Happy New Year, Chatham!

As we head into 2026, I want to thank the 1,695  subscribers who receive the Mainsheet in their inbox each week and take time out of their schedules to stay up to date on what we, your public servants, are working on, on behalf of our community. And a special thank you to Town staff and all who volunteered their time in 2025 on our Boards, Commissions, and Committees in service to our community!

I’m looking forward to the new year as a few of our larger initiatives will be progressing toward completion: The historic US Coast Guard Boathouse will be returning home to Stage Harbor to house the Town’s new shellfish upweller at 90 Bridge Street, construction of the water treatment plant on Training Field Road will be completed ensuring that wells 5 & 8 will continue to contribute clean potable water to our municipal system, additional funding to renovate the Center for Active Living will be sought at the 2026 Annual Town Meeting to create an updated, safe, and functional facility for our older adults, and we will continue our efforts to expand opportunities for those who want to call Chatham home by moving forward with the creation of affordable rental and attainable ownership housing units in Town.

I look forward to continuing my service as Town Manager to the citizens of Chatham and I hope that you will continue to stay engaged, informed, and involved with your local government. Happy New Year!

Town Manager Jill R. Goldsmith 

Geoff Phillips Retires from CPD

Following 17 years with the Chatham Police Department and 4 prior years with the Edgartown Police Department, the Town wished Officer Geoff Phillips a happy retirement on Monday, December 29th. Officer Phillips began his tenure with the Town in 2008 and served as a patrol officer until 2015 when he became the Court Prosecutor and Records Officer, the position he held for the last 10 years.

During his time with the Town, he has earned multiple letters of appreciation and commendation. When not at work, Geoff coached baseball at both the high school and college level, including coaching with the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod Baseball League. Join us in wishing Geoff all the best!

Annual Town Census Has Been Mailed!

The Annual Town Census/Annual Street Listing is mailed to all households by January 1st of each calendar year in accordance with state law (MGL c. 51, § 4) and is designed to gather an updated list of Chatham residents.

The census form contains certain information for all members of your household (including children) including name, date of birth, occupation, voter registration status, nationality (if not a U.S. citizen), and veteran status. When you receive your census form, you may make changes, corrections, or additions directly on the form. Chatham’s census mailing also includes an animal license application for residents who need to license their dogs and cats.

Once you have reviewed the form and made any applicable changes, an adult resident of the household must sign and date the form - under the pains and penalties of perjury - and return the signed form to the Town Clerk's Office within 10 days of receipt. You must return the form even if there are no changes.

Compliance with this State requirement provides proof of residence to protect voting rights, veterans’ bonus, housing for the elderly and related benefits.

An accurate count of all residents is important for many reasons including the basis for allocation of State and Federal Funds. The Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Technicians also use the Street List as an aid in the daily performance of their duties, as well as other municipal departments.

If you are a registered voter, failure to respond to the Annual Census for two consecutive years may result in the voter’s name being removed from the voting list. 

You can return the census by mail using the return envelope provided with the form, in person in the drop boxes located inside the Town Offices at 549 Main Street during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) or to the secure red, white, and blue drop box located inside the vestibule at 549 Main Street any time.

Upcoming Public Hearings

The Select Board will hold the following public hearings during their regularly scheduled meetings on Tuesdays, beginning at 5:00 p.m., in the large meeting room at the Town Office Annex, 261 George Ryder Road.

 January 6

To consider amendments (Change of Manager and Change of Stock Interest) to the Annual All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store license for New Chatham Corp d/b/a Chatham Liquor Store for the business located at 756 Main Street, Chatham.

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