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I counted 13 baby turkey chicks moving through my yard today.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 06/02/2023 - 09:09:57

Jim, I found a web site (https://www.satview.org/spacejunk.php) that showed space junk entering or forecast to enter the atmosphere. Interesting but hard to decipher. There was a track over MA area when I saw it.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 06/01/2023 - 09:56:23

@Bill P - There was a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch of 52 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg AFB in Lompoc, CA on Tuesday May 30 at 11:02 PM PDT which would have been 8:02 PM EDT. Perhaps that's related to what you saw?
James J Dempsey
W.Chatham+Boxborough, MA USA - Thu 06/01/2023 - 08:07:36

I found out last night from one of our Selectmen that Chatham Bars Inn donated the irrigation well to the Kate Gould Park. This happened in 2021. It was part of a beautification project by the Chamber/Merchants and the SB accepted it.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Thu 06/01/2023 - 07:24:24

Did anyone see a fireball streak of white burning light last night around 10 to 11, moving from 160 degrees toward 340 degrees. Looked low in the sky and was bright white. Space junk burning up maybe?

Meteors I've seen have a green hue and look higher up and last longer. This did not. Almost looked like a missile. But there was no bang.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/31/2023 - 11:20:00

I also wanted to mention the huge hole in the roof at the restrooms at Kate Gould Park. It's been there for a while. Chatham has proven time and time again they are not capable of maintaining any buildings. Look at 127 Old Harbor where water was left on and pipes burst and mold is throughout the building. In addition , the Town is installing an irrigation system at Kate Gould Park. To me, this is a terrible waste of money considering people traipsing through there all summer with Whales in The Park as well as the band concerts. Considering all the warnings shoved down our throats about water, this reeks of "do as I say, not as I do". Who authorized this ridiculous expenditure?
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 05/31/2023 - 10:00:12

Two interesting notes in today's Chronicle about the proposed COA. One is about the debt the town will be incurring in addition to everything else that was approved at Town Meeting. It is out of control and there is no reason reason to spend this amount of money for select few people that want their own social club. The second is a letter from the Director of the Orleans COA correcting the exaggerations, lies, mistruths, - the proponents of the COA have used in their arguments for a new building. People need to pay careful attention to these letters and point them out to their friends. This needs to be defeated at the upcoming costly "Special" Town Meeting they have called for.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 05/31/2023 - 08:19:43

Thanks Greg.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 05/29/2023 - 17:50:05

Mr. Ryder, thank you. Thank you for being there for the rest of us. Hopefully, the country can regain some balance to go with our strength as history unfolds into the future. Each of has a list of names we remember daily, today intentionally, and we do not forget.
Gregory N Conners <conners.greg@gmail.com>
LOLETA, CA USA - Mon 05/29/2023 - 09:12:40

All of my male classmates of Chatham High School, Class of 1957, did actually serve in one branch of service or another. It was not perceived as optional at the time to serve in one branch or another. I don't know if any served in a combat zone. I did.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 05/28/2023 - 18:48:47

Until reading in a local respected paper, either the Chronicle or the Independent, I was not aware that this Memorial Day was started by women , and supported by President Lincoln, who wanted to honor the men from both the Union and Confederate forces who died in support of their perceived cause.

(Sorry about the length of that sentence. It fails the Fog Test. Too many words , too many words with many syllables).
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 05/28/2023 - 17:31:11

The Brown-James-Buck VFW Post is named after three Chatham men who did not return home during WWII.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 05/28/2023 - 16:49:47

Shortly after WWII was declared over, I remember some Chatham Firemen riding on the back of firetrucks around town and shooting off their shotguns in a celebratory mode. There were probably some veterans involved and glad to be home and not being shot at on some Pacific Island beach. I get that.
This Memorial Day, take a minute to imagine you are the Dad or Mom of a person who has been Killed In Action, defending our country. The pain and sorrow they had to experience can never leave.
Celebrate, yes ,but do so with some reverence and some quiet time for those who died in defense of this country back in WWI and WWII.
We were never attacked by North Korea or Vietnam, so I leave that subject for another discussion. Those lost lives do matter as well.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sat 05/27/2023 - 17:52:03

