Yellow triangle with a black exclamation point in its center

Traffic Advisory

Stage Harbor Yacht Club 29th Annual Opti Regatta

On Tuesday, July 1st, the Stage Harbor Yacht Club will host its 29th Annual Opti Regatta. The event will commence at approximately 7:00 a.m. with boat arrivals and is expected to conclude around 5:00 p.m.

Please be advised that heavy traffic congestion is anticipated during drop-off and pick-up times in the vicinity of the Old Mill Boat Yard parking lot, adjacent to the Stage Harbor boat ramp and Harbormaster’s Office. A police detail will be on-site to assist with the increased volume and to help maintain an orderly flow of vehicles.

We kindly ask all facility users to plan accordingly and allow extra travel time to accommodate potential delays.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

The Fourth of July is fast approaching and soon the night air will be filled with the sights and sounds of fireworks. Unfortunately, too many of them will be fired off by individuals who are possessing and using them illegally in Massachusetts.

Every summer people are hurt, and property is destroyed by fires that start with illegal fireworks. More of these incidents take place during the week of July 4th than at any other time of the year.

Please, don't contribute to a serious fire, injury, or other emergency: leave fireworks to the professionals.

Fireworks Spectacular - July 2nd

Chatham's 4th Fireworks Spectacular, brought to you by the Chatham Anglers/Chatham Athletic Association, are scheduled for Wednesday, July 2nd at Veterans Field. Kids activities are scheduled from 7-8:30 p.m. with patriotic music by the Jeff Lowe Band beginning at 8:00 p.m. with the fireworks to follow.

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. Spectators will not be permitted along Depot Rd. from Hitching Post Rd. to approximately the stairs going to the playground. Please do not put out chairs in this area during the day, they will be removed by Town staff.

The Little League field adjacent to Veterans Field and the playground is a great and safe place to set up blankets and chairs. There will be additional lighting added to the Little League field for safe access before and after the fireworks display. If you are attending with children, this area has direct access to the playground as well.

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

Can't make it to the show on Wednesday and looking for a professional display to enjoy? The State lists every permitted display on the Fire Services website - Leave Fireworks to the Professionals | Mass.gov

Stillwater Pond Update

The cyanobacteria restrictions posted at Stillwater Pond on June 18, 2025 have been lifted. Normal use of the pond for recreational activities may resume.

Map of downtown Chatham showing Independence Day Parade route and parking areas

Independence Day Parade Parking & Access

Keep the following parking and access restrictions in mind when making your plans to attend the Independence Day Parade.

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 Stony Hill Rd. & Hitching Post Rd.

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.

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

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

9:00 a.m. - Main Street (downtown) from Crowell Rd./Queen Anne Rd. closes to all traffic.

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

Early Closure of Public Beaches July 4th Weekend

In an effort to ensure a safe and respectful holiday for all, the Town of Chatham will be closing its south-facing beaches and Lighthouse Beach one hour earlier than usual over the July 4th weekend. Beach parking lots will close at 9:00 p.m., and the beaches will be cleared of visitors shortly thereafter.

This temporary adjustment is being implemented in the interest of public safety and to reduce the potential for disorderly behavior during a traditionally busy and high-traffic holiday weekend. Chatham Police officers will be present to enforce the earlier closures.

The Town may implement similar beach restrictions on select dates throughout the summer, as determined by public safety officials and based on expected beach activity levels.

Chatham remains committed to welcoming all who wish to enjoy our natural beauty while ensuring the health, safety, and enjoyment of everyone.

Water Conservation Measures are in Effect

Water Conservation Restrictions in PlaceAll non-essential outdoor water use shall be restricted to no more than two days per week. Watering by sprinkler or irrigation is allowed on customer assigned days only before 9:00 AM and after 5:00 PM. 

• Odd numbered addresses are assigned Tuesdays and Thursdays.

• Even numbered addresses are assigned Wednesdays and Fridays.

Non-essential uses include:

• Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems

• Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety

• Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways, or sidewalks (except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement, or concrete).

Irrigation Systems on Town Water Supply

The Town’s Rules and Regulations of the Water Department require all irrigation systems connected to the municipal water supply:

be registered with and permitted by the Town.
be placed on a separate water meter at the customer’s expense.
be equipped with a timing device that can be set to conform with local watering restrictions.
be equipped with a rain/and or soil moisture sensing device that will prevent the system from starting automatically during periods or rain or high soil moisture.

Is your system in compliance? For information on ensuring that is, contact the Water Division at 508-945-5150 or email Pam Jones.

Hand holding a glass of water under a faucet

New Water Rates Effective July 1st

The Select Board, acting as Water & Sewer Commissioners, approved increases to the Town’s water rates on Tuesday, June 24th. The new rates are effective July 1st.

The new rates come after years of discussion and review by the Water & Sewer Advisory Committee and will prevent the Water Fund from going into deficit. The Water Fund operates as a self-supporting entity, meaning that all costs associated with providing water services – including contract operations, maintenance, capital improvements, and debt service – must be covered by water rate revenues.

Since the last adjustment to water rates in 2019, not only have the costs to operate and maintain the Town’s drinking water system risen but the Town has invested in capital improvements such as the construction of Wells 10&11 and the permanent Water Treatment Plant for Wells 5 & 8 to ensure that the community has an ample supply of high-quality drinking water.

The Town is also cognizant of the importance of water conservation, particularly in times of drought, the majority of the Cape is currently at Level 2-Significant Drought Status. The Water Division offers these Handy Tips to Conserve Water that will help you lower your water usage and your water bill.

