Rendering of renovated Center for Active Living

Public Forum on Center for Active Living Renovations

Follow Up Discussion at January 14th Select Board Meeting

Kurt Raber, Catalyst Architecture & Interiors, presented revised schematic designs with proposed renovations and upgrades to the Center for Active Living, 193 Stony Hill Road, during a joint meeting of the Select Board and Council on Aging Board of Directors on Tuesday, January 7th.

The presentation reviewed refinements to designs presented to the Boards in March and June including a three-story addition, the installation of dormers on the second floor, removal of interior columns, addition of restrooms on the lower level, redesign of office space, new entryway, redesigned parking area, and dedicated drop-off area at the rear of the building for the adult supportive day program.

Mr. Raber reviewed the work done on the designs to date, and the estimated overall costs for the latest revision, which is $4.665 million.

Director of Community Services Leah LaCross spoke to how the renovations and addition would make the currently unusable areas in the building usable and add much needed program space.

Director LaCross and Deputy Director of Community Services Recreation and Beaches and Division Aimee Howell discussed the need to relocate programs and staff from the Center for Active Living to the Community Center during the construction. It was noted that while it would be tight quarters for staff, it would be possible to house priority programs with some compromises and cooperation from third party users. Director LaCross said no services would be lost but programming would be reduced. It was noted that the project scope would include the need for the construction work to be completed in 9 months so as not to impact the summer recreation camp programs at the Community Center.

Town Manager Jill Goldsmith discussed the options to fund the project. She said one option is to fund it fully from Free Cash or to use Free Cash to partially fund the project with the remainder coming through the tax rate.

Mr. Raber said the estimator felt the included amount for escalation was fair but noted there was uncertainty about the impact of any future tariffs on imported goods. He explained that some site work could be done in advance of relocations that could help to keep the project on the 9-month timeline.

Members of the public provided input on the proposed plans and general support was expressed. Concerns were raised about the relocation to the Community Center and the compressed timeline.

The public is welcome to view the meeting in its entirety through Chatham TVs on-demand archive. Comments may be submitted to communityforum@chatham-ma.gov for consideration by the Select Board at its January 14th meeting.

Open Burn Season Permits Required

Open burning season is from January 15th to May 1st each year but may be adjusted based on weather and fire hazard conditions.

Property owners wishing to conduct an open burn must obtain a permit from the Fire Department. Permits are $10 each and are valid for the burning season. Pemit holders must call the Fire Department’s Non-Emergency line, 508-945-2324, to see if burning is allowed each day they plan to burn.

Open burns must be a minimum of 75 feet away from all buildings and may only be conducted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For more information check out this fact sheet or file an application for a permit online.

New Date for Public Restroom Closure

The public restrooms behind the Town Offices at 549 Main Street will now close for renovations to address identified ADA access improvements beginning Monday, January 27th.

The work area will be cordoned off by a construction area perimeter fence restricting pedestrian and vehicle access behind the Town Offices through early May. The construction fence will close direct access behind the building from both Cross Street and the Main Street parking lot.

The public restrooms in the Stage Harbor Road parking lot (behind the Orpheum Theater) will remain open for the public’s use during construction and public restrooms are available in the Community Center and at the Municipal Fish Pier during regular operating hours.

Community Health Festival at the Community Center On January 25th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Community Health Festival January 25th

Mark your calendars for the Community Health Festival, hosted by the Department of Community Services and Health Department, on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chatham Community Center, 702 Main Street.

This fun and informative event will feature free health screenings, exercise demonstrations, arts and crafts, face painting, door prizes, and much more! Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with resources for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, behavioral health, dental health, and more. For more details, call 508-945-5190 or email amilan@chatham-ma.gov. We look forward to seeing you there!

People in yellow survival suite training on a partially frozen pond

Members of the Fire Department took advantage of the frozen conditions on Perch Pond Thursday to train critical skills for rescuing victims that have fallen through the ice. While it's been cold, the only safe ice is at the ice rink!

Hand putting a red pin into a plot on a map with a small model of a house next to it

RFP for Real Property Acquisition by the Town Issued

The Town of Chatham and the Chatham Affordable Housing Trust are seeking to acquire 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.

Sealed proposals will be received at the Office of the Town Manager, 549 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633 until 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. 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.

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 hearings beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the large meeting room at the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road.

January 14th

To consider a petition from Verizon New England Inc. and NSTAR Electric d/b/a Eversource Energy to place one (1) jointly owned pole, P.30.25, on the northerly side of Main Street to a point approximately 60' northwesterly from existing pole, P.30.50, and to a point approximately 37' southeasterly from existing pole. P.30. This additional pole is necessary to upgrade services for 365 Main Street.

To consider a petition from Verizon New England Inc and NSTAR Electric d/b/a Eversource Energy to install one (1) JO pole P.14.5 on the westerly side of George Ryder Road (approximately 246 George Ryder Road) to a point approximately forty-one (41) feet northeasterly of existing pole, P.14.

To consider the installation of one additional stop sign with reflective tape on the pole to be placed on the opposite corner of the existing stop sign on Sam Ryder Road at its intersection with Main Street/Route 28.

To consider the transfer of the Annual All Alcoholic Beverages hotel license from Inn Partners LLC d/b/a The Inn at 359 Main, Jeff Ippoliti, Manager, to Chatham Inn Partners LLC d/b/a Chatham Inn, Adam Votaw, Manager, for the business located at 359 Main Street.