Richard, you make some excellent points. Many of us feel the same way. The architects have had a field day with the money they have made off this project that is oversized and not wanted. At the BOS meeting the other night suggestions were made to get a group together to work on this and hopefully compromise and the offer was refused. I'd like to know how the Select Board can dictate to their constituents how things were going to be. When something has been voted down as many times as this project has there is definitely something rotten in Denmark. The BOS and the COA has divided this town to a point where they have totally succeeding in infuriating a lot of folks. More folks will vote in the next go-around. If that fails as well - will they keep doing this? Does anyone listen anymore? Once again, a bunch of spoiled individuals that will not listen to reason or compromise - they want their way and will do whatever it takes to succeed. This is not democracy.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Sat 05/27/2023 - 15:17:29

Did I hear Chatham's Memorial Day Parade is history? We have Main Street parades here also, but the best parade of all lasts the entire weekend. Here is a look - https://kineticgrandchampionship.com/. Lots of fun.
Gregory N Conners <conners.greg@gmail.com>
LOLETA, CA USA - Sat 05/27/2023 - 10:41:51

There's lots going on this weekend across our nation and the Cape. Be sure to set aside some time to pray for and/or raise a glass to the men and woman over the last 200 years that made the ultimate sacrifice so that we have the privilege of living in a free America. Be sure to thank or think of a passed Veteran this Memorial Day.
Ned Chapman <Chapman.law777@gmal.com>
Chatham , MA USA - Sat 05/27/2023 - 09:08:29

Before you would build a building, either a home or place of business, you would decide what you needed to have to make the building successful. You would not build a building that an architect said you needed, but rather one that would fulfill the needs that you had previously identified. I see the Chatham conundrum as one that the realistic needs of the COA have NOT been identified.
As I have mentioned before, my wife, a former RN,C, ( Registered Nurse, Certified) worked in the Eastham Adult Day Center. (She even performed the Heimlich Maneuver on a client) Someone should talk to her about the ideal staffing requirements and how the center was different from the regular COA section.
It is clear to me that there are opponents of the project that have some very real concerns and are willing to be part of the solution. If only they are given a chance.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 05/25/2023 - 16:53:02

Many thanks to Anne, Gloria and Elaine for their well informed comments at last night's SB meeting. I'm sure that those of us who opposed the call for a special town meeting felt disheartened by the outcome. Remember the words of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche " That which does not kill us makes us stronger". I for one am not prepared to go quietly into the night. If you feel the same, rest up and write a post or send me an email sharing your ideas, I'd like to hear them. Thanks for caring about our entire community, not just a small part of it. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
David Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/24/2023 - 12:41:27

They won't stop til they get their way. They were elected to represent us - apparently special interests takes precedence over their constituents. I am disgusted as well. For them to dismiss a task force said all we need to know.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 05/24/2023 - 07:13:19

This BOS is quite possibly the most disappointing that I can remember. Dave Mott's remarks about the definition of insanity were completely accurate. Schell says we need a special town meeting for a definitive answer. Is a no vote multiple times not a definitive answer? Of course, it's not the answer they want.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 05/23/2023 - 20:29:07

After reading some of the entries from Debbie, Steve, Elaine, Judy and Dave all of very good points I don't understand why the town refuses to listen to the voters who clearly object to 1610 Main St. This should be looked into more deeply from the B.O.S. to the Friends! Seems like something is going on.
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 05/23/2023 - 09:34:21

