It's Band Time in Chatham!

The tradition continues in Kate Gould Park when Chatham Band concerts resume for the summer season tonight. Concerts begin at 8 p.m. and are scheduled for every Friday night through August 30th. If the weather forecast is questionable, check the Chatham Band's website for that evening's performance status.

American flag flying at half staff against a blue sky background

Half Staff Notification

Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Saturday, June 29, 2024, the day of interment, in honor of United States Army Staff Sergeant Johnathon Daniel Maine, of Winchendon, MA, who passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

This gubernatorial order applies to:

The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls.
Other state-owned or state-controlled buildings.
All state military installations.

Special Revenue Funds Approved

Governor Maura T. Healey has signed into law a new piece of legislation allowing the Town of Chatham to establish two Special Revenue Funds aimed at maintaining a vibrant year-round community. These Funds will support attainable housing and the local Chatham Elementary School.

The special legislation, which was approved by voters at the 2022 Annual Town Meeting under Article 28, and submitted to the State by the Select Board, permits the creation of the Attainable Housing Special Revenue Fund and the Chatham Elementary School Special Revenue Fund. The Town approved an additional 2% on top of the 4% collected from traditional hotel/motel room occupancy excise tax. This additional revenue collected annually by the Town will be deposited into these Funds, with each Fund receiving one percent which is estimated at $961,596 for FY2024.

For many years, the Select Board has prioritized the addition of affordable and attainable housing units, and the sustainability of Chatham Elementary School in its annual goal-setting sessions.

“Passage of this Chatham special home rule legislation is a major milestone for our long-term planning in support of attainable housing and funding support for our kids in the Chatham and Monomoy schools,” said Select Board Chair Mike Schell. “This is a big achievement for the entire community.”

Town Manager Jill Goldsmith said “It is essential that we invest in both our community’s future and present needs. By setting aside a designated funding source, we are not only working to address funding the critical need for housing but investing to ensure that our youngest residents have the educational resources they need to succeed. This step reflects our commitment to fostering a sustainable, vibrant community for all. We are grateful for the community’s support and look forward to the positive impact these funds will have on Chatham's future.”

The text of the legislation, Chapter 121 of the Acts of 2024, is available for review on the Massachusetts Legislature’s website.

a row of cars parked along the side of a road

Seaview Street Parking Restricted

The Select Board, on the recommendations of the Golf Advisory Committee and the Traffic Safety Committee, voted 3-1 to post all of Seaview Street, north and south sides, with the exception of a pre-existing loading zone at the rear of Chatham Bars Inn's main building, as "No Parking."

The Committee's recommendations were made in consideration of public safety for pedestrians, those crossing the street in golf carts, vehicular traffic, and to maintain access for emergency vehicles.

Signage reflecting the parking restriction and penalty for violation will be installed soon.

Blue oval sign with 193 Chatham Center for Active Living in white lettering on a grassy lawn

CFAL - Moving Forward

The Select Board and the Council on Aging Board of Directors meeting jointly received a presentation from Kurt Raber, Catalyst Architecture and Interiors on Tuesday, June 25^th in follow-up to a joint meeting on March 18th in which preliminary findings of a feasibility study on options to renovate and improve the Center for Active Living located at193 Stony Hill Road were presented.

The final findings were divided into four color coded options which could be selected individually or in conjunction with one or more of the options.

The first option (orange), or base work, included necessary structural and mechanical improvements including upgrading and modernizing the elevator and HVAC system, ADA upgrades, and new roofing. Proposed structural work includes repairs to the building’s foundation.

The second option (green), or so-called Option 1A, built upon the base work and addressed high priority renovations to improve the function of the building. This work included the removal of columns on the lower and first floors to create more usable space, the addition of interior walls on the lower level for code compliance in the stairway and to create distinct program areas, reconfiguration of existing space on the second floor, and the addition of dormers to increase the usability of rooms on the second floor.

Option 1B (blue) addressed lower priority renovations and reconfigures existing spaces on the first and second floor for greater functionality and adds a small addition for a covered porch, new vestibule, and interior closet.

Option 2 (yellow) called for a full addition to the building with a multi-purpose room, bathrooms, and storage areas on the lower level; dedicated entrance, restrooms, office and program space for the adult supportive day care program on the first floor; and a small office space and access stairwell on the second floor.

After input from the public, and discussions among the Board members, the Select Board voted to direct the Town Manager and staff to work with Mr. Raber within his existing contract to further refine the design and cost estimates for Option 1B (blue) which would include all base work proposed and the renovations included in Option 1A and Option 1B and return to the Board with that information.

