Happy Thanksgiving Chatham!

Holiday Closures

Town Offices and the Community Center will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd and Friday, November 24th.

The Transfer Station will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd and open on Friday, November 24th.

Battlefield Landing Closed to Shellfishing

Due to an overturned boat and out of an abundance of caution Battlefield Landing from Port Fortune to Sears Point has been closed to shellfishing until further notice.

Turkey Trot Tomorrow

The Annual Turkey Trot will step off at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning from the Oyster Pond parking lot.

The route is the reverse of the traditional run and will set out on Stage Harbor Road, turn onto Champlain Road, then onto Battlefield, and return on Cedar Street with a loop on Capri Lane before returning to the Oyster Pond lot on Stage Harbor Road.

Over 1000 participants are expected. If you have to travel along the race route tomorrow morning, please be extra cautious!

Stylized outline of two roof lines above the outline of a key

Register Short Term Rentals Online

The Town of Chatham’s short-term rental online registry is now active. 

The registry is required under the Board of Health’s Short Term Rental Regulations adopted on April 24, 2023. Registration of a short-term rental property with the Town is required by March 1, 2024 for the summer 2024 rental season. The registration fee per property is $50. The local registration is in addition to required registration with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

The link to access the online registry is located on the Health Division’s webpage and under the “How Do I – Apply” section on the Town’s website home page.

While registrants are required to sign an affidavit attesting to their property meeting the requirements of the Regulations, please note inspections are not currently required prior to the issuance of a rental certificate. However, the Town reserves the right to inspect a property as needed to address any concerns identified in the registration process or complaints made by a tenant.

Owners of short-term rentals must comply with minimum standards required by the Massachusetts Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410) which include but are not limited to:

Basic structural safety and overall security
Smoke Detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, as required by M.G.L. c. 148 Section 26 C-F½ and 780 CMR: Massachusetts State Building Code, 527 CMR 1.00: Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Code, and 248 CMR 10.00: Uniform State Plumbing Code and in compliance with accepted standards.
Two means of egress, especially on a second or higher floor
Properly installed and functioning utilities, appliances, fixtures and plumbing
Proper storage and disposal of trash and recycling

Individuals with questions on the Short-term Regulations should contact Health Agent Judith Giorgio via email or at 508-945-5165.

Sections of the wooden Morris Island Road Floodgate stacked on the side of the road

Stage Harbor/Morris Island Road Floodgate Stakeholder Meeting

The Town of Chatham will host a public information session and stakeholders meeting on the replacement of the flood gate on Morris Island Road on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 10 a.m. at its Community Center, 702 Main Street, Chatham.

The discussion will be led by Dr. Maura Boswell of Geosyntec Consultants, the firm engaged by the Town to evaluate the existing structure and surrounding area to determine the type of replacement gate needed. Dr. Boswell will be discussing flood gate data, wind, weather, and water level information relevant to the replacement of the flood gate. Dr. Boswell will also be discussing further data analysis needed and information regarding the times and conditions for deployment of the flood gate.

The information session will provide an opportunity for the public, specifically resident/property owners in the area of Morris Island Road, Little Beach, Stage Island & Morris Island; Town officials; and State & Federal permitting agencies to raise issues, concerns, and questions prior to entering the next phase of the project.

Questions should be referred to Harbormaster Stuart Smith at ssmith@chatham-ma.gov or 508-945-5185.

American flag flying at half staff against a blue sky background

Half Staff Notifications

Please be advised that Governor Maura T. Healey has ordered the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag to be lowered to half-staff at all State buildings from November 22nd until the date of internment in honor of the life and legacy of former Massachusetts State and Senator and State Representative Susan Tucker who passed away on November 20th.

Additionally, as a mark of respect for the memory of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation, Governor Healey has ordered the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag to be lowered to half staff from November 25th until sunset to the day of her internment, November 29th.

Town Seal with the outline of a speaker at a podium within the center

Upcoming Public Hearings

The Select Board will hold the following public hearings during its regularly scheduled meetings beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the large meeting room at the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road. Remote participation is also available through the link in the posted meeting agendas.

November 28

To consider a petition from Verizon New England, Inc. and NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to upgrade three (3) existing poles - 47/30, 47/31, 47/32 - with associated storm guying on the west side of Morris Island Road, and install three (3) new poles - 47/30A, 47/31A, 47/32A - with associated guying along the easy side of Morris Island Road. This work and storm guying is requested by Eversource Energy to support the existing poles.

To consider disbanding the Aunt Lydia's Cove Committee in accordance with Section 5-2 of the Home Rule Charter.

December 5

To consider the placement of new traffic signs:

No Parking - north side of Barcliff Avenue from Old Harbor Road to Hitching Post Road
Stop Signs and Bars - Morris Island Road southbound at intersection with Little Beach Road and Windmill Lane
Stop Signs and Bars - Park Avenue at the intersection with Lakeview Avenue
Stop Signs and Bars (2) - Riverview Drive at the intersection of Chipping Stone Road

December 12

To consider a petition from NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install one (1) handhole 122/H2A and 65' +/- of 1-4" conduit to provide underground service to the customer at 16 Seapine Road.

All interested parties are encouraged to participate.

Don't Wait for the Flakes to Fly

The Department of Public Works has updated the Private Road Snow Removal Policy after re-inspecting a number of private roads that had been deemed un-plowable earlier in the fall as they failed to meet minimum standards to prevent damage to Town equipment during snow and ice removal. Thank you to those property owners who addressed the deficiencies allowing those private roads to receive plowing and sanding services this winter.

If your private road is still listed as un-plowable due to the noted deficiencies, there is still time to make corrections and have your road re-inspected. But, please, don't wait to call for a re-inspection until snow is in our forecast. Once a storm is approaching the Public Works crews will be too busy prepping for that event to re-inspect and your road will not receive services! Call the Department of Public Works at 508-945-5150 to request a re-inspection.

Support Local Business in cursive writing within a blue circle

Shop Small, Shop Local

Please support Chatham merchants this Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday shopping season!

Not only will you be be picking up primo quality goods for everyone on your gift list but by investing in our local economy you help support our year round community!

Black dog in blaze orange vest standing in the woods.

Hunting Season Advisory

Deer hunting by shotgun begins on Monday, November 27th and lasts until December 9th. Deer hunting by primitive firearm (black powder) takes place from December 11th -30th.

Please protect yourself and your canine companions when venturing into the woods by wearing blaze orange during these hunting seasons.

Hunting on Sundays is prohibited in Massachusetts.

Toys for Tots 2023 Toy Collection Information

Start the Season Off Right

Get into the spirit of the season with some early December holiday events!

The Chatham Police Association is once again collecting new, unwrapped toys for distribution to local Cape Cod families in need through the United States Marine Corps Reserve Cape Cod Toys for Tots Foundation. Donations can be dropped in the bins in the Police Station lobby, 249 George Ryder Road, or brought to the Stuff A Cruiser event on Saturday, December 2nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ocean State Job Lot.

The Fire Department also is conducting its annual Holiday Toy Drive. The Department collects unwrapped toys, gift cards and monetary donations at the Fire Station Headquarters, 135 Depot Road, for local distribution by the Chatham Children's Fund, Monomoy Youth Services, and Lower Cape Outreach.

And if you are looking to meet with the man in red himself, word on the street is that Santa will be arriving at the Fish Pier on Sunday, December 3rd at 1 p.m. by boat! He'll then be transported by fire truck to the Community Center where he will meet with all the kids, naughty or nice!

Next Select Board Meeting - November 28, 2023 @ 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. Minutes

November 14, 2023

II. Public Announcements and Agenda Item Requests

III. Public Hearings

A. Utility Pole Hearing; Upgrade Three (3) Existing Poles and Storm Guying on the West Side of Morris Island Road and Install Three (3) New Poles with Associated Guying on the East Side of Morris Island Road

B. Consider Disbanding the Aunt Lydia’s Cove Committee (ALC)

IV. Public Comments on Business Agenda

V. Business Agenda (Board Discussion Items)

A. Renew Chatham Shellfish Company Aquaculture Lease – Shellfish Constable Renee Gagne

B. Seasonal Shellfish Area Openings – Shellfish Constable Renee Gagne

C. Consider Use of Town Resources on December 31, 2023 – First Night Chatham – Paul Stuka

D. Consider Special One Day Alcohol Permits

1. Chatham Garden Club at 347 Stage Harbor Road, Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 5 – 7 pm

2. Chatham Walkers at the Chatham Community Center, 712 Main Street, Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 4 – 8:30 pm

3. Lola Mer LLC at 782 Main Street, Friday, December 8, 2023 from 4 - 8:30 pm

4. Chatham Threadworks at 400 Main Street, Friday, December 8, 2023 from 4 – 8 pm

5. Ports & Company at 595 Main Street, Friday, December 8, 2023 from 4 – 9 pm

6. Mark August at 490 Main Street, Friday, December 8, 2023 from 4 – 9 pm

7. Rotary Club of Chatham at 548 Main Street, Friday, December 8, 2023 from 4 – 9 pm

8. The Black Dog at 628 Main Street, Friday, December 8, 2023 from 5 – 8 pm

9. Fisherman’s Daughter at 521 Main Street, Friday, December 8, 2023 from 5 – 9 pm

10. Pine Acres Realty at Compass at 509 Main Street, Friday, December 8, 2023 from 6 – 7:45 pm

11. Where The Side Walk Ends at 432 Main Street, Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 1 – 3 pm

E. Stepping Stones Road Property – Next Steps for the Purposes of Affordable and/or Attainable Housing and Allocation of Affordable Housing Trust and Select Board Responsibilities (M. Schell Request) - Housing and Sustainability Director Gloria McPherson

F. Sears Road Landing Access Discussion (J. Dykens Agenda Request) – Director of Public Works Rob Faley/Town Counsel Pat Costello

G. Consider Expansion of the Council on Aging Board of Directors – (Public Comment Accepted Will Be Accepted During this Item)

H. Appointments

1. Council on Aging

2. Zoning Board of Appeals

I. Town Manager’s Report – October 2023 – Town Manager Jill Goldsmith

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!

Town of Chatham website www.chatham-ma.gov