Harwich Rejects Penrose Grant Bid, Awards $11.6 Million Sewer Contract

HARWICH -- June 1, 2026, Harwich Select Board unanimously denied a last-minute request from housing developer Penrose to apply for a state Housing Works Infrastructure Program grant on the company's behalf, citing concerns about competing against the town's own future applications. Town Administrator Jay Rademacher and grants specialist Stephanie Hall told the board that the Community One Stop for Growth program, which bundles 14 state economic development grants, favors projects with broad community benefit and a full pre-submission vetting process that Penrose had not undergone, with the application deadline set for Wednesday, June 3. Member Jeff Trant, who also sits on the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust, said the board's obligation was to "take care of the home team," adding he would not put town grant opportunities at risk for a developer's infrastructure costs. The board then unanimously awarded an $11,631,787.05 Phase 3A sewer project contract to Digit Construction, Inc., with construction to begin in mid-July and a public information session set for June 30 at the Harwich Community Center. Rademacher also reported signing a $61,290 contract for a new 2026 Carolina Skiff for the Harbormaster Department and a $29,500 deal with Weston and Sampson Engineering for a DPW facility feasibility study, following the failure of a $1 million borrowing authorization at annual town meeting.