Wells 5 & 8 Treatment Plant Project

Site preparation has begun for the construction of a new 1.44 million gallons/day water treatment plant for the removal of iron, manganese, and PFAS from Wells 5 & 8 located off Training Field Road.

Funding for construction of the treatment plant (and all related costs including but not limited to design, engineering, permitting, testing, Owner’s Project Manager fees, etc.) was approved by the voters of 2023 Annual Town Meeting under Article 26 at $19,800,000.

Construction of the treatment plant, which will consist of a 7,000 sq. ft. masonry building containing filtration equipment, process piping, and chemical feed systems, was put out to bid to general and subcontractors in late winter 2024 at an estimated cost of $16,640,000. The selected general contractor is Winston Building with a submission at $15,862,889. Winston Builders previously contracted with the Town for the construction of the water treatment plant for iron and manganese removal located off Morton Road in South Chatham which services Well 6,7 & 9. Tighe & Bond will serve as the Town’s Owner’s Project Manager on the project.

While the Tree Protection Bylaw passed by 2024 Annual Town Meeting voters has not been approved by the Legislature yet, and according to Town Clerk Julie Smith, if approved, would take effect on the day the Legislature approves it, the Town and contractor minimized the removal of trees to the extent possible on the site and will explore replanting native species in areas of the site that won’t interfere with the operation or maintenance of the plant once construction is complete.

Updates on construction progress will be included in Public Works Director Rob Faley’s regular monthly Drinking Water and Testing updates to the Select Board and will be included in the Town Manager’s Monthly Reports.

Volunteer Park Playground Open

Town Manager Jill Goldsmith acknowledged the Chatham Department of Community Services and our Parks & Recreation Commission for their continued support and dedication to enhancing Chatham’s recreational facilities in prepared comments for the ribbon cutting for the Volunteer Park playground on Monday, July 1st.

Town Manager Goldsmith noted recreation projects such as the playground, the new pickleball courts and the multi-use path on George Ryder Road are made possible by Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. For the playground at Volunteer Park, $300,000 was appropriated in CPA funds by the voters at the 2022 Annual Town Meeting and an additional appropriation via a fund transfer of $60,000 for the new ADA compliant path to the playground was approved at the 2023 Special Town Meeting in September. The support by Town Meeting voters exemplifies our commitment to enhancing our community for everyone to enjoy.

Town Manager Goldsmith thanked the Community Preservation Committee for its support of this project, and to all community members for their patience during construction. Appreciation was also extended to the Town’s construction partner, M.E. O’Brien and Sons.

CC Commission Hearing on CQX Continued to July 25th

The Cape Cod Commission will hold a virtual public hearing on Thursday, July 25^th (continued from Tuesday, June 25^th) at 3 p.m. to consider a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) Hardship Exemption Major Modification request as filed by Chatham Municipal Airport for its Safety Improvement Project.

The Airport seeks modification to the Commission's 2005 DRI Decision (CCC No. 04012) to incorporate an updated Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) to remove or manage vegetation for compliance with federal and/or state safety regulations. A subcommittee of the Commission approved the modification at the June 25^th hearing and recommended it to the full Commission for consideration.

This Major Modification is subject to review pursuant to Sections 12, 13 and 23 of the Cape Cod Commission Act, as amended, and section 11(b)(iii) of Chapter A, Commission Regulations Governing Reviews of DRIs, as amended. At this hearing the subcommittee will hear testimony, review the draft Major Modification Decision, and may vote on the Major Modification.

The public can join and participate in the meeting using one of the following methods:   

• By clicking on the following zoom meeting link:  https://capecodcommission.org/reg/join, passcode: join  
• Participants wishing to speak should click “Participants” icon on the lower toolbar and then click “Raise Hand” in the dialog box to notify the chair.
• Calling in to (929) 205-6099 and entering meeting ID 968 0382 0087. Participants wishing to speak should press *9 to notify the chair. It is recommended that participants access materials in advance of the meeting.

All interested persons will have an opportunity to comment at the hearing. Written comments may also be submitted by mail to the Cape Cod Commission, P.O. Box 226, 3225 Main St. Barnstable, MA 02630 or using the online form. The DRI application including a map showing the location of the subject property and other project materials may be accessed for review at www.capecodcommission.org/ccc  and is also available for public inspection at the Commission’s office during normal business hours.

Poetry Walk At Sylvan Gardens

The 2024 Poetry Walk is a self-led, multi-generational experience located at Sylvan Gardens, 86 Old Main Street, in Chatham; and is in collaboration between the Eldredge Public Library, the Chatham Conservation Foundation, and Friends of Sylvan Gardens.

Visitors to the Gardens will find a kiosk located at the beginning of the walk where they can leave feedback, write a poem, or share some musings. While visiting the Poetry Walk, kindly stay on the trail to avoid ticks and help preserve the Gardens for all to enjoy. The Poetry Walk will be available through September. Thank you to the EPL, CCF, and Friends of Sylvan Garden for organizing this event!

Bluegrass Bash at the Atwood

The Atwood House will hold its first outdoor concert on the front lawn of the Museum, 347 Stage Harbor Road, on Thursday, July 11th.

The concert will feature two incredible musical acts for their very first Bluegrass Bash -  Monica Rizzo and the Tom Hagerty Band.

"Doors" open at 5:30 PM, performance begins at 6:00 PM. The concert will take place underneath a tent and will proceed rain or shine! 

Concessions, including beer, white wine, cocktails, and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages will be sold at the concert.

Tickets are $60 per person and available online. All are general admission and seats will not be assigned. If you have any accessibility questions or concerns, please reach out to the Museum at (508) 945-2493 or by email.