Candidate Statements: Fhvn Planning Board, 2 full-term seats

Miles Grant

The deci­sions we make now about what and how we build will define our community for decades to come. As a father of two young children and a homeowner, I’m running for Fairhaven Planning Board because I want to make sure those decisions are debated thoroughly and collaboratively, decided correctly within our bylaws, and guided by a vision for sustaining Fairhaven as a vibrant community and wonderful place to raise a family.

Ever since I was a kid visiting family on Sconticut Neck, I’ve loved Fairhaven’s combination of history, coastal charm, and close community. I could bike from the beach to the library to the baseball card shop and back within minutes, or down what was then dusty old railroad tracks toward Mattapoisett. My career has taken me up and down the Atlantic Coast, first in local TV news, including WJAR in Providence, then working in communications for Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington and the National Wildlife Federation. I’ve been thrilled to be able to return home to Massachusetts, consulting for organizations like the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and Massa­chu­setts Assisted Living Association, allowing me to plant roots here in Fairhaven.

Over the last dozen years, I’ve been able to volunteer my time with a range of causes and community groups. I’ve served on the Fairhaven Livable Streets Committee. I’ve also volun­teered on the New Bedford Science Café’s steering committee, as a trail steward with Buzzards Bay Coalition, as an event volunteer with the South Coast LGBTQ+ Network, and as a coach with Mariner Soccer.

Fairhaven faces our share of challenges, and by tackling them proactively, I believe we can turn them into opportunities. Our Route 6 retail corridor was built in a now-bygone era of malls and big box stores. I’m pleased that we’ve taken the first step forward by creating the 40R zoning overlay, and now we have a long road toward making that vision a reality. 

Massachusetts also faces a state­wide housing crisis, leaving everyone from college graduates to downsizing older adults with limited and expen­sive housing choices. It’s hitting home here in Fairhaven, as our population shrinks, leaving business­es with fewer customers and putting pressure on our budget and town services. We should grow selectively with housing that complements our existing neighborhoods.

The Planning Board should em­brace its advisory role not just on these issues but on town infra­structure broadly. Especially as we build a new Fairhaven-New Bedford Bridge and open new commuter rail stations, we’ll need to be proactive and creative in providing everyone with ways to get around that are safe, reliable, affordable, and keep neighborhoods connected.

To achieve better policies and improved resident service, we need consistent processes and clear decision-making. Elected officials must be able to debate issues rigorously yet civilly, and sometimes have to make (and stand by) hard choices.

I hope to earn your vote on April 7 and bring a fresh perspective to the Planning Board, without personal or family ties to town business.

(Note: Miles Grant is not related to current Planning Board member Kevin Grant.) 

 

 

Cathy Melanson

Hello Neigh­bors, my name is Cathy Melan­son. I am a candidate for re-election to the Planning Board.

I have the honor to currently serve on the Planning board for 8 years and presently the Chair of the Board. I am Fairhaven born and raised, a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

As a business woman I bring my years of knowledge and skills to work side by side with my fellow members and I will always be an independent voice. 

I currently serve on; Planning Board, Economic Development Committee, Charter Committee, Capital Improve­ment Committee, Rogers Re-Use Com­mit­tee and a Trustee for the Riverside Cemetery. Serving on these various committees has given me a well-versed knowledge of town govern­ment operations and the ability to work with various boards to ensure there is cohesive cooperation, transparency and an open door to all residents who have questions.

In April of 2023 with the resignation of the Planning and Economic Develop­ment Director, I as the Plan­ning Chair, stepped up, volunteered my time and service in the office to ensure the daily department business would continue running uninter­rupted. During this four-month position vacancy, I along with the building commissioner successfully created a streamline permitting process. We instituted a Business-Friendly Approach Program of a pre-meeting with applicants along with various town department heads. This pre-meeting enabled the applicant to know exactly what plans and permits are required for the project. This common-sense approach saves the Town and applicant months of unneeded expense, costly delays and valuable time. 

The following year in April 2024 the director position became vacant and again I stepped up to the challenge ensuring once again no delays in the daily operations. 

In my tenure, we have seen recent important changes in our by-laws such as the State mandated ADU’s and the 40R district. Our Board over the years, has developed the guide­lines and rules to ensure these projects grow Fairhaven in a respon­sible way. 

We cannot not sit idle but ensure as the town moves into the future ensuring we honor our historic and charming quaint town which makes Fairhaven the great place to live and raise our families. These movements will not be sudden or drastic but achieved over time by ensuing proper and thorough reviewing of projects that come before the board and listening to the people. 

This is and has been my pledge to the residents of the town.

The town and Planning Board will be addressing possible bike corridors, additional development of the Rt. 6 corridor and a host of many other projects. This election should not be based on popularity but on proven leader­ship, understanding, working knowledge of the Planning Board and the town by-laws. I have been working on the by-laws over the past eight years giving me the experience and in-depth knowledge required and ensures there will be no knowledge gap to the board on such important issues.

I ask that you vote to re-elect me, Cathy Melanson, to the Planning Board. 

 

Sean Powers

Dear Fairhaven Residents, I am excited to announce my candi­dacy for a seat on the Fairhaven Planning Board. As a proud lifelong member of our community, I am dedicated to preserving the small-town charm that makes Fairhaven special while promoting smart, responsible growth that benefits residents and businesses alike.

Fairhaven is a town with a rich history and a strong sense of commu­nity. As we look toward the future, it is crucial that we balance growth with preservation, ensuring that develop­ment aligns with our shared vision. If elected, I will work diligently to sup­port responsible planning that respects our town’s character while embracing opportunities for thought­ful expansion.

I believe in smart growth that prioritizes sustainable development, infrastructure improvements, and economic vitality while maintaining the qualities that make Fairhaven such a desirable place to live and work. By actively considering the Town’s 2020 Master Plan, I will advocate for policies and projects that enhance our community without compromising our unique identity. Thoughtful plan­ning today will ensure that future generations can enjoy the same beauty, charm, and strong sense of place that we cherish now.

Community input is essential to successful planning. I am committed to listening to residents’ concerns and ideas, fostering transparent discus­sions, and making informed decisions that serve the best interests of Fairhaven. Whether it’s supporting local businesses, preserving open spaces, or enhancing public infra­structure, I will approach each decision with fairness, foresight, and a commitment to responsible stewardship.

I have worked for the Acushnet Company as a Sr. Site Administrator for 20 years. I have experience reading plans and understanding building requirements. I have done the Planning Board training necessary and the required Conflict of Interest and Open Meeting Law training.

I would be honored to serve on the Planning Board and contribute to shaping Fairhaven’s future. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote as we work together to ensure a bright, sustainable, and well-planned future for our town.

Thank you for your consideration. I respectfully ask for your vote on April 7.

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