Sustainability Committee — September 15, 2026

The Fairhaven Sustainability Committee met on September 15, 2026, chaired by Ann Richard. Following a land acknowledgment, Kristen Ritz provided an update on the Schonakitnack Native Plant Garden at Macomber Pimentel Park. Ritz reported an anonymous $4,000 individual donation intended to defray costs for a handicap-accessible curb ramp, approximately $1,300 remaining in Community Preservation Act (CPC) grant funds for plants, and 10 bags of Coast of Maine compost secured through Ace Hardware. She also noted concerns regarding bicycle tracks from the newly constructed pump track encroaching on garden mulch, prompting plans for temporary signage and fencing.

Melanie Jansky shared updates regarding the Open Space and Recreation Plan, which is slated for state submission in December, and announced that a park assessment workshop was rescheduled to October 21. Jansky also reported on the shorebird nesting season on West Island Town Beach, highlighting a total of 14 piping plover fledges and the first successful hatch and fledge of a state-listed least tern pair. Additional updates included the upcoming Annual Costume Swap at Millicent Library on October 7 and the Natural Heritage of Fairhaven series presentation on hazard mitigation planning scheduled for September 21.

Committee members discussed procedural and town-wide sustainability initiatives, including mandatory annual reappointment applications required by the Board of Selectmen by October 8. Tim Garcia proposed exploring solar- and Wi-Fi-powered blue light emergency phones along the bike path and in local parks, suggesting CPC funding could be pursued ahead of the October 2 deadline. Karen Gent inquired about previous municipal building energy audits under Green Communities. Following these discussions, the committee voted unanimously to adjourn.

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