Plymouth Town Meeting on October 19, 2024, saw significant discussions surrounding the establishment of a Plymouth Land Bank, aimed at acquiring land for open space, affordable housing, and municipal uses. The proposal, presented by Vice Chair of the Select Board, Kevin Canty, seeks to fund the Land Bank through a 2% land transfer fee on real estate transactions, which would not impact current residents directly but would apply to new buyers.

The Land Bank's creation is seen as a proactive measure to manage Plymouth's rapid growth, with the town adding approximately 750 to 1,000 new residents annually. Canty emphasized that the Land Bank would provide a mechanism for the town to control its land use and development, ensuring that decisions are made in the community's best interest rather than by private developers.

The proposal received unanimous support from the Advisory and Finance Committee, but not without controversy. Several town meeting members raised concerns about the potential for a lack of oversight and transparency, arguing that the commission's structure could lead to undue influence from the Select Board and Planning Board. Critics highlighted that the majority of the Land Bank Commission would be appointed by these boards, raising questions about accountability and representation.

Amendments to the proposal were discussed, including a motion to require a two-thirds majority for significant decisions, which some argued would ensure more thoughtful governance. However, others cautioned that such a requirement could hinder the commission's ability to act swiftly in acquiring land.

As the meeting progressed, the debate underscored the community's desire for a balanced approach to growth and development, with many advocating for more stringent controls to protect Plymouth's character and resources. The Land Bank proposal is set to move forward to the Massachusetts General Court for special legislation, with the final decision ultimately resting with Plymouth voters in a future referendum.