Climate & Energy Survey Results are In

The Town of Chatham’s Department of Natural Resources and its Energy & Climate Action Committee and the Chatham Climate Action Network recently partnered to develop and publish two surveys: a Community Energy Survey and a Climate Risk & Resilience Survey.

Nearly 300 community members shared their thoughts on energy use, climate risks, and how the Town has been addressing these risks and how it can prepare for future challenges. The surveys offer a helpful snapshot of what matters most to our community and will help guide local planning and programs in the months ahead.

A full summary of and graphs depicting the survey results is now available.

Select Board Action – March 10th

The Select Board approved a petition from Verizon New England, Inc. to install a stub pole numbered P1S approximately 28 feet north of pole P1 and approximately 145 feet southwest of pole P18 on Morris Island Road to be located at the property address of 87 Morris Island Road to support existing poles.

After hearing from abutting property owners, utility representatives, and Director of Public Works Rob Faley regarding a petition from Verizon New England, Inc. to install one (1) new pole numbered 22/5/5 thirty-six (36) feet east of existing pole numbered 22/5 and eighty (80) feet west of existing pole numbered 22/6 on Mill Pond Road and to install new conduit from the proposed pole numbered 22/5.5 southeast along Mill Pond Road approximately one hundred-eighty (180) feet to Mill Pond Road pumping station project, the Board voted to continue the hearing to March 24th and requested Verizon engineers re-consider the pole placement.

After hearing from Animal Control Officer Diane Byers, pursuant to Town Bylaws Chapter 115, section 6(f) regarding complaints of a nuisance dog at 33 Victoria Drive and Town Bylaws Chapter 115, section 6(j) , the Select Board voted that the Town reimburse Jade Schuyler $530.83 in compensation for 13 chickens killed by Ken Nickerson’s dog, Sasha, declared Sasha a nuisance dog and required Mr. Nickerson to construct a secure closure at least 8 ft. by 12 ft. with 6 ft. high fencing and an appropriate shelter within 30 days.

Director of Public Works Rob Faley provided an update on the Town’s wells and drinking water testing for January and February.  He gave an update on the construction of the water treatment plant for Wells 5&9 and the progress on the installation of second water meters for irrigation systems. He noted the water sampling results from recent testing. The lack of groundwater level recharge was noted.

The Board approved several Special One-Day Alcohol Licenses and Entertainment Licenses for the Chatham Historical Society’s 2026 concert series and annual fundraising event.

The Board, acting as Water & Sewer Commissioners, approved revisions to the Grinder Pump Regulations as recommended by the Water & Sewer Advisory Committee.

The Select Board voted to place and recommend several items for inclusion in the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant. These included a non-binding article proposed by the Finance Committee to provide the Board with a sense of Town Meeting to delay the implementation of a residential (tax) exemption for at least one year (to FY2028) [2-3-0 to recommend]; an article to fund a Design Aircraft Study at Chatham Municipal Airport [3-1-1 to recommend]; an article to file a Home Rule Petition to Allow Year-Round Housing Occupancy Restrictions and Attainable Housing Restrictions to be held in perpetuity under MGL CH. 184 §31[5-0-0 to recommend]; an appropriation of $2,100,000 from the Attainable Housing Special Revenue Fund for the development of attainable ownership housing at Stepping Stones Road [5-0-0 to recommend]; an appropriation of up to $312,500 from the Attainable Housing Special Revenue Fund to create a Lease-to-Locals rental incentive program [5-0-0 to recommend]; and the funding of the assessment of the Cape Cod Regional Technical High School FY2027 Operating Budget [5-0-0 to recommend].

The Board voted to approve and release Executive Session minutes from January 13, 2026 and February 17, 2026 relative to the extension and renewal of the Town Manager's employment agreement.

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

Upcoming Public Hearing

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

March 24, 2026 (continued)

To consider a petition from Verizon New England, Inc. to install one (1) new pole numbered 22/5/5 thirty six (36) feet east of existing pole numbered 22/5 and eighty (80) feet west of existing pole numbered 22/6 on Mill Pond Road and to install new conduit from the proposed pole numbered 22/5.5 southeast along Mill Pond Road approximately one hundred-eight (180) feet to new Mill Pond Road pumping station project.

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

State Representative Office Hours

State Representative Hadley Luddy, 4th Barnstable District, will hold community office hours on Friday, March 20th from 3:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Conference Room A at the Chatham Town Offices, 549 Main Street. Constituents are encouraged to stop in to discuss local concerns and regional issues with Representative Luddy.

If you are unable to attend on March 20th, Representative Luddy will be holding virtual office hours via Microsoft Teams on Monday, March 30th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Join: https://bit.ly/4ucKzXJ , Meeting ID:237 403 486 429 70, Passcode: qx2GV2CG. Dial in by phone: 1 617-865-5269, Conference ID: 789 283 227#.