The Plymouth Select Board took their meeting on the road this week, convening in the gymnasium of Cold Spring Elementary School to address a packed agenda of neighborhood-specific concerns. Early in the session, William Keohan celebrated a significant environmental milestone for the town, noting the signing of conservation restrictions for Pinnacle Bog Preserve and Rocky Point Preserve. Keohan stated, I wanted to take this time to recognize the office of energy environment in the wildlands trust... nearly 75 acres of land tonight. Motion Made by William Keohan to approve administrative note number two regarding the conservation restrictions. Vote Passed 5-0. The board also handled other routine matters before moving into a lengthy public comment period. Motion Made by Richard J. Quintal Jr. to approve administrative notes one and three. Vote Passed 5-0.

The atmosphere grew heavy as the floor opened to public comment, primarily focusing on recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in North Plymouth. Anne Franino shared a harrowing account of a local resident being detained in front of Hedge Elementary, asserting, Our neighbors need clarity and reassurance that their town will not ignore their fear. Lori Fitzpatrick, a local school employee and mutual aid co-founder, described a climate of terror among immigrant families, noting, We have heard from our immigrant friends that when ICE is active in the community, they're hiding in their closets and under their beds. However, not all attendees agreed on the town's role in federal matters. Resident Tim Shaw defended the federal agents, arguing, This attempt at obstructing and impeding federal officers from enforcing the law or otherwise trying to nullify federal law is a disservice to that allegiance.

Board members responded with significant concern regarding the tactics used by federal agents. Kevin B. Canty announced a formal policy discussion scheduled for January 6, 2025, to address public safety impacts, stating, The manner and means in which they go about it, in my opinion, is significantly undermining public safety in this community, causing fear and disruption. Deborah Iaquinto echoed the need for compassion, reflecting on her time as an ESL teacher: I have to say that the immigrants that I met through that process are some of the hardest working, kindest, most grateful people that I’ve ever met. The board emphasized that while they cannot override federal law, they must prioritize the safety and dignity of all residents.

The proposed PY 40B development on Hedge Road also drew sharp criticism from neighbors worried about traffic and infrastructure. Resident Alex Cook questioned the developer's traffic data, pointing out that PY actually gathered all their count data manually... they used human beings to count the traffic, rather than standard camera-based methods. Vice Chair David M. Golden Jr. encouraged residents to keep the pressure on the Zoning Board of Appeals, noting, My perspective is that any time that the state can give us local control, they should and certainly land use, I think, is as local as it gets. Richard J. Quintal Jr. also weighed in on the future of the old fire station at Zero Spooner Street, suggesting, I’d like to leave it as, like you say, as it is and hand it over to Habitat for Humanity or one of the developments for affordable housing.

The meeting concluded with updates on several infrastructure projects, including water main designs for Cherry Street and the ongoing feasibility study for consolidating local elementary schools. Town Manager Derek Brindisi confirmed that traffic counters were currently collecting data at the intersection of Standish and Alden Streets to determine if a four-way stop is warranted. As the board looked toward a heavy January agenda, the meeting was adjourned at 1:49:15.