regarding a fence at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, an Eagle Scout project application, and plans for an America 250 event in October 2026. The agenda is largely procedural with updates on ongoing projects.

• Request for legal services for Mount Pleasant fence
• AmeriCorps Cape Cod awarded $1.5 million federal grant
• Year-to-date Cemetery Revolving Account, Trust, and Budget review
• Eagle Scout project by Andrew Theoharidis for planting area
• America 250 event planned for October 2026 at Evergreen Cemetery

MRSD Assessment Working Group

The Monomoy Joint Regional Agreement Formula Working Group is holding its first meeting to organize, define its scope and timeline, and discuss hiring a facilitator. The group will also consider future agenda topics and take public comment. This is an initial organizational session, so no decisions are expected yet.

• Organization of the working group
• Scope of workgroup and timeline
• Discussion on hiring a facilitator
• Discussion of future agenda topics
• Public comment

Charter Commission

The Harwich Charter Commission is meeting to continue its work on revising the town charter. The agenda includes discussion and possible votes on Chapters 5 and 7, a draft report, and a draft red line. This is a working session with no major decisions listed.

• Review of Chapters 7 and 5
• Review of draft report
• Continuing discussion on draft red line
• Approval of minutes from 8/13/2026

Treasure Chest Volunteer Committee

The Treasure Chest Committee is meeting to handle routine business: approving prior minutes, updating member statuses, and hearing reports from a task force on applications, physical improvements, and volunteer operations. New business covers setting winter hours and recruiting volunteers. The agenda is mostly procedural and administrative, with no major decisions or financial items listed.

• Approve April 29, 2026 meeting minutes
• Update on Laurie Philips status as alternate or board member
• Task force update on application process, physical improvements, volunteer responsibilities, site operations
• Signs in Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish advising stickers required for admittance
• Discuss dates for winter hours and volunteer recruitment ideas

Conservation Commission

The Harwich Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss and vote on several wetland-related applications, including changes to a retaining wall plan, requests for determination of applicability, notices of intent for construction near wetlands, and a show-cause hearing for alleged clear-cutting in a buffer zone. They will also discuss draft coastal resilience regulations and consider certificates of compliance.

• V&J Helfrich Realty Trust requests plan change for retaining walls and underground pool utility storage at 29 & 31-33 Snow Inn Rd
• Show-cause hearing for Champion Tree Service for clear-cutting in buffer zone at 0 & 19 Standish Woods Circle in 2025
• Notice of Intent: Jeffrey Lang and Sandra Wycoff to replace wooden bulkhead at 11 River Bend
• Notice of Intent: Scott Norum for deck expansion and native plantings at 1 Catharine Rose Road
• Certificates of Compliance for bulkhead replacements at 4 and 5 Cottage Ave

Historic District & Historical Commission

The Harwich Historic District and Historical Commission will hold public hearings on four demolition or alteration proposals for structures over 100 years old, including a full demolition at 202 Route 28 for public parking and a trailhead. The board will also discuss expanding the Historic District, consider preservation awards, and review meeting minutes.

• HH2026-22: Full demolition of 100+ year-old structure at 202 Route 28 for public parking and trailhead, by Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts via Harwich Conservation Trust
• HH2026-23: Full demolition of garage and portico at 37 Bank Street for office/yoga studio, by Robert and Mary Maroney
• HH2026-24: Full demolition and replacement at 140 Bank Street, by Christopher and Janet Emilius
• HH2026-25: Partial demolition, new foundation, and one-story sunroom at 93 Bank Street, by Diane Ahern Coulter
• Discussion of expanding the Harwich Historic District and Harwich Historic Preservation Awards

Waterways Committee

The Harwich Waterways Committee is meeting to review and discuss several waterfront projects. They will approve minutes from April, hear public comments, and consider old business on a bulkhead replacement and dock reconfiguration, plus new business on two pier and dredging projects.

• 11 River Bend: bulkhead replacement
• 30 Harbor Road: dock reconfiguration
• 10 Harbor Way: new pier, ramp, and float with dredging
• 4 Mill Point Road: pier and float system with dredging

Brooks Academy Museum Commission

The Brooks Academy Museum Commission is meeting to discuss the restoration of the Brooks Academy building, including reviewing final draft drawings, considering Harwich Historic Commission guidelines, and planning an update for the Select Board. They will also discuss responsibilities during restoration, such as videography, town department interaction, and landscaping changes, including removal of the non-working fountain.