January 28th

To consider an application for a new seasonal all alcoholic beverages restaurant license for Ten Yen LLC d/b/a Namazu Ramen, 643 Main Street, Michael Jacek, Manager.

All interested parties are encouraged to participate in-person or through the link in the posted agenda.

Social Media Phones and Anxiety Parenting Workshop January 15th and Congregational Church

Person in orange vest standing on a large pipe in the ground with an excavator in the background

Sewer Construction Update

Week of January 13^th– January 17^th

Oyster Pond Sewer Extension Project

Continued sewer and water work on Pond View West. Local traffic only, detour will be in place. Police detail(s) will be on-site and signage in place to assist residents.

Stage Harbor Road Sewer Extension Project

Continued site work is expected at the pumping station site (Old Mill Boat Yard/Harbormasters Garage).

Mill Pond Pump Station

Continued sewer work on Mill Pond Road. Road closures are expected for Mill Pond Road and Homestead Lane, local traffic only. Police detail(s) will be on-site to assist motorists. Work associated with the Mill Pond Pumping Station will close access to the Town Landing.

NE Fishery Management Council

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking qualified individuals for nomination to the New England Fishery Management Council. Candidates must be knowledgeable of and experienced in the fishery resources of New England, either through commercial fishing, recreational fishing, management and conservation of natural resources, as an educator or other broad categories of occupational or other experience. Qualified women, people of color, and individuals representative of historically underserved communities are encouraged to apply.

Two seats are open for nomination of Massachusetts candidates. A Council appointment is for a 3-year term during which members are expected to engage in approximately five Council meeting weeks as well as serve on several fishery management plan-specific committees that meet throughout the year.

Qualified individuals interested in being considered for nomination by Governor Maura Healey should contact Kelly Whitmore. Nominated individuals are then considered for appointment by the Secretary of Commerce. Nomination application kits will be made available upon request and are due to the Division of Marine Fisheries by end of day on Friday, January 31, 2025. As part of the application process, the Commonwealth will conduct an initial background check, and a review panel will evaluate each applicant’s relevant fisheries expertise.

For more information on the New England Fishery Management Council and the Council process, visit their website.

Public Input Sought on Draft Addenda

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is seeking public comment on Draft Addenda on the Recreational Measures Setting Process for bluefish, summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. A virtual public hearing intended for Massachusetts stakeholders will be held on Tuesday, January 14th at 6 p.m. Registration is required to participate in the hearing.

The Draft Addenda consider changes to the process used by the ASMFC and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) to set recreational management measures (bag, size, and season limits) for bluefish, summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The MAFMC is considering an identical set of options through a framework action. The option that is ultimately selected will replace the Percent Change Approach currently used and implemented through the Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda which sunsets at the end of 2025. The Draft Addenda propose five possible options for setting recreational measures. Final action on these addenda will not implement any specific, bag, size, or seasonal limits, but start a new process for setting recreational management measures beginning with the 2026 measures.

All those interested in the management of summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish are encouraged to provide input either by participating in the public hearing or by providing written comment directed to Chelsea Tuohy, FMP Coordinator, 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201 or via email to comments@asmfc.org, subject line: Recreational Measures Setting Process.

Red lighthouse with a graduation cap on top

Winter Classes Now Enrolling

The Community School at Cape Cod Tech is now accepting registrations for Winter 2025 classes. The Community School offers industry-specific training and enrichment courses to adults designed with the Cape’s economy and demographics in mind.

If you are interested in elevating your skill set or exploring a new career path, check out the course catalog to see the opportunities available.

Next Select Board Meeting - January 14, 2025 @ 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. Public Announcements and Agenda Requests

II. Public Hearings

A. Utility Pole Hearing; Place one (1) Joint Owned Pole, P.30.25 on the northerly side of Main Street to a point approximately 60’ northwesterly from existing pole, P.30.50 and to a point approximately 37’ southeasterly from existing pole, P.30

B. Utility Pole Hearing; Install one (1) Joint Owned Pole, P.14.5 on the westerly side of George Ryder Road to a point approximately forty-one (41) feet northeasterly of existing pole, P.14

C. Traffic Hearing; Install one (1) new stop sign at Sam Ryder Road / Main Street (Route 28)

D. Consider the transfer of the Annual All Alcoholic Beverages hotel license from Inn Partners LLC d/b/a The Inn at 359 Main, Jeff Ippoliti, Manager, to Chatham Inn Partners LLC d/b/a Chatham Inn, Adam Votaw, Manager for the business located at 359 Main St.

III. Chatham Wells, PFAS, and Drinking Water Testing and Pumping Update – December 2024 – Director of Public Works Rob Faley

IV. Public Comments on Business Agenda

V. Business Agenda

A. Follow-Up Discussion on the Revised Schematic Design and Cost Estimates for Renovating the Existing Center for Active Living (CFAL) – 193 Stony Hill Road (continued from January 7, 2025)

B. Consider Request to Abate Water and Sewer Charges for 25 Glendon Way

C. Update from Traffic Safety Committee on Recent Requests Remitted for Review

i. No Parking on Shattuck Place

ii. Town of Chatham Adoption of MGL Chapter 90, §17c; Town-Wide Thickly Settled 25 MPH Speed Limit

D. FY2026 Budget Preview – Department Staffing Requests; Proposed Town Manager Recommendations

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!

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