Here's what I do not understand. Orleans has the closest demographic to Chatham. That town, like most Cape towns, doesn't have the luxury of a 28,000 square foot community center. Its COA is smaller than Chatham's existing COA and yet it houses a regional day care program. And the COA building has only one multipurpose room. I've yet to hear discussion of a smaller new-build for Chatham, considering that space in our Community Center is available for recreational programs for the young Seniors. After all, their needs are much different than those of older Seniors. It's unfortunate that the School Committee voted against surplus of Stepping Stones because it "might be needed some day for school use". That argument quickly changed when affordable housing was proposed for the parcel. And now here we are, with townspeople totally polarized and the COA potentially winding up with nothing. I regret that.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 05/23/2023 - 07:40:02

The final construction cost will be m7ch more than the estimate, guaranteed. The board makes a big deal about thr land being free, was the town planning on buying land for the new building? This argument is irrelevant.
There is a big fat fox in the 1610 proposal hen house. Don't know what it is but it's certainly there. Reason enough to be skeptical. Bottom line is the proposed building is centered on people's egos, the COA's and the Selectboard's. The size of the building was predicated on the needs survey which was formulated by the same architect that is designing the building. I'm surprised that they didn't specify a skyscraper! Serious conflict of interest here. The Select board should have known this and probably in all likelihood did. Another red flag.
I think we all agree that the existing building needs replacing but there are less expensive ways to do it. A modular building would be my recommendation but the egos would not allow it. Used to be the cost of a project would be the driving factor in a municipalities decision process but cost nowadays takes a back seat to ego.
Shame
steve jesus <sjjesus21@gmail.com>
chatham, MA USA - Tue 05/23/2023 - 07:00:26

The Town should not be spending $11 Million+ on yet ANOTHER overbuilt municipal building for a small population of users - with Adult Day Care for physically and mentally impaired seniors on the second floor- 2+ miles from the CFD in the event of fire or medical emergency. It's a parking lot on a state highway during the summer. Elevators shut down if there's a fire- requiring the use of stairs. It should be totally unacceptable. What are proponents thinking? That's just one of the countless problems with 1610 Main. There's nothing "Active Living" about this location with virtually no recreational space- unless crossing Rt 28 on foot for a sandwich, watching and listening to Pilatus P-12's land, or negotiating the roundabouts with tractor trailers are considered recreational activities. Ironically if the Select Board had supported the Stepping Stones location in 2020- a less costly one story building requiring less staff, with basketball, pickleball,tennis, bike trail, green space for outdoor dining, close to the Community Center, downtown shopping/library/ restaurants/theater and the CFD, equipped as an Emergency shelter for all residents, the doors would be opening this year.
Elaine
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 05/22/2023 - 22:47:30

Ok...I hadn't seen the more recent drawings on the COA and was going by the plans as I remember them from original article. Apparently they totally revised it and I admit I wasn't aware of it. Sorry.

But doesn't change the fact that other town buildings have second floors and elevators and nobody objects to those.
J Hallgren (as user)
S Chatham , MA USA - Mon 05/22/2023 - 21:21:49

Judy, you're still ignoring the fact that it's only a second floor on the back side but first floor on the front side. And as I said, your premise would thus prevent ANY use of the second floor of the Community Center by seniors at any time, and we know that's not the case.
J Hallgren (as user)
S Chatham , MA USA - Mon 05/22/2023 - 20:39:56

John - the Chairman of the COA told me to my face that seniors should not be placed on a second floor because it was too dangerous for any potential rescue. She was against 1610 when we met - until the Board of Selectmen and others told her their options were limited. None of these folks seem to be able to think outside the box . I'd like to know what benefit Mr Schell is getting from this by promoting it to the extent he has along with Mr Oppenheim. I'd like to know what's in it for them. Exactly what has Mr Marsh promised them to be able to get rid of this land he can't build on ? No one with any common sense can figure out what the draw is here for this unsuitable lot. The COA can fix what they have, use the Community Center, or the Elementary School. No need to put this burden on tax payers - especially when no one will give us updated costs - along with the cost for the retaining wall. They need to seriously cut down their wish list or they'll be looking at another defeat.
Judy P <Judylpat@comcast.net >
WChatham, MA USA - Mon 05/22/2023 - 19:54:14

Ok, while I am not a voter here, there's been a couple of comments about and against the proposed COA that I find totally illogical, and can't resist responding to one of them now.

