Our View: Support Sea Camps Funding

Monday’s special town meeting brings a number of capital requests to voters, but that’s pretty standard for Brewster’s fall warrant. But the special capital request and the name on everyone’s lips going into Nov. 17? Sea Camps. 

 Article 7 seeks an appropriation of $1.07 million to fund the beginning phases of the Sea Camps comprehensive plan. Last year, the town looked to taxpayers for funding, but the request didn’t land as they had hoped. After extensive back-and-forth at the 2024 special town meeting, the article requesting $11.4 million narrowly passed. Many argued that the circumstance of the revote was unfair, which was driven home by the special town election results, which turned down the appropriation. The Sea Camps advisory committee was then tasked with going back to the drawing board. How would they get these plans, plans that residents approved at town meeting, finally implemented? 

 After meeting with value engineers, conducting extensive community outreach and truly understanding the needs of taxpayers, a new phasing and financing plan was drafted that cut financing by almost half. Now, residents will see a unique spectacle on their warrant this Monday: a capital request that is fully funded by free cash (aside from $50,000 in water-retained earnings). We support Article 7 and moving forward with the next steps of the Sea Camps plan.

The Brewster community approved the purchase of these properties. It is time to commit to the stewardship of parcels that will benefit generations to come.