Opposition mounted over a proposed 7% budget increase and the hiring of four new positions despite vocal support from educators and promises from the town office that tax bills would not increase this year.
The park has been closed to the public since the Dec. 18, 2023 flood which damaged the park's bandstand, washed away benches and took chunks of earth as it went.
Officials hope to bring new business to Bay Street, build new affordable housing and curtail the impacts of climate change as part of the town's new comprehensive plan.