Change of Watch

A change of watch took place this morning as retiring Harbormaster Stuart's Smith's 39 year career with the Town came to a close and former Deputy Harbormaster Jason Holm was sworn in as his successor.

Harbormaster Smith was presented with citations from the Massachusetts State Legislation recognizing his service to the community and with a Resolution and Certificate of Appreciation from the Town. Additionally, two framed photographs of Harbormaster Smith during the response to and the aftermath of the "Perfect Storm" were gifted to him.

Town Manager Jill Goldsmith said  "We are here this morning to honor a tradition that reflects Chatham’s maritime heritage. This ceremonial “Changing of the Watch” is mirrored after changing the watch on the bridge of a ship; it symbolizes the seamless transition of responsibilities, and the continuity of stewardship over our waters. Our retiring Harbormaster Stuart Smith leaves behind a legacy, while our incoming Harbormaster Jason Holm steps forward, ready to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. May the maritime traditions we value inspire us to maintain our course of professionalism, competence, and readiness as our Town embarks on this new chapter. Congratulations to both of you!"

Incoming Harbormaster Holm has over 30 years of professional maritime public safety experience including a 20 year career with the US Coast Guard and has served as the Town's Deputy Harbormaster for the last 11 years. He was presented with the Harbormaster's badge by Harbormaster Smith.

Thank you to all who stopped by the Annex to wish both Stuart and Jason well moving forward in their new roles.

Housing Production Plan Survey

The Town of Chatham, along with housing consultants JM Goldson, have issued an online housing survey to gather community feedback and perspectives on Chatham’s housing availability, affordability, and needs for the development of a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment and update to the Town’s Housing Production Plan.

The survey, which is available through Sunday April 14, provides an opportunity for the Chatham community to provide feedback directly to questions on our housing issues and challenges, and about the community’s needs and desires for affordable and attainable housing in Chatham. 

The public can access the survey by scanning or clicking on the QR code above or at https://tinyurl.com/ChathamHPP or through the Housing page on the Town’s website. The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Following the closure of the online survey, housing consultants JM Goldson will develop a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment based upon community feedback received from the survey as well as that from the Community Housing Visioning Forum of March 20. The resulting Housing Needs Assessment will be presented at a future meeting of the Affordable Housing Trust, date to be determined, and will form the basis for the Housing Production Plan update and its goals and actions

RFP For Land Re-Issued

The Town and the Chatham Affordable Housing Trust  have re-issued a Request for Proposals seeking real property, by purchase, gift, or lease (minimum term of 99 years) within the Town a parcel of land, or parcels of land, suitable for construction or an existing building suitable for renovation for use as a mix of affordable and attainable housing (30% of Area Median Income and up to 200% of Area Median Income). 

The Request for Proposals (RFP) and supporting documents may be obtained via email from Shanna Nealy (snealy@chatham-ma.gov) or at the Chatham Town Offices, Town Manager’s Office, 549 Main Street, Chatham, MA.

Sealed proposals will be received at the Office of the Town Manager, 549 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633 until 2:00 PM on Friday, May 3, 2024. Late submittals will not be accepted.  After the bid closing time, the Interested Party submittals will be opened for the sole purpose of recording the names of the Interested Parties submitting.

The Town reserves the right to reject any or all proposals if deemed in the best interest of the Town.

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.

April 9

To consider a request  for increased sewer flow of 3,439 gpd for a non-residential property located at 589 Main Street to accomodate a new 110-seat restaurant.

April 16

To consider an application for a Change of Manager to the Seasonal All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant license for for TPJ Restaurant Group d/b/a The Chatham Cut, 1200 Main Street, from Lauren Underwood to Matthew W. Keough.

To consider an application for a Change of Manager to the Annual All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant license for TPJ Restaurant Group LLC d/b/a Pates Restaurant, 1260 Main Street, from James Edwards to Scott Smith.

April 23

To consider amending General Bylaw Chapter 100 - Airport Approach Zone Map and Scrivener's Error, Correction "not." Proposed amendments may be reviewed in Articles 42 and 43 of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting warrant.

CCNS Advisory Commission to Meet

The first meeting of the Cape Cod National Seashore's re-authorized federal Advisory Commission will meet on Monday, April 8th at 1 p.m. at the Salt Pond Visitor Center, 50 Nauset Road, Eastham and remotely via Zoom. The meeting is open to the public. 

The purpose of the Commission is to consult with the Secretary of the Interior, or the Secretary's designee, with respect to matters relating to the development of the Cape Cod National Seashore, including matters of acquisition by condemnation and zoning regulations.

US Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland appointed 16 individuals from nominations made by six Outer Cape towns that encompass the National Seashore, as well as members representing Barnstable County and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Chatham's representative is Thomas H. Dougherty, and our Alternate representative is Director of Coastal Resources Ted Keon.

The agenda for the meeting will include the introduction of the Federal Advisory Commission members and support staff, a review of commission charter filed by the Secretary of the Interior on April 26, 2023, the selection of the focus areas that the Commission would like to advise the Seashore on and the setting of future meeting dates. A public comment period is included.