A wedding bouquet of white roses and other white and brown stems tied with a white ribbon lay on the beach. Marshfield Select Board meeting where town property use policies were discussed and postponed due to public concerns.

Residents voiced concerns over proposed fees for using public spaces, leading the Marshfield Select Board to table the discussion for further review.

Marshfield Select Board Delays Action on Town Property Policy

Residents raise concerns over proposed rules and fees for public space use

Published on:

13 Mar 2025, 5:31 pm

MARSHFIELD – The Marshfield Select Board voted to table a discussion on new rules and regulations for the use of town property after residents expressed concerns about proposed fees and restrictions. The policy, which was introduced in response to past requests for private events on public land, was met with criticism during the board’s March 10 meeting.

Chair Lynne Fidler explained that the policy discussion stemmed from a 2024 request by a private entity to host a corporate event on a town beach. That request was ultimately denied in a 2-1 vote. In an effort to create a framework for similar future requests, the board had asked the town administrator to draft a proposal for review.

“The goal was to establish a clear and transparent policy that works for the town and its residents,” Fidler said. “This is not a finalized document, and we want to ensure it reflects the needs of the community.”

However, several residents took issue with the policy's initial language and the potential cost implications. During the public comment session, Michelle Jarvis stated that the issue arose not from the denied beach event, but from past instances where the town issued one-day liquor licenses in violation of existing bylaws. She urged the board to ensure any new rules are carefully crafted and subject to public input.

“We were promised that the draft would be posted for public comment by March 5, but that didn’t happen,” Jarvis said. “This policy needs to be created with community involvement.”

Another resident, Melissa Gorman, voiced concern about a proposed $1,000 fee for hosting a wedding at a public park, questioning the financial burden on local couples. “We already pay taxes for these spaces. Why should residents be charged such a high fee just to hold a ceremony on public land?” she asked.

In response to these concerns, the board agreed to delay further discussion and review the draft policy more thoroughly before moving forward.

“This is a work in progress,” Fidler reiterated. “We appreciate the feedback and will continue to refine the policy to ensure it serves the best interests of the town.”

The topic is expected to return to the Select Board’s agenda in the coming weeks, with additional opportunities for public input.

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