Four members of the Recreation and Beaches staff standing holding a wooden placque

l-r: Kaeden Quinn, Aimee Howell, Sue Winkfield, Nick Delande

2025 Community Impact Award Winners

Chatham’s Recreation and Beaches Division was awarded the 2025 Community Impact Award for the Cape & Islands Region by the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) on Wednesday, March 19th. This award is made annually to the MRPA member city or town that has provided an outstanding service, program, or event to their community.

Our staff was recognized for the construction of the new pickleball courts, their work with the Friends of Chatham Pickleball, and their focus on special community events throughout the last year.

Congratulations to Aimee Howell, Deputy Director of Community Services, and the entire staff of the Recreation and Beaches Division!

Natural Resources Nitrogen Sensitive Areas Grant Award

The Town has been notified by the Massachusetts Division of Watershed Management that Chatham’s Watershed Permit Application and Planning proposal has been awarded $133,500 under the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Natural Resources Nitrogen Sensitive Areas (NRNSA) Grant, fully funding the effort.

The purpose of the NRNSA grant program is to assist municipalities to perform activities which address solutions to cultural eutrophication caused by nitrogen pollution from wastewater and other sources.

The Town requested funding to prepare a Watershed Permit application to meet Title 5 requirements, which will include updating water use and nitrogen loading estimates for the Town, and to create a project implementation schedule.

John Deering and members of the Chatham Fire Department

Firefighter Deering Joins CFD

Town Manager Jill Goldsmith has appointed Daniel Deering as Chatham’s newest Firefighter/EMT.

Firefighter Deering is enrolled with Southern Maine Community College, pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, and has been a live-in student with the Goodwins Mills Fire Rescue Department in Lyman, ME during his education. He holds certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Firefighter Deering is a Brewster resident

Please join us in welcoming Firefighter Deering to Team Chatham and Chatham FD!

Water Division's Newsletter Issued

Chatham's Water Operator, Veolia, has issued the first Water Division newsletter, "On Tap." This edition explains what information can be found in the annual water quality report, how to read the report, and where property owners can access the report.

Additional newsletters and public education information are planned for distribution throughout the year.

Book & Media Swap this weekend - 3/22 & 3/23 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road

Select Board and Town Manager seated at the dais in the large meeting room

Select Board Action - March 18

Select Board Chair Mike Schell read a prepared statement against the second incidence of graffiti including a swastika spray painted on a building in Town. He announced an anonymous donation of a $1000 reward to the Police Department be awarded to anyone providing information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator(s).

The Select Board voted unanimously to approve the renewals of seasonal liquor licenses.

The Select Board voted to place the following articles on the 2025 Annual Town Meeting warrant with the noted recommendation to approve:

FY2026 Monomoy Regional School District Budget and Town Assessment (5-0-0)
FY2026 Monomoy Regional School District Capital Borrowing Authorization for Regional Middle School Siding and Trim Replacement Project (5-0-0)
Establish a Chatham Sewer Assistance Program (5-0-0)
New Electronic Visual Speed Display Signs (5-0-0)
Zoning Map Amendment – West Chatham Neighborhood Center District Boundary (4-0-0, Jeff Dykens recused)
Zoning Bylaw Amendment – West Chatham Neighborhood Center District (4-0-0, Jeff Dykens recused)
License to Enter and Use Real Property and Easement for Utility Service at 608-610 Stage Harbor Road for Town Wastewater Pump Station (5-0-0)
Easement for Utility Service to 365 Main Street for the Eldredge Garage Visitor Center and Parking Lot (5-0-0)

The Select Board did not place a proposed article to adopt Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90, Section 17C to allow the implementation of a 25 mph speed limit in thickly settled areas on the Town Meeting warrant.

The Select Board reviewed articles submitted by Citizen Petitions which are automatically placed on the warrant and voted the noted recommendations to approve:

Protective (Zoning) Bylaw Amendment – Conservancy District Setbacks (5-0-0)
Protective (Zoning) Bylaw Amendment – New Paragraph “m.” to Section IV.A.2 (5-0-0)
Protective (Zoning) Bylaw Amendment – Modify Section III.D.3.g. Exterior Mechanical System Appliances (5-0-0)
General Bylaw Amendment – Chapter 10-5 Affordable Housing Trust Fund Certified March 4th (2-2-1)
General Bylaw Amendment – Chapter 10-5 Affordable Housing Trust Fund Certified February 24th (no motion will be made on this article)
Report of Tax-Title Accounts and Free Cash (0-5-0)
Adoption of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 60, Section 3D (5-0-0)
Pay Outstanding Tax-Title Lien Held by the Town of Chatham Against Residential Property located at 330 Cedar Street (1-4-0)
Change Restricting Land Use at Chatham Airport to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airplane Design Group (ADG) I Aircraft (0-5-0)

The Board closed the Annual Town Meeting warrant, ordered the articles (link to posted scorecard) and assigned speakers for each.

The public is encouraged to watch the meeting in full through the Chatham TV on-demand archive.

Hydrant Flushing Underway

Chatham’s Department of Public Works began annual water main flushing on Monday, March 17th.

