Residents raise concerns about public areas

Members of the community raised concerns about the upkeep of community areas during the Select Board meeting on Tuesday, June 21. 

According to Susan Noonan, parts of Bayview Park in Onset have become overgrown. 

“It is unfortunate that the plants that surround the park, specifically the ones on the edge of the bluff by the Buzzards Bay Coalition beach house, have been left to grow out of control,” she said. “The view of the beach is blocked by weeds and fast growing plants.” 

The park has native bushes and grasses, with a stone border. 

Noonan voiced her concerns about the West Boulevard sidewalk project, which will be resumed in September. The project required that a fence be put up for the safety of turtles in the area. Noonan stated that turtles have not been spotted in the area by long-time locals. She called the fence an eyesore that is impeding people’s ability to enjoy the water. 

Speaking during the "citizens participation" portion of the meeting, she was introduced with the caution from Chair Sarah Corbitt that Open Meeting laws allow the board to discuss only issues on the agenda. During citizens participation, the board listens to resident comments, but cannot immediately respond to or discuss the citizens' concerns. 

In another citizen comment, Katelyn Jordan raised the issue of potholes on Long Neck Road. Noting that there is an assisted living community in the area, she said the road poses a threat to those in wheelchairs. 

She said Municipal Maintenance will “rarely” come and fix the roads, and that the potholes return every time it rains. She asked that Municipal Maintenance work on the road more often or find another way of fixing the potholes.