Acquisition for Affordable Housing

The closing by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Trustees on the purchase of approximately 3.5 acres on Meetinghouse Road in South Chatham from the Diocese of Fall River for the purpose of building Affordable Housing took place on October 31st. 

The purchase is the culmination of months of discussions between Diocese and Town representatives initiated in February 2022 when the Diocese offered the land to the Town in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP) for land for affordable and/or attainable housing.

The $500,000 purchase price of the property is fully funded through the Town’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Trust receives funds through various sources but mainly from Community Preservation Act Funds.

Town Manager Jill Goldsmith said “This is an exciting step forward for Chatham toward creating much needed Affordable Housing, we again thank the Diocese of Fall River for their response to the RFP and their shared commitment to affordable housing efforts.” 

“Thanks to the thoughtful generosity by the Diocese of Fall River, Chatham has secured a critical piece of property upon which to develop much needed affordable housing. What a tremendous opportunity for Chatham as we strive to create a more sustainable, year-round town,” said Select Board Chair Jeffrey Dykens.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., said “The Diocese of Fall River is grateful that the sale of unused land on Meetinghouse Road is now complete as it will benefit both the Chatham community and Holy Redeemer Parish in that town. It provides to Chatham a parcel of land for development of affordable housing at time when the need for such is critical. For Holy Redeemer Parish, whose interests the Diocese represented in the transaction, the proceeds from the sale will help support the parish’s long-awaited renovation project.” 

Sergeant Massey Honored

On October 26, 2022, Chatham Police Department Sergeant, and School Resource Officer William Massey was awarded an “Excellence in Community Outreach and Prevention Award” for his work on “Project Safe Childhood Cape & Islands Education Series” by US Attorney General Rachel Rollins. The award was presented at the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse in recognition of the 2022 Law Enforcement Public Service Awards.

Project Safe Childhood relies upon the ongoing efforts and relationships between law enforcement agencies, schools, advocacy organizations and others to protect and defend children from exploitation and abuse. The Project Safe Childhood Cape & Islands Education Series was initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic when students of all ages began spending more hours online for remote learning and social activities.

The Project Safe Childhood Cape & Islands Education Series offered presentations on internet safety and the exploitation of children to raise awareness of crimes being committed against children and provided strategies to ameliorate the risks for parents, students, and professionals.

Sergeant Massey and his partners on the project, which included several FBI agents, Lieutenant Andrew McLaughlin, Orleans Police Department and Dennis Stampfle, School Resource Officer, Barnstable Police Department, were recognized for their work and dedication to protecting children.