Due to the Level 2 – Significant Drought Status declaration for the Cape & Islands region, water main flushing will target areas of Town that have a lower seasonal population and therefore are more susceptible to sediment build-up due to lack of use.

Water main flushing is a maintenance measure to prevent the build-up of sediment, rust, and naturally occurring microorganisms that could accumulate over time and cause discolored water in our distribution system. Running water through the system at a high velocity and discharging the water through designated fire hydrants scours the inside of the pipes, cleaning them out, and ensuring that you receive clean and reliable water.

Water main flushing helps us identify and repair any potentially malfunctioning pipe valves and fire hydrants to ensure they work properly during any emergency. It also increases the carrying capacity of the pipes by preventing sediment and mineral buildup.

Water main flushing is expected to occur on roads south of Route 28/Main Street, as well as all roads north of Route 28/Orleans Road, including Morris Island and Stage Island areas.

Tax bills issue April 1st and payments are due May 1st.

Click image to access the online address change form!

Mil Pond Pump Station under constrcution

Sewer Construction Update

Work for the week of March 24^th– March 28^th:

Oyster Pond Sewer Extension Project

Sewer work is planned to continue at the Oyster Pond Condominiums (OPC) pumping station site (1233 Main Street).

Sewer testing is planned in the Pond View neighborhood. A police detail will be with the crew.

Site work and erosion control installation is planned near Smith Street for upcoming sewer work. No impacts to traffic are expected.

Stage Harbor Road Sewer Extension Project

Site work is planned to continue at the pumping station site (Old Mill Boat Yard/Harbormasters Garage).

Mill Pond Pump Station

Continued sewer work is planned on Mill Pond Road. Road closures are planned for Mill Pond Road and Homestead Lane, local traffic only. Police detail(s) will be on-site to assist motorists. Work associated with the Mill Pond Pumping Station will close access to the Town Landing.

Town seal with the silhouette of a speaker at a podium in the center

Upcoming Public Hearings

The Select Board will hold the following public hearings beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the large meeting room at the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road.

March 25

To consider a petition from NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install 50’ +/- 1-3” PVC conduit encased in concrete from proposed handhole HH9/H34A to proposed handhole HH9/H35B to provide new underground service to the customer located at 390 Old Harbor Road.

April 1

To consider a petition from NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install 41’ +/- 1-3” PVC conduit encased in concrete from new handhole 27/HA16 at base of pole 27/16 to customer installed handhole 27/HB16 to provide new underground service to the customer located at 156 Cross Street.

All interested parties are encouraged to attend in-person or through the link in the posted agenda.

Cartoon television set with Chatham TV on the screen

Head "Backstage" with Chatham TV

The production crew at Chatham TV has been working hard to bring you “Backstage” on three important projects that will be considered at Annual Town Meeting.

In Backstage | Department of Public Works | Transfer Station Public Works Director Rob Faley hosts a tour of the Transfer Station and discusses the improvements already underway and those that may be implemented in the future.

Director of Community Development Leah LaCross guides a walk through the Center for Active Living in its current condition and discusses the possibilities that exist within the building if renovations and an addition are approved by Annual Town Meeting in Backstage | C.F.A.L. Walk-Through 2025

After an introduction by Director of Natural Resources Greg Berman, Carole Ridley, Coordinator of the Pleasant Bay Alliance, discusses the Town’s watershed permit and the importance of sewering to our ecological resources in Backstage | Sewering 2025. Director of Public Works Rob Faley joins the production to look ahead at the next phases of sewering in Town.

More Chatham TV programming can be found on the Town’s website or the Town of Chatham YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/chathamchannel18

April Fools Polar Plunge on Sunday April 6th in support of the Hubbard Family

Click the graphic to access the donation portal!

Concentric gold circles with Cape Cod Commission below in gray

Regional Policy Plan Update

The Cape Cod Commission has launched its review of the 2018 Regional Policy Plan, a document that serves as a blueprint for Cape Cod’s future, outlining strategies to direct growth to appropriate locations, protect natural resources and promote economic resilience.

The Commission will host two meetings to inform the public about the process and to solicit input from the public, to ensure the Regional Policy Plan continues to address the region’s evolving challenges and priorities.

An in-person meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 26th at 1 p.m. in the Cape Cod Commission’s Ocean Conference Room located at 3225 Main Street Barnstable.

A virtual meeting will be held on Friday, March 28th at 9:30 a.m. at www.capecodcommission.org/rpp/join; passcode: join; Meeting ID: 895 8952 5568; Phone 929-205-6099.

For additional information visit www.capecodcommission.org/rrp-update.

Rendering of the Columns housing development

Affordable Housing Opportunities

Two brand new condominium units are available for purchase by lottery in the restored historic mansion, The Columns, in West Dennis.

A one-bedroom unit is offered at $186,000 with a $260 monthly HOA fee and a two-bedroom unit is offered at $199,000 with a $403 monthly HOA fee.

Eligible applicants must be first time homebuyers with income at or below 80% area median income (AMI) and have less than $75,000 in assets.

Interested parties should register for the virtual lottery information session held on April 16th at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom to learn about the application process and details on the affordable home being built. Attendance is not required but encouraged.

The deadline to apply is May 16, 2025 at 5 p.m. Applications are available online or paper applications are available by request via email to lotteries@haconcapecod.org or by calling 508-771-5400.

Lighthouse with red-roofed lightkeeper's cottage next to it

Reduce Usage, Reduce Costs

The most effective way to reduce energy costs is to reduce energy usage. The Cape Light Compact (CLC) recommends that customers enroll in a no-cost home energy assessment. During the assessment, an energy specialist may identify energy-saving opportunities, including increased insulation and air sealing. Customers who income-qualify with CLC can receive additional money off recommended upgrades. The CLC’s standard incentive cover 75% of the cost of insulation, income-qualified customers can receive this work at no-cost. Customers can sign up for a home energy assessment by calling 1-800-797-6699.

Customers are encouraged to check the supply section of their bills to determine if they are receiving supply from the CLC – if you see “NextEra Energy Services – CLC” listed next to “Supplier” then you are on the CLC’s supply. Customers not currently receiving their power supply from the CLC who wish to opt-in can do so online or by calling the CLC’s power supply provider, NextEra Energy Services, at 1-800-381-9192.

CLC’s supply rates and how they compare to Eversource Basic Service are always available. If you are considering contracting with a competitive supplier, be sure to review CLC’s consumer resources page to ensure you understand how to evaluate the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Cape Cod Bridges Program

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has announced subsurface investigations and related vegetation management activities will be conducted along highways and on properties managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in areas north and south of the Sagamore Bridge this spring as part of the Cape Cod Bridges Program.

Shrub, brush, and selected branch removal is required to allow crews to conduct soil borings which are necessary to understand the subsurface conditions. This information is critical to designing safe and durable bridge components and related infrastructure.

Additional borings not requiring vegetation management will be taken within the state highway layout and on USACE property on numerous roadways including Route 3/Route 6, Route 6/Scenic Highway, Meeting House Lane, Sandwich Road, Cranberry Highway, State Road, MidCape Connector, and the Canal Service Road.

Many of the proposed borings and associated vegetation management activities will require temporary daytime and evening lane/shoulder closures on Route3/Route 6, Route 6/Scenic Highway, and Meeting House Lane north of the Sagamore Bridge and Route 3/Route 6, Sandwich Road, Cranberry Highway, and the MidCape Connector south of the Sagamore Bridge.

For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions. Travelers can also dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.

Next Select Board Meeting - March 25, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m.

All are welcome to attend and participate in our open and public meetings. The agenda for each meeting is posted 48 business hours prior to the scheduled meeting time and can be accessed through the Select Board's webpage.

Attend in-person at the Town Office Annex, Large Meeting Room. Join the meeting on-line or participate by phone by dialing 1-508-945-4410 and entering Conference ID 203 386 491#.

I. Open Session

II. Executive Session – MGL Ch. 30A, sec. 21(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation (32 Mill Hill Road) if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the Chair so declares WITH return to Open Session

III. Public Announcements and Agenda Item Requests

IV. Public Hearing

A. Consider a petition from NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install 50’ +/- 1-3” PVC conduit encased in concrete from proposed handhole HH9/H34A to proposed handhole HH9/H35B to provide new underground service to the customer located at 390 Old Harbor Road

V. Public Comments on Business Agenda

VI. Business Agenda

A. Request to Designate a Select Board Liaison to Serve on the Chatham Chamber & Merchants Association Beautification Committee – Chair Schell

B. 2025 Annual Town Election; Non-Binding Public Opinion Advisory Ballot Question – Holtec – Mary Lanctot, Petitoner

C. Earth Week Proclamation (Earth Day April 22, 2025) – Chatham Conservation Foundation – Lauren Arcomano, Executive Director

D. Consider Acceptance of Donation and Installation of 30 Tree Labels in Kate Gould Park and Chase Park from the Chatham Friends of Trees – Dee Dee Holt, President

E. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund Annual Review by Bartholmew & Company – Town Treasurer/Tax Collector Sharon Drown

F. Fish Pier South Jog Pedestrian Walkway: Update and Consideration of Procurement for Engineering Services – Director of Natural Resources Greg Berman

G. Consider Acceptance of the New Charge of the Aunt Lydia’s Cove Committee – Harbormaster/Staff Liaison Jason Holm

H. Update on Mooring Software Upgrade – Harbormaster Jason Holm

I. Town Landing Special Use Permit for Andrew Buckley – Coastal Resources Director Ted Keon

J. Town Manager’s Monthly Report; February 2025

The Mainsheet

The name of our e-newsletter was selected from submissions by our community.
In nautical terms a mainsheet is the line connected to the boom which allows a sailor to control the speed of a boat. We think that is fitting for an e-newsletter that can be used to quickly send out important information to our community or at a more leisurely rate for less pressing matters. It reflects Chatham’s maritime history, is reminiscent of the front page of a newspaper, and it is a fun play on Main Street, where you go to be part of all that is happening in Town!

Subscribe to The Mainsheet

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