Architects for the new Yarmouth Library project unveiled a refined 25,000-square-foot design this week, racing to meet a December 31 deadline for state funding. Matt Odens, principal at Oudens Ello Architecture, presented the Planning Board with a vision for a two-story civic building on the Northeast corner of the MacArthur School property. The facility, which features a 120-seat auditorium and a 600-square-foot classroom, is designed to be tucked into a wooded depression near Route 28. Odens characterized the project as fiscally modest compared to massive school budgets elsewhere, telling the board, We're a Cessna, not an Airbus.

The financial stakes for the project remain high as the town seeks reimbursement through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). Odens estimated that roughly 50% of the building costs would be eligible for state grants, though items like paving, furniture, and landscaping are typically excluded. Vice Chair Will Rubenstein emphasized the need for total transparency regarding these figures before the project hits Town Meeting, noting, people are concerned about all these asks—sewer, schools, library—lining up like planes trying to land at Logan Airport. Member Susan Brita urged the committee to maximize energy savings, stating there should be serious consideration given to solar panels. It's the 21st century and it helps defray the cost of running the building.

The design itself sparked a brief aesthetic debate. Chair Joanne Crowley observed the building has a Frank Lloyd Wright-ish appearance that departs from traditional styles, questioning, It's not Cape Cod-ish. In that corridor, you would have to follow architectural designs that are Cape Cod-y. Odens defended the contemporary look as appropriate for a major civic building that shouldn't look like the motel next door. Library Chair Judy Tarver noted the committee had to pivot to the MacArthur site (Parcel 60) after legal questions arose regarding the Joshua Sears playground. Member Tom Pendleton inquired about required local fundraising efforts, which Odens confirmed is a state mandate to offset the town's obligation.

While the library project gained momentum, the board expressed significant frustration over a draft Short-Term Rental (STR) study conducted by the UMass Donahue Institute. Despite the study’s $85,000 price tag, members questioned its utility. This study has me flummoxed, Crowley said, arguing the demographic data failed to justify recommendations for rental caps. Member Peter Slovak was more critical, stating, I can't believe this study cost $85,000. Short-term rentals weren't mentioned until page 30. There's just not enough information to help us make a decision.

Member Deirdre Gaquin praised the data but noted it lacked a historical comparison to Yarmouth’s peak hotel era, asking if the current rental market is really a problem given the centrality of the tourism economy. Member Ken Smith, who also attended a concurrent capital budget meeting, focused on the potential $400,000 green building reimbursement available for the library. He called the architectural presentation amazing work but remained focused on how much extra construction cost would be required to hit the LEED Gold threshold. Town Planner Kathy Williams suggested the town might consider extending the current STR sunset clause beyond November 2026 to allow for more detailed analysis.

In other business, the board received updates on a potential Taco Bell at Station Avenue and news of a tragic industrial accident involving a contractor for the town's sewer project. Rubenstein reported the shocking news of a worker's death in a trench, noting a pending legal dispute between the town and the contractor, Ravoli. The area near The Skipper remains closed for an OSHA investigation. Before concluding, the board moved to finalize recent records. Motion Made by J. Crowley to approve minutes of November 17. Motion Passed (7-0).