0 West Falmouth Highway

Update: March 2026 

After nearly a year of advocacy to protect the 2.8 acres of historic conservation land at the intersection of Route 28, Route 28A, and Palmer Avenue, we are encouraged to share positive progress. Town leadership - including Town Counsel, the Town Manager, and Assistant Town Manager - recommended that the land not be developed, and the Select Board has voted to accept that recommendation.

Development on these parcels would require removal of Article 97 protections, a process involving a two-thirds vote of Town Meeting, 2/3 approval by the Massachusetts General Court, and the identification of suitable replacement land. For more information, see the article in todays edition of the Falmouth Enterprise.

WFVA has consistently advocated for the protection of this land, raising concerns about safety as well as the lands conservation status and historical significance through letters, public comment, and community engagement. We worked alongside residents who carefully documented the site’s history, leading to a warrant article at the November 2025 Town Meeting. While the measure fell just short of the required two-thirds vote late in the evening with many having already left, it reflected growing recognition of the land’s importance.

Following further review, Town Counsel issued the linked memorandum on March 12th, and the Town Planner submitted the linked recommendation to the Select Board. The Select Board subsequently voted at Monday evenings meeting (video linked here) not to move forward with development of 0 W Fal Hwy.

Article 24, a petitioner's article to protect land around Long Pond, will be presented at the April 6th Town Meeting (7 PM, Lawrence School). Residents have been advised that adding 0 W. Fal Hwy parcels by amendment would be out of scope. Accordingly, we plan to support a warrant article at the November 2026 Town Meeting to transfer these parcels to the Conservation Commission for permanent protection.

It takes a Village! We appreciate the engagement of residents, Town Meeting members, and town officials in reaching this outcome. We look forward to continued collaboration, open communication, and transparency as we work together on future community initiatives.