Quote "A second floor with an elevator with no regard to safety"? Really? There's MORE provisions for safety in this plan than exists at the Community Center or the EPL, both of those having a second floor and elevators and NEITHER have ground level emergency exits from the second floor but the COA would, out the front of building, according to the proposal plans that I saw before, because of the slope of the land.

That absence of ground exits right there should thus disqualify the Community Center from any consideration as useful for COA activity or any other public function if one is being consistent.
J Hallgren (as user)
S Chatham , MA USA - Mon 05/22/2023 - 18:55:48

A poke is a small bag, according to the Scots.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 05/22/2023 - 18:02:05

They seem to be asking you to buy a " Pig In A Poke"? An unseen pig trapped in a closed burlap bag that you can't determine the real condition, their drawbacks, or the value of?
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 05/22/2023 - 17:59:26

How convenient when everyone that lives here is working at the end of June - these folks are just awful pushing this. What will they do if it's voted down for time #6? They refuse to modify the building and want a library - apparently they can't use the two in town Chatham already has. They want a second floor with an elevator with no regard for safety. The lot needs a huge retaining wall built. The building is too big. I think money would be better spent on the water issues - but these folks pushing this can't see the forest through the trees so why should we expect anything different? VOTE NO AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN
Judy P <Judylpat@comcast.net >
WChatham, MA USA - Mon 05/22/2023 - 17:50:15

Tomorrow evening the Select Board is set to vote on the "Friends of the Council on Aging" request to call a special town meeting to again vote of the 1610 COA project which appeared as Warrant Article 18 at the Annual Town Meeting and failed to garner the required 2/3 majority. I suspect they will also vote to include the companion Articles (19, 20 & 21) which were strategically withdrawn when Article 18 Failed. It's apparent to me that those of us who oppose the 1610 project for our varied and numerous reasons are being bullied by the singularly focused Select Board and the deep pocketed "Friends" group that desperately want the COA built at 1610. Please join me in speaking out at tomorrow's SB meeting (5::30 PM) at the Town Hall Annex or via Teams on Channel 18 - we have voted our position and won multiple times yet the will of the people - the will of the Town - is being ignored. Don't let money, power & connections cleverly erode our community democracy.
Dave Mott <djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 05/22/2023 - 13:16:06

Tomorrow evening the Select Board is set to vote on the "Friends of the Council on Aging" request to call a special town meeting to again vote of the 1610 COA project which appeared as Warrant Article 18 at the Annual Town Meeting and failed to garner the required 2/3 majority. I suspect they will also vote to include the companion Articles (19, 20 & 21) which were strategically withdrawn when Article 18 Failed. It's apparent to me that those of us who oppose the 1610 project for our varied and numerous reasons are being bullied by the singularly focused Select Board and the deep pocketed "Friends" group that desperately want the COA built at 1610.

Please join me in speaking out at tomorrow's SB meeting (5::30 PM) at the Town Hall Annex or via Teams on Channel 18 - we have voted our position and won multiple times yet the will of the people - the will of the Town - is being ignored. Don't let money, power & connections cleverly erode our community democracy.
Dave Mott <djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 05/22/2023 - 13:13:23

From Old Harbor Road. Heading East. Find the smallest home. Built by Horace Reynolds. Rebecca said that after living there quite a while, she had to have the roof replaced. She never expected to have lived that long. The house is next door to where Dave Ryder and probably his siblings were born. In the back of that house, there is a garage, built from salvaged lumber from the Cora M., a wreck on Monomoy around 1916 or 17. My grandfather got permission to take some lumber home, as he was then Officer in Charge of the USCG Station that effected the rescue of the crew.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 05/21/2023 - 19:28:42

Richard, 3 houses from Crowell or 3 in from Old Harbor?
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/21/2023 - 18:57:40

On BarCliff Avenue in Chatham, on about the third house in on the left heading to the Fish Pier, there is a maple tree that came from Nantucket. My Grand mother Rebecca came from Nantucket, and she planted the seedlings there when she had the house built. Near the road. It could be the smallest house on the street. Easy to spot.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 05/21/2023 - 17:53:12

Apologies - Emily is the writer with the tree project. Good work.
Gregory N Conners <conners.greg@gmail.com>
LOLETA, CA USA - Sun 05/21/2023 - 12:21:26

Trees! Great topic.