• Review of final draft of Brooks Museum drawings
• Discussion of Harwich Historic Commission guidelines impact on restoration
• Scheduling an update with the Select Board on plans for Brooks Academy and property
• Discussion of landscaping changes, including removal of non-working fountain
• Update on BAMC Restoration Work – Proposed Schedule

Council On Aging Board of Directors

The Harwich Council on Aging Board of Directors will meet to discuss and potentially vote on the approval of minutes from the July 22, 2026 meeting. The agenda includes a Director's Report on current operations and volunteer needs, as well as old business regarding needs assessment recommendations. No major decisions or financial items are listed.

• Approval of minutes from July 22, 2026 meeting
• Director's Report on operations and volunteer recruitment
• Discussion of needs assessment recommendations

Board of Health

The Harwich Board of Health will reorganize by electing officers, then vote on minutes, three septic system variance requests, a health director report, and a list of new food and event permits. The meeting includes public comment and is open to remote participation.

• Variance request at 93 Bank Street: septic tank setback 4.3 ft vs 10 ft required (5.7 ft variance), soil absorption area 17 ft vs 20 ft required (3 ft variance)
• Reconsideration of previously approved variance conditions for increased habitable space at 8 Essexs Place
• Variance request at 5 Highland Lane: five Title 5 setback variances ranging from 1.9 ft to 7 ft
• New licenses include Cape Verdean Festival at 1 Oak St, Bramble Cottage Kitchen at 100 Oak St, and Hen House Bakery Farm Stand at 248 Main St
• New food establishments include Berry Patch Group (Charlie's Ice Cream Sandwiches) at 100 Oak St and 575 Route 28, and J Bar with new owner Marcus De La Vega at 537 MA-28 #E-1

Golf Committee

The Harwich Golf Committee is meeting to approve July minutes, hear the director's report, and discuss old business including fall maintenance and irrigation. New business includes electing officers and discussing a restaurant lease. The meeting is open to the public and will be recorded.

• Approval of July meeting minutes
• Director's report
• Fall maintenance and irrigation project discussion
• Election of officers
• Restaurant lease discussion

Select Board

The Select Board is holding an interview session to consider candidates for several town boards and commissions. The board will interview four applicants for positions on the Conservation Commission, Historic District and Historical Commission, Housing Committee, Board of Appeals, and Planning Board. This is a procedural meeting focused on appointments, with no major policy decisions on the agenda.

• Interview of Jonathan Cain for Conservation Commission (alternate seeking full membership)
• Interview of Robert Nickerson for Historic District and Historical Commission
• Interview of David Alten for Historic District and Historical Commission and Housing Committee
• Interview of Michael Weinberg for Board of Appeals and Planning Board

Finance Committee

The Harwich Finance Committee is meeting to discuss a reserve fund transfer request from the Finance Director, hear a presentation, and consider scheduling a meeting with a state representative. They will also discuss the committee's role on the Capital Outlay Committee and receive updates on capital outlay, the Monomoy working group, and new committee members. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific dollar amounts or project names provided.

• Reserve fund transfer request from Finance Director
• Finance Director presentation
• Discussion of Finance Committee role on Capital Outlay Committee
• Update from Monomoy working group
• Approval of July 9, 2026 minutes

Charter Commission

The Harwich Charter Commission will meet to consider a possible vote on the draft charter, review a preliminary report, and discuss other topics related to the current draft. The meeting is open to the public with time for comments.

• Possible vote on draft charter
• Review of preliminary report
• Approval of July 30, 2026 minutes

The Harwich Charter Commission met and approved the minutes from July 30, 2026. Members discussed and agreed on a clarification to section 9.66 of the draft charter, but deferred further discussion of the Harrington Heath responses to the next meeting. No final vote on the draft charter was taken.

• Approved minutes of July 30, 2026 (6-0)
• Agreed to language change in draft charter section 9.66
• Deferred discussion of Harrington Heath responses to next meeting
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Capital Outlay Committee

The Capital Outlay Committee will hold a regular session to approve prior meeting minutes, welcome a new member, and debrief on a site visit to the Chatham Wastewater Treatment Plant and Monomoy Regional Middle School. The main discussions will focus on the committee's role as outlined in section 9 of the Charter and potential topics for future agendas. No votes on capital expenditures are scheduled.