Select Board seated at the dais in the large meeting room

Select Board Action - June 24th

The Board opened the meeting with three public hearings. In the first, the Board approved an increased sewer flow for 878-880 Main Street to accommodate a change of use of the property. In the second, the Board heard a presentation on the need to increase water rates in order to cover expenses in the Water budget. After extensive Board discussion and receiving comments from the public, the Select Board approved the proposed water rates to avoid running a deficit in the water budget. In the third hearing, the Board considered and approved adjustments to building permit fees.

The Board proclaimed July 12, 2025 as the 65th anniversary of the opening of the Chatham Railroad Museum.

The Board approved licenses to enter and use real property to conduct private businesses on Town property to Mary Austin (Boot Camp Chatham), Rachel Cook (Circuit Training Fitness Class), and Susan Hunter (Adult Fitness Class).

The Board reviewed the Lighthouse Beach Operational Plan for 2025 which includes beach monitors rather than a beach patrol due to lack of applicants qualified for beach patrol positions.

The Board approved the Clean Water Trust Financing Agreement for the belt filter press for the Wastewater Control Facility.

The Board approved the Memorandum of Agreement with the Town of Orleans to allow four Chatham residents already enrolled in the Rock Harbor Respite Program to continue attending for FY2026.

An update on the first year of the Community Services Behavioral Health Clinical program was provided. The positive impact of the program in diverting those experiencing mental health issues away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate care was noted.

The Board voted against moving forward with the Request for Proposals for Design Guidelines Scope of Work for the former Ellis property at 127 Old Harbor Road.

The Board made the following appointments to Boards/Commissions/Committees:

Sarah Griscom and Adrienne Lovuolo (3 year terms) to the Energy & Climate Action Committee.
Darci Sequin (3 year term) and Timothy Gilmore (Alternate, 1 year term) to the Historic Business District Commission.
Warren Chane (3 year term) to the Planning Board.
Ann Wade and Valerie Mowbry (3 year terms) to the Human Services Committee.
David Eldredge and Meredith Fry (3 years terms) to the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Bob Davis, Barry Greco, Jeff Hahner, Pat Vreeland (3 year terms) and Alan St. Pierre (1 year of unexpired term) to the Shellfish Advisory Committee.
Peter Schock (3 year term) to the Waterways Advisory Committee.

Town Manager Jill Goldsmith noted current items included in the Town Manager’s Monthly Report for May 2025 highlighting employee anniversaries and an update on the Center for Active Living renovation. Review the full report for an inside look at highlights of current initiatives, Department-by-Department summaries, and project updates.

The public is encouraged to watch the meeting in its entirety through the Chatham TV on-demand archive.

Kids watching model trains running on a track

Closing out History Month

Close out History Month with a visit to the Chatham Railroad Museum on Saturday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition to its regular exhibits, the Museum will run an O Gauge model railroad with multiple trains continuously. Come enjoy the trains, tour the caboose and learn about Chatham Railroad’s vital role in Chatham’s history.

July 4th Holiday Closings

The Town Offices, Community Center, Center for Active Living and the Transfer Station will all be CLOSED on Friday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day.

Barbara Cotnam smiling broadly after cutting a blue ribbon with oversized scissors

Marconi- RCA Conservation Trail Open

After 15 years of persistent advocacy, Barbara Cotnam cut the ribbon to open the Marconi/ RCA Conservation Trail on Thursday, June 26th.

The ceremonial opening was well attended by representatives of the many organizations that were essential to seeing the project to fruition. Select Board Vice Chair Jeffrey Dykens spoke to Ms. Cotnam’s tenacity in seeing the trail completed. Robert Fishback, President of the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center, spoke on the historic usage of the land and its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, and Michele Maloney-Kitts credited the people and organizations the made the project possible.

The loop trail features benches at two spots overlooking Ryder’s Cove and a picnic area.

Backstage - Mill Creek Dredging

Get a bird’s eye look at the dredging of Mill Creek with the latest edition of Backstage from Chatham TV.

Narrated by Coastal Resilience Director Catherine Ricks, the production explains the work of the Barnstable County Dredge program and the process of moving sand out of the Mill Creek entrance channel and onto Cockle Cove Beach to combat the erosion that occurred over the winter.

Town seal with the silhouette of a speaker at a podium in the center

Upcoming Public Hearings

The Select Board will hold the following public hearing during their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, beginning at 5:30 p.m., in the large meeting room at the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road.

July 8

To consider a petition from NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install one (1) handhole 20/HA57 and 100 feet of +/- 1 to 3 inches conduit. This construction is necessary to provide new underground service to the customer located at 739 Crowell Road, Chatham.

July 22

To consider a petition from NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install two (2) handholes 291/HA2 and 291/HB2 and 35 feet plus or minus 1-3 inches conduit. The purpose of this construction is to provide new underground service to the customer located at 41 Lakeview Avenue.

The public is encouraged to participate in-person or through the link in the posted agenda.

Roadway Safety Reminders

The summer is here and so are the crowds. Our roadways are busy with vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic!

A few simple reminders for pedestrian safety, whether you are walking in a quiet neighborhood or along a busy street:

Look both ways before crossing streets.
Use designated crosswalks & sidewalks, especially in busy areas.
Walk single file against traffic where sidewalks are not available.
Wear reflective gear if walking after dark.
Keep pets leashed and out of roadways.

We want you to summer safely!

Next Select Board Meeting - July 8, 2025 @ 5:00 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.