We are at about the same latitude as the cape, but on the Pacific coast. Our place has 2 birches (wonderful kindling), 2 eucalypti (trimmed low), 3 cedars, 2 spectacular maples and a beautiful young redwood. The redwood got thinned a few weeks ago for the first time. Every 25 years seems about right. The timing is mostly a safety issue, but the tree is healthier. Unfortunately, industry has cut down 95% of the original redwood forests. I like having one.

Not far from the redwood, we planted a maple seedling my wife plucked from her parents North Chatham driveway one visit while out weeding, a seedling that descended from trees plucked by her father while he was out weeding at Family Camp at Lake Sacandaga in the Adirondacks. The tree is about 12' tall now, large of leaf and a bright green, like looking out the in-laws' window.

Richard, if you have documents and photos, I hope you will get them scanned and posted online somewhere for posterity.
Greg <conners.greg@gmail.com>
LOLETA, CA USA - Sun 05/21/2023 - 12:15:14

The largest and most majestic trees in Chatham were originally seedlings given to school children for the first Arbor Day in 1918. They were Catalpas.;now only found on very old properties. Years ago I made a project of locating them, photographing them including their address and/ or the name of the owner. The " tree warden" at the time said he thought there were a few around. I made a notebook of 75+ of them. Sadly the Friends of Trees and the Women's Club rejected my offer to share this bit of our history. The new people brought new trees to what was once barren sandy acres.....changing Cape Cod forever.
Emily <dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/21/2023 - 06:56:53

Going back 70 years or so, there were very few trees of any importance in Chatham or the Outer Cape. Just go in to the Orleans Post Office and see the photos they have blown up and on display. Very few trees are shown. Hand wringing folks who are concerned about "clear cutting" of trees here are probably not aware that these trees are not that old. In Eastham there are two roads , one called Runway Lane and one called North Forty. These are where the small planes used to land in Eastham! The present owners have not a clue where the names of their roads came from.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sat 05/20/2023 - 17:54:12

Bill P: The Assessors database shows the owner since 2018 as Patricia Mordas who also owns the house next door at #22. Neighbor said the trees behind #10 were removed and a huge swimming pool being installed. I saw what I thought was a foundation but could have been a pool behind the square house.
J Hallgren (as user)
S Chatham , MA USA - Fri 05/19/2023 - 20:55:07

Bill - good comments on a COA building. Not many folks are aware yet - but they are definitely going for a Special Town Meeting this fall. It will be discussed on Monday at the COA meeting and again on Tuesday at the Board of Selectmen's meeting. Mr Metters will be recusing himself from any discussion. Mr Schell will be chairing the discussion. Mr Dykens should seriously think about recusing himself as well since Mr Marsh is the landlord to his wife's business. We have voted NO four times. Time to make it a fifth .
Judy P <Judylpat@comcast.net >
WChatham, MA USA - Fri 05/19/2023 - 20:30:47

Thanks john, I know the house.

Owner might have sold the house if it's being demolished. The owner rarely used the house as he owned another in Chatham. I rarely saw anyone there.

Interesting they got to use it for training.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 05/19/2023 - 19:38:22

Richard, I believe it's a house that will be demolished after this to build another huge home.
According to neighbors, CFD had cut some holes in roof this morning. While I was there, they pulled out two dummy victims and had it full of fake smoke.
J Hallgren (as user)
S Chatham , MA USA - Fri 05