• Approve meeting minutes from July 8, 2026
• Welcome new member Tina Games
• Debrief on site visit to Chatham Wastewater Treatment Plant and Monomoy Regional Middle School
• Discuss Capital Outlay Committee role per Charter section 9
• Discussion on potential future agenda topics and site visits

General

Planning Board

The Harwich Planning Board will hold a continued public hearing for a site plan review special permit for a new outdoor commercial space at 246 Queen Anne Road, but at the applicant's request the hearing will be continued to August 25, 2026. The board will also vote on endorsing a modified subdivision plan for Duarte Drive, discuss reorganization, and adopt several draft meeting minutes.

• Continued public hearing PB2026-06 for 38,403 sq ft wholesale landscaping supply yard with 8 parking spaces at 246 Queen Anne Road (Assessor's Map 58 Parcel K6-0, Industrial Limited district)
• Vote to endorse modified subdivision plan PB2026-08 for Duarte Drive
• Discussion and vote on Planning Board reorganization (Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk)
• Adoption of draft minutes from multiple dates (Jan 27, Mar 24, Apr 14, Jun 23, 2026; May 13, May 27, Jun 10, Jul 8, 2025)

Board of Water/Wastewater Commissioners

The Board of Water & Wastewater Commissioners will consider approving a bid and notice to proceed for the Route 28 Water Main Replacement Project with Dig It Construction. Other business includes an abatement request for 7 Perry's Way, an emergency response plan update under the Apex contract, and discussion of capital projects and a disaster rate.

• Route 28 Water Main Replacement Project – Dig It Construction bid and notice to proceed
• Abatement request at 7 Perry's Way (pending)
• Apex Contract – Emergency Response Plan update
• Capital Projects Discussion
• Disaster Rate Discussion

Board of Assessors

The Harwich Board of Assessors will hold a regular meeting to review June and July sales reports, sign county warrants, and reorganize the board. An executive session is scheduled to discuss and vote on tax abatement and exemption applications under state law.

• Review of Sales Reports for June & July
• Board Reorganization
• Review and Sign County Warrants
• Executive session for tax abatement and exemption applications (M.G.L. c. 59, § 60)

Recreation and Youth Committee

The Harwich Recreation and Youth Commission is holding a special meeting to receive an update on the Splash Pad project from Beta Consultant Group. No other substantive items are listed; the agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Splash Pad update with Beta Consultant Group

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public hearing on a liquor license change for Value Mart and vote on several contracts, including a $667,500 Community Preservation Act agreement for the West Harwich Baptist Church exterior renovation. The board will also discuss alleged liquor license violations at Perks and consider appointments, resignations, and gifts to the Recreation Department.

• Public hearing on change of stock and officers for Value Mart's off-premise wine and malt package store at 435 Route 28
• Vote on $667,500 CPA agreement with West Harwich Group for exterior renovation of West Harwich Baptist Church
• Vote on $225,000 CPA agreement with Harwich Conservation Trust for Robbins Pond Woodlands land protection
• Vote on $90,285.15 contract with Hub Technical Services for networking infrastructure at 204 Sisson Road
• Discussion/vote to appoint hearing officers for two alleged entertainment/liquor license violations at Perks, 545 Route 28

The Harwich Select Board held its regular meeting, which included a Non-Resident Taxpayer Meeting with department updates. The board approved the KP Law retainer under Option C, several vehicle and service contracts, two Community Preservation Act agreements, and multiple one-day entertainment/liquor permits. All votes were unanimous (5-0) except for the Board of Health appointments, which passed 4-0-1 with one abstention.

• Approved KP Law retainer Option C (Fixed Fee Plus) at $168,000/year (5-0)
• Approved $667,500 CPA agreement for West Harwich Baptist Church renovation (5-0)
• Approved $225,000 CPA agreement for Robbins Pond Woodlands protection (5-0)
• Approved $90,285.15 contract for networking infrastructure at 204 Sisson Road (5-0)
• Approved $197,475 contract for 2027 Mack Road Tractor (5-0)
• Approved $125,861.40 contract for 2027 Ford F-450 dump truck (5-0)
• Approved $175,985.40 contract for 2027 Ford F-600 hook lift truck (5-0)
• Approved Board of Health appointments (4-0-1, Handler abstained)