A group of older adults wearing blue fleece jackets with their hands raised in the air

Better Together Marks One Year

The Chatham Better Together celebrated their one-year anniversary today with a party at the Center for Active Living! Participants shared stories of how the group had “changed their lives” through new friendships, shared experiences and lasting friendships. The group was joined at lunch by members of the Town of Chatham Leadership Team, including Town Manager Jill Goldsmith, Fire Chief Justin Tavano, DPW Director Rob Faley, and Harbormaster Jason Holm.

The Chatham Department of Community Services was awarded a grant in July, 2023 from the Massachusetts Council on Aging (MCOA) for a one-year pilot program to bring older adults living alone together in order to reduce isolation, build meaningful friendships, and provide a sense of community.

This program, titled, “Chatham Better Together”, met once per month for 12 months beginning in July, 2023 at the CFAL for three hours each session. Time together included meals from local restaurants, and included a mixture of enrichment activities, educational and service talks, field trips and time with Town officials. Most importantly, it brought older adults together who may otherwise spend too much time alone. “Loneliness is an epidemic,” says Leah LaCross, Director of Community Services for the Town of Chatham, “we have a responsibility to do what we can to help combat it and provide opportunities for interconnectivity to our older residents”.

The program will resume again in September. Please call 508-945-5190 for more information.

July 4th Holiday Closures

Town Offices, the Community Center, the Center for Active Living and the Transfer Station will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in recognition of the July 4th holiday.

The Transfer Station remains closed to the public on Wednesdays, so please plan your disposal and recycling needs accordingly!

Men dressed as pirates marching down a street

Independence Day Celebrations

Fireworks

Chatham's 3rd Annual Fireworks Spectacular is on Tuesday, July 2nd at Veterans Field.

Kids activities are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The Jeff Lowe Band will be playing your favorite patriotic tunes at 8 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at approximately 9 p.m.

Parking restrictions and road closures will begin at 6 p.m. Depot Road from Post Office Road to Old Harbor Road will be closed to all vehicle traffic. Hitching Post Road will be closed south of Old Academy Road once the Elementary School lot is full.

No parking will be permitted along the south side of Depot Road from the access stairs to Main Street, Hitching Post Road south of Old Academy, Tip Cart Road, south end of Crowell Road, or in the driveway to Seaside Cemetery.

A safety zone will be established in front of the Fire Station where no pedestrians will be permitted.

Please respect no parking areas, barricades, the instructions of public safety personnel, and private property so that all may enjoy this event safely.

Parade

The Independence Day Parade will be held on Thursday, July 4th beginning at 9:30 a.m. from the corner of Shore Road and Main Street.

The parade route will follow Main Street west to its intersection with Crowell Road where it will turn north on Crowell to its end at Tip Cart Road.

The Chatham Independence Day Parade Committee recently announced that the singer of the National Anthem for the 2024 parade will be Monomoy High School student Leyla Holmes. The 2024 parade judges are Chuck Borkoski, who suggested the theme “Chatham – It’s a Shore Thing!” for this year’s parade, recently retired Chatham Harbormaster Stuart Smith and, following the long-standing tradition Monomoy High School Valedictorian Yu Ying Zou. They join World War II veteran and member of the Chatham Band Karle Fehrle who is serving as Grand Marshall this year.

The following parking restrictions will go into effect at 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4th for Chatham's Independence Day Parade:

No Parking – Tow zone – Main St from the Rotary to Shore Rd. on the south side
No Parking – Tow zone – Main St from the Rotary to Seaview St. on the north side
No Parking – Tow zone – Main St. from Tale of the Cod to Shore Rd.
No Parking – Tow zone – Crowell Rd to Tip Cart
No Parking – Tow zone – Hitching Post, Tip Cart, Depot Rd.

After 2:30 am, chairs etc. can be placed on Main St. in the downtown area in the marked streetside parking areas. Anything placed prior to 2:30 am will be removed. The Town is not responsible for anything left on Main Street.

At 7:00 a.m. Shore Road will close, with access for Parade and local traffic only. Access will be one way to allow parade participants to line up and prepare. Officers will be in place to assist.

At 8:30 a.m. Main Street (downtown) from the Rotary to Shore Rd. will be closed to vehicle traffic.

At 9:00 a.m. Main Street (downtown) from the Rotary to Crowell Rd. closes to all traffic.

At 9:30 a.m. the Parade steps off! Enjoy!

Select Board on Summer Schedule

The Select Board moves to its summer schedule with no meeting next week.

Meetings will be held on:

July 9 & 23
August 6 & August 20
September 10 & September 24

Additional meetings may be called if issues arise that require Select Board action.

Police Lieutenant Andrew Goddard in uniform standing in Chatham Town Offices

Lieutenant Goddard to Retire

After 27 years of service to the community, Lieutenant Andrew Goddard has announced his retirement from the Police Department on August 19th.

