Downtown Parking & Circulation Study Public Meeting on July 30th

Don't miss this important hybrid public meeting next Tuesday, July 30th beginning at 5 p.m. in the large meeting room at the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road, available remotely, simulcast on Xfinity Channel 1072, and streamed through our website and on Chatham TV's YouTube channel.

The Cape Cod Commission and the Town invite residents, business owners, and others who frequently visit downtown Chatham to participate to learn more and share their thoughts on plans to improve parking and circulation in downtown Chatham.

The Cape Cod Commission is working with Town of Chatham staff and the Chatham Parking Solutions Working Group to develop recommendations to improve parking, safety, and multimodal accommodations along Main Street. Draft recommendations include potential parking time restrictions, improved crossings, and increased signage to direct motorists to available parking lots.

This is a collaborative effort and public participation is essential. Those who attend the July 30 meeting will hear a presentation about potential improvements and join an interactive discussion to provide feedback on the presented ideas.

Virtual Meeting Option: https://cccom.link/ChathamParking

For more information, please visit the Commission's website or contact David Nolan, Senior Transportation Planner.

Airport Clearing Project Moves Forward

The Chatham Airport Commission’s plan to improve safety at the Chatham Municipal Airport took two significant steps forward this week.

On Wednesday, July 24^th, after an eight-month process, the Chatham Conservation Commission approved and issued an Order of Conditions for the clearing of trees on the southern end of the Airport property which specifically addresses such activity around a vernal pool in the project area. The Order of Conditions specifies methods of tree removal in the project area and requires mitigation in addition to other protective measures.

On Thursday, July 25^th, the Cape Cod Commission voted 12-2 to approve a Major Modification to its 2005 Development of Regional Impact (DRI) Decision to incorporate an updated Vegetation Management Plan to remove and manage vegetation on the Airport property for compliance with federal and/or state regulations.

This project is being pursued by the Town as Airport Sponsor, acting by and through its Airport Commission, to enhance aviation safety and fulfill commitments as part of a Corrective Action Plan to conduct approach clearing, and meet its Federal/State obligations to maintain clear approaches.

The next step is the development of the project’s specifications to put the project out to bid for contractor selection as required by procurement requirements which is anticipated to be completed this fall.

Welcome Back Heller! 

Mark Heller has re-joined Team Chatham as our newest part-time Emergency Management Deputy Director (previously Emergency Management Manager).

Mr. Heller is a very familiar face here in Chatham, having served as a member of the Chatham Fire Department for nearly twenty years and retiring as Chatham’s first EMS Captain in March 2023. He has over forty years of experience in Emergency Medical Services and is passionate about emergency preparedness and safety education.

Let's Be Prepared!  - from Emergency Management Deputy Director Heller

We are about to enter the peak of hurricane season.  Fortunately, it’s been a calm season so far.  But that doesn't mean we should let our guard down.  It’s always a good time to get prepared.

Now is the perfect time to check your back-up power supplies in the event we lose power due to a storm.   If you have a generator, make sure it is operational.  You should start it at least once a month to make sure it is running properly and perform any maintenance required by the manufacturer.  Make sure your fuel is fresh and that your back up fuel is stored properly.  Remember these types of generators produce deadly exhaust when they run.  Make sure they are set up in an area outside with plenty of ventilation.

Power Banks or Power Packs are battery units that get charged up and then supply power to operate small household items such as your cell phone charger, medical devices and other small appliances.  These units should be tested monthly as well.  Remove the charger and use the unit to power your items for a day or so to make sure the unit is functioning properly.  If not, now is a great time to check with the manufacturer and get the unit serviced.

Batteries can be the saving grace during a storm.  We all should have a back up supply in the event of emergency or power loss.   Batteries can die even when they are not being used.  The last thing you want in a storm is dead batteries.  Take from the supply you have and replace the batteries in your remotes or flashlights and then get new ones to replenish your back-up supply.  This way you will know you will have fresh batteries when you need them.  Remember to look at the size and style of the batteries your electronics need and get the right size.

Take a few minutes to get these items ready.  “Let’s be prepared”!

August Flash TV Features CSOs

The August edition of Flash TV is out!

In addition to a look at the programs and services offered at the Center For Active Living and the Community Center by the Council on Aging in August, this month's segment features an interview with Christiane Fontaine and Connor Frazel, two of our five Community Service Officers (CSOs) by Program and Communication Coordinator Anna Milan. 

Weekly Shorebird Report

Shorebirds continue to be monitored on Town beaches by the Mass Audubon Coastal Waterbird Program.

As of July 24th there were 8 broods of chicks remaining on local beaches. Over 20 broods of chicks have successfully fledged. There are also colonies of least terns and American Oystercatchers with chicks as well.

Please continue to respect areas that have symbolic fencing for the protection of the birds.

Due to the presence of these nests and chicks, our Town's Beach Management Plan, directed by Mass Audubon, beach raking is limited to one beach per week. Harding's Beach gets attention one week, while Ridgevale and Cockle Cove (considered one beach) are raked the next. 
 
Once the birds fledge raking will resume 4-6 days per week.

Attention Business Owners! 

The Chatham Climate Action Network wants to hear from you:

Is the threat from climate change to your business coming? Or is it already here?

GET READY!…   What does your business need to be resilient and “Climate Smart” as we face increasingly more extreme weather?  Please take this quick survey in order to integrate your needs, as a business owner, into a Chatham Climate Action Plan.

Don't Miss Shakespeare in the Park

One week of performances have passed; don't miss your chance to experience Shakespeare under the stars next week.

Free performances begin at 7 p.m. in Kate Gould Park. Bring your chairs or blankets and enjoy!

Romeo and Juliet will be performed on Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings and The Tempest will be performed on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday evenings.