558 Crowell Road for Sale by Lottery

The Town of Chatham and its Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees are pleased to announce the sale by lottery of a three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home located at 558 Crowell Road.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in the Town’s ongoing commitment to addressing the community’s need for affordable and attainable housing and expanding opportunities for year-round residents to live and thrive in Chatham.

Qualified applicants meeting income eligibility requirements are invited to apply to be included in the lottery, which will determine the buyer of the property. The Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) is managing the lottery process on behalf of the Town and the Affordable Housing Trust.

Copies of the solicitation to enter the lottery and application materials may be obtained beginning on Wednesday, October 15^th by emailing lotteries@haconcapecod.org. Completed applications must include a mortgage pre-approval letter from a qualified lender and comply with all requirements outlined in the solicitation.

Applications must be received by Housing Assistance Corporation by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025.

A public lottery will be conducted within thirty (30) days following the submission deadline.

The property was purchased from Mira Rabin and Tom Whitman who responded to a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Town in March 2024 seeking property suitable for affordable and/or attainable housing. The sellers, recognizing the dire housing situation for families who want to live in Chatham, offered the property below both assessed and fair market value, requesting that this property be permanently deed-restricted at an affordable or attainable level and sold to a family.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Rabin and Whitman Family for making this opportunity possible,” said Trustee Shareen Davis. “They paved the way for the Affordable Housing Trust to transform this property into an affordable year-round homeownership opportunity for our community — a place where a local family can truly put down roots. This collaboration embodies the spirit of Chatham — neighbors helping neighbors to ensure a vibrant, sustainable future for all.”

The Trustees believe this project can serve as a model for other Chatham property owners who are concerned about the lack of affordable and attainable housing in Town and have the means to help as individuals.

“The sale of this home represents the kind of creative, community-driven approach Chatham is taking to address the local housing challenge,” said Town Manager Jill Goldsmith. “Our goal is to ensure that residents who work and contribute to our community can find a place here to call home.”

For more information about the lottery and eligibility requirements contact the Housing Assistance Corporation at 508-771-5400 or lotteries@haconcapecod.org.

Anyone who would like to learn more about placing a deed restriction on their property or who might consider selling their property to the Town for the purpose of affordable and/or attainable housing should reach out to Housing & Sustainability Director Gloria McPherson at 508-945-5168 or gmcpherson@chatham-ma.gov for information.

Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day Closings

Chatham Town Office, the Community Center and the Center for Active Living will be closed on Monday, October 13th in recognition of the holiday.

CPD Resource on Immigration Status

The Chatham Police Department understands that there are members of our community who may have concerns about how the Department handles matters related to a person’s immigration status. We understand this, and in response, have developed a list of frequently asked questions to provide clear information about how the Department handles such matters.

This resource was created to ensure transparency, build trust, and address community questions.

The FAQ is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Coastal Resilience Grant Award

The Department of Natural Resources has been awarded $30,845 in FY2026 Coastal Resilience grant funds from the Office of Coastal Zone Management CZM) for the Jackknife Beach Living Shoreline Restoration Project.

The Town is working to complete the bidding process for the future construction of a shoreline stabilization and fringing restoration project at Jackknife Beach. Once constructed, the project will restore salt marsh using biodegradable materials and shellfish, allow for landward migration of the marsh, and help protect public access to the shoreline.

A flooded street with marsh on either side of it

Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Time is running out to take our Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Survey!

The Town is updating our Hazard Mitigation Plan—a roadmap that helps us prepare for and reduce risks from things like storms, flooding, and other natural hazards.

To make sure the plan reflects the real needs and experiences of our community, we’re asking YOU to take a few minutes to complete our Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GRP6SN3

Your input will ensure that the Plan reflects our community’s values and priorities and will help guide how we keep Chatham safe and resilient for years to come.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts—it really makes a difference!

Survey closes this Monday, October 13th.

Wellness Warriors Program at the Center for Active Living Oct 22- Nov 12 Call 508-945-5190 for more information and to register-

World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day — a reminder to take time for your wellbeing and check in with yourself and those around you.

Chatham is proud to partner with our neighboring Lower Cape towns to offer CredibleMind, a free, confidential, and science-based online platform that helps residents explore mental health and wellness resources, learn new coping tools, and find local support.

Take the first step toward feeling your best: https://lowercape.crediblemind.com.

A truck plowing snow in a red circle with a slash through it

Do Not Plow List Issued

The Department of Public Works has completed its initial inspection of private roads and has posted the “Do Not Plow” list of those that have failed to meet minimum standards to receive municipal sanding & plowing services this winter.

Property owners on these roads may repair deficiencies and request a re-inspection from the Highway Division by calling 508-945-5150. If the work brings the roadway into compliance with minimum standards it will be removed from the “Do Not Plow” list.

As a reminder, the minimum standards are:

Travel lane for any private road shall be no less than 12 feet wide
Roadside clearance of any obstacles, including vegetation, shall be no less than 2 feet either side.
Height clearance shall be no less than 12 feet from the road surface.
There must be ample room for emergency vehicles to turn around if the road is a dead end.
Paved or unpaved private roads shall have no defects (potholes or ruts) exceeding 2 inches in depth.
All private ways shall have a visible street sign and be open to the public.

Person seated in a car receiving a vaccination through the car window

Register Today for Vaccination Clinics

There’s still time to register for either of the two drive thru vaccination clinics being offered to Chatham residents at the Public Works facility, 221 Crowell Road on Wednesday, October 15th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursday, October 23rd from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

COVID-19 vaccines will be available for individuals 12 years of age and older and flu vaccines will be available for those 6 months and older.

Please reach out to the VNA of Cape Cod at 508-957-7737 with any questions. Registration is required and may be completed by clicking on your preferred date above.

Program: Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage at the Center for Active Living on October 22nd at 1 p.m.

Cartoon image of toxic bottles and poison cans

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Your last chance to dispose of household hazardous waste safely is tomorrow, Saturday October 11th.

Head over to the Harwich Transfer Station, 209 Queen Anne Road, with old paint, cleaners, lawn/pool chemicals – basically any product with “Danger!,” “Warning!,” or “Caution!” on the label – between 9 a.m. and 12 noon.

Keeping these toxins out of the waste stream protects our waters and getting them out of your house, garage or shed helps protect you, your family members and pets, and our first responders, in case of a fire or flood response.

kayaks and dinghies hauled out at a Town landing

Don’t Forget Your Dinghy!

If Columbus Day weekend marks the end of the boating season for you, (and with this storm rolling in, it just might!) don’t forget to collect your dinghy, kayaks, and other watercraft stored along the shore from Town-owned properties.

Per Harbormaster Regulations Section 1022(5) and Town Landing Regulations Section 13, they must be removed by November 30th unless in active use by the owner.

The Harbormaster Division will remove remaining watercraft from Town landings and other Town-owned property in December.

Gold codfish in a dark blue circle surrounded by a white circle containing the words Barnstable County Massachusetts

Assembly of Delegates Vacancy

The Select Board is soliciting applications from community members interested in serving as the Town’s interim representative to the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates until the next Town election.

The Assembly of Delegates is the branch of County government responsible for adopting new legislation (ordinances) and maintaining checks and balances over the Board of County Commissioners which are the executive branch of the Cape Cod Regional Government. Together, they work to preserve and enhance regional services in Barnstable County.

The deadline to apply to serve is 12 noon on Tuesday, October 14th.

Select Board seated at the dais with the Town flag behind them.

Select Board Action – October 7th

The Select Board voted unanimously to support the Center for Active Living (CFAL) Renovation project team’s recommendation to proceed with a bid-in-hand approach. The decision followed an update from the Town’s Owner’s Project Manager, Rick Pomroy of Pomroy Associates, and Architect Kurt Raber of Catalyst Architecture | Interiors, on plan development and recent cost estimates.

A preliminary test cost estimate came in significantly higher than the original concept costs presented at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. In response, the design team reviewed and refined the plans, with a revised cost estimate expected by the end of the month. The higher preliminary estimate was attributed to several contributing factors discussed during the presentation.

Architect Raber also reviewed the latest concept plan updates, highlighting adjustments made to improve design efficiency while maintaining the project’s programming goals. The project team outlined the next steps and timeline for pursuing construction bids.

The Board deferred discussion on Town Counsel’s opinion on the re-use of Old Harbor Road for housing until the full complement of the Board and Town Counsel were available.

The Board said their interim appointment to fill the vacancy of the Town’s representative on the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates delegate must be made by 10/23. The Board set the deadline to apply as 12 noon Tuesday, 10/14.

The public is encouraged to watch the meeting in its entirety through Chatham TVs on-demand archive.

Halloween Egg Hunt on Saturday, October 25 at 1 p.m. at the Community Center

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 during their regularly scheduled meetings on Tuesdays, beginning at 5:00 p.m., in the large meeting room at the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road.

October 14

To consider a request for a new annual entertainment license for indoor concerts, live bands, and public shows including amplified live music for the Chatham Orpheum Theater at 637 Main Street, Chatham, MA.

October 28

To consider a petition from NStar Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install one (1) new pole 41/30-5 at Training Field Road and 50 feet plus or minus 4 inches conduit under Training Field Road to accommodate the new Town water treatment facility.

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

Person in orange vest standing on a large pipe in the ground with an excavator in the background

Sewer/Road Construction Update

October 11th-17th

Oyster Pond Sewer Extension Project

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

Sewer manhole work is planned to begin on Independence Lane. Police detail(s) and signage will be in place in the vicinity of the work.

Stage Harbor Sewer Extension Project

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

Stony Hill Road

Binder course paving will take place on Saturday, October 11th from Route 28 north to Kendrick Road. Local detour along Old Harbor Road will be in place.

Oktoberfest sign featuring a seal in lederhosen

Oktoberfest is October 18th

Break out the lederhosen, Oktoberfest is one week away!

Rain or shine, this annual fall tradition takes over Kate Gould Park and the parking lot adjacent to the Town Offices, 549 Main Street, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for music, food, kids activities and more!

Two stages will feature bands from across New England throughout the day. An Artisan Village will feature local retail and craft vendors, and kids’ activities will keep the younger attendees happy. There will be food trucks and tents from across the Cape serving up fall favorites. And yes, there will be beer (and wine) for the adults.

Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

Stylized sunburst and house outline in green with Housing Assistance across in blue letters

Affordable Homeownership Opportunities

The deadlines to apply for three new affordable homeownership opportunities are coming up later this month. All properties are available by lottery to qualified applicants through the Housing Assistance Corp.

9 Clipper Circle in Sandwich is a 3-bedroom, 2- bath colonial saltbox featuring a walkout lower level and one-car garage in a private setting for $279,222. Deadline to apply is October 22nd.

Sea Meadow Village in Hyannis features a one-level unit with private deck overlooking private woods for $240,000 + $534/month home owners association (HOA) fee. Application dealing is October 24th.

18 Plymouth Road in Yarmouth Port, offered at $250,000, is a two-bedroom ranch with a cathedral ceiling living room in a quiet northside neighborhood. Application deadline is October 31st.

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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