Select Board Meeting Feedback
Thank you Fairhaven Neighborhood News for the objective coverage of Rick Trapilo and the budget committee candidates (8/13/20 issue) at the Select Board meeting on 8/10/26. It is reassuring to know that some candidates are highly skilled, with proven records, and well-equipped to serve our community.
Most residents know by now, we are in poor fiscal health. We must develop new strategies to generate revenue and optimize tax dollars while meeting the essential needs of our residents. It is crucial to realign our priorities — including the allocation of taxpayer (CPA) funds and other financial resources — without relying on additional bond bills and piling on more debt to the people of Fairhaven.
For instance, the $5 billion Affordable Homes Act passed in August 2024 requires taxpayers to fund interest owed to investors. Despite this legislation, housing prices remain unattainable for middle-income residents, and rents continue to rise significantly, with some new apartments in our local towns costing as much as $3,000 per month. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the 2024 act and its actual beneficiaries.
While there are efforts to develop Fairhaven into a tourist destination, we remain primarily a family hometown. Many local families are currently struggling with high rents and no affordable home buying options, and an excessive push and focus for tourism will only exacerbate these financial strains. As I noted in previous correspondence to this newspaper four years ago, the influx of short-term rentals has contributed to pricing out median-income residents from homeownership, significantly impacting our town’s current financial deficit. I have shared several successful revenue-generating ideas compiled from other localities, that at the same time put people into affordable home purchasing. While those homes also generate revenue- and optimize-original funding resources that are paid by our taxes.
Additionally, I want to express my concern regarding the installation of Flock surveillance cameras prior to public discussion. This technology raises valid privacy and constitutional concerns. It would have been beneficial to mention during the meeting that resources are available for residents to check if their license plates have been logged. Furthermore, I question the necessity of placing a camera near the waterfront ice cream stand and whether its purpose extends to monitoring boat traffic. While community protection is vital, it should not come at the expense of personal privacy that could be invaded by officials that lack integrity. Research indicates that these surveillance cameras are being removed in some towns due to documented misuse by town officials, and warnings about mass surveillance. People do the research and speak up. It is true, watchers need to be watched.
I was disappointed by the decision to exclude Erin Carr from the Livable Streets Committee. Given her history in the town and active involvement with the bike path, her commitment is evident.
I understand the two Select Board members who voted no, could have made an exception, but chose not to. Need we ask why ?
Michelle Costen, Fairhaven
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Click here to download the 8/20/26 issue: 08-20-26 TeddyBear
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