Lieutenant Goddard joined Chatham's Police Department in July 1997, hired as a full-time Officer by former Chief Kevin Fitzgibbons. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in June of 2008 and Lieutenant in September of 2018 by former Chief Mark Pawlina.

Lieutenant Goddard is well known throughout Town and will be missed by many community members. We wish him nothing but the best his retirement!

Bingo on the Green July 19th at 5 p.m. at the Community Center

Yellow triangular sign and orange roping on a beach

Weekly Shorebird Report

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

As of June 27th there were 15 nesting pairs of piping plovers and 22 broods of chicks. There are also colonies of least terns with nests and chicks and American Oystercatchers with nests and chicks on local beaches.

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.

Sewer Construction Update

July and August

No sewer related roadwork or closures will take place.

Sewer testing or manhole work may occur over the summer, but impacts will be localized to that specific work area. Police detail(s) and signage will be in place in these areas.

Pump Station site work is expected to continue through the summer at Pump Station #3 (Meetinghouse Road), Pump Station #4 (Twine Field Drive), and the QAPS (40 Queen Anne Road; at the SE corner of Queen Anne Road & Oyster Pond Furlong).

Contractors may begin to provide notifications to homeowners this summer in preparation for fall sewer work. This is done by placing green stakes with placards and associated pavement markings. These stakes and placards indicate the designed location where homeowner lateral stubs will be installed. Please review the placard/notification and reach out to the contact number provided if another location is preferred. Please refer to the Town’s website for upcoming projects and the areas of work planned.

outline of houses and a key in blue over a sandy background

Short-Term Rental Registration Required

The Chatham Board of Health passed a regulation requiring all short term rentals to obtain an rental certificate with the Town starting in 2024.

The rental certificate is valid for one calendar year (March 1-Feb 28) and must be renewed annually. The fee associated with the rental certificate is $50.00.

Information on the regulation and the online application for the rental certificate can be found here: https://chatham-ma.gov/915/Short-Term-Rental-Registration-Certifica. For more information, please contact the Health Division at 508.945.5165 or email Housing Inspector Karen Chimwaza.

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

General Bylaw Chapter 225, Section 4 G.which governs the placement of signs on Town-owned property, provides the Town Manager, as the agent of the Select Board, the discretion as to the suitability of any temporary signs, which are defined as intended to be displayed for a limited period for the purpose of advertising a special sale or promotion or announcing a bona fide charitable, religious, educational or civic event.

The application to temporarily place a sign on Town property is available on the Town's website and should be submitted to the Town Manager's office for consideration. Temporary signs placed on Town-owned property without permission will be removed.

Temporary signs placed on private property require a permit from the sign agent per Chapter 225, Section 15 D (2).

Chatham Town Seal with silhouette of a speaker at a podium inside it

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 available through the link in the posted agendas.

July 9

To consider an application for a new Annual Wine & Malt Beverages Only Restaurant license for CCNY, LLC d/b/a Pain D'Avignon Cafe & Boulangerie, 71 Crowell Road, Mario Mariani, Manager.

All interested parties are encouraged to participate.

A wooden windmill with its side door open and several people standing at the entrance

Godfrey Windmill Volunteers Needed

Volunteer guides are needed to conduct tours and answer visitor questions at the Godfrey Windmill located in Chase Park.

The Windmill, built in 1797 by Colonel Benjamin Godfrey and historically restored in 2012, is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from July 1st to August 30th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will also be open Friday to Sunday, August 16th to 18th during the Festival of the Arts.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact the Recreation and Beaches Division for more information.

Station Chatham Lighthouse Tours

Members of US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-1 will once again be conducting free tours of Chatham Light every Wednesday in July and August and every other Wednesday through September, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Children must be a minimum of 45" tall and accompanied by a parent or responsible adult and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Backpacks are not permitted in the Lighthouse, so please leave them at home or in your car.

Red Lighthouse topped with a graduation cap

The Community School Fall Registration

Register now for Fall 2024 adult education classes at The Community School at Cape Cod Technical High School, 351 Pleasant Lake Avenue, Harwich.

Courses are available in beauty, building, and healthcare industries, plus personal enrichment. Start your new career or learn a new skill today!

The Community School is also seeking two electrical instructors. Whether you're a passionate educator, seeking a new beginning after career burnout, or adapting to physical limitations, find fulfillment in sharing your expertise and inspiring the next generation. Explore the rewarding opportunities of teaching at The Community School at Cape Cod Tech.

Next Select Board Meeting - July 9, 2024 @ 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#.

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

Subscribe today to have the latest issue of The Mainsheet delivered directly to your inbox each week! Sign-up through Notify Me! by entering your email address and clicking on the envelope icon next to the "Government" subscription list.

Town of Chatham website www.chatham-ma.gov