In The News
Falmouth looks to limit ICE activity on town property
“It is very clear that what ICE is doing is unconstitutional. It’s destroying our local economy. More importantly, it is destroying lives,” select board member Jack Richardson said on Monday. “But it’s about how we protect the most vulnerable in our society right now, and I think that taking these steps toward actionable policies is the way to go at this time.”
“Falmouth Select Board Member Jack Richardson, a recent college graduate, called for bold action and tiered rates on luxury sales. “Almost all of my friends have moved away and have no plans to return because they simply cannot afford to live here, this housing crisis is an existential threat,” said Richardson.”
Select Board Directs Majority Of Unexpected Revenue To Debt Stabilization Fund
“The board did, however, carve out a limited exception for human services. At the request of board member Jack P. Richardson, about $15,000 of the $531,329 in unanticipated revenue was earmarked for the human services budget to expand the hours of the town’s part-time Portuguese-speaking social work services, from one day per week to three days per week.”
Falmouth Select Board Declines Support For Revised Sandwich Road 40B
“This is [expletive],” Richardson said. “You are the reason we are appealing 40B. After those nine months, you stabbed those people in the back and this has been bad faith since then. This is you trying to line your pockets. No one in this community is in support of your project.”
Richardson clarified his remarks in a subsequent phone call with the Enterprise: “I am standing up for town staff who have worked so hard to address and create affordable housing across the town, but specifically with this developer and this project. The proposal from last night is a stab in the back to those folks.”
He added that while the town has not made a decision as to whether it would call for the appeal of Chapter 40B, it will be a matter up for discussion at the next Select Board meeting.
“Well, I applaud the Legislature for its intention with 40B. It’s not working for cities and towns like Falmouth. We’re doing the right thing, trying to address housing shortages,” Richardson said. “Instead, what we’re seeing is an increasing number of developers apply for permits in nontraditional residential areas, with only the minimum possible amount of affordable units, and ignoring environmental and abutter concerns.”
Richardson Sets Sights on Third Barnstable Seat
“On the board, Richardson has been a progressive voice advocating for affordability for year-round residents through an increase in affordable housing and pushing for tax redistribution programs like a residential tax exception. He has also been a strong advocate for the protection of the town’s natural resources and has been vocal in protecting the town’s immigrant community as national immigration politics and policy continue to impact residents around the country.”
Lost Revenue Spurs Fresh Look At Recreational Cannabis Ban In Falmouth
Select Board member Jack P. Richardson requested the agenda item to consider potential changes to the town’s stance on recreational marijuana.
“I am honestly approaching this from a revenue standpoint,” Richardson said at the board’s meeting Monday, April 13. “There is a key percentage that we are missing out on.”
State law allows cities and towns to collect a local tax of up to 3% on marijuana sales, giving municipalities a direct way to generate revenue from retail cannabis.
Richardson Monday said attitudes toward marijuana have shifted significantly in recent years, citing changes in science and regulation, as well as political attitudes. He tells the board he has heard growing interest from residents and business owners.
Falmouth official announces bid for David Vieira's House seat
"Working class people across the Cape have been screwed over the last few decades," said Richardson in a phone interview with the Times. "While there have been more and more tax breaks for the rich."
Richardson said the most important issue on the Cape is housing.
"The community just wants affordable, safe, reliable housing," he said. "We need to change the 40B culture on Beacon Hill and create incentives instead of punishments."
The priority, said Richardson, is to keep the people who built Cape Cod on Cape Cod.
"There are many people who are worried that Falmouth and Mashpee will become the gateway to Martha's Vineyard," he said.
Galasso Retains $3.4 Million Town Commitment Despite Project Uncertainty
Select Board member Jack P. Richardson, whose last meeting as a member was Monday, said he did not want the board to be responsible for ending an ambitious workforce housing proposal before all options had been exhausted.
“I’m not going to let my last meaningful vote be to kill an ambitious affordable housing project,” Richardson said. “Our board should not be the one killing this.”
Falmouth Select Board Moves To Bar ICE From Town Buildings
The Falmouth Select Board voted Monday to direct town counsel to draft language that would prohibit US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from entering town buildings.
Select Board member Jack P. Richardson opened the discussion by suggesting a policy that would prohibit ICE from accessing town buildings without a judicial warrant.
“I think it is important that we change our policy to be more oriented around protection and resources,” Richardson said. “I think it’s very clear that what ICE is doing is unconstitutional. It is destroying our economy and, more importantly, it’s destroying people’s lives.”
Richardson also suggested prohibiting ICE from accessing individuals in police custody unless agents have judicial warrants, sharing informational signs with business owners and updating town bylaws to prohibit collaboration with ICE. Several of his suggestions, however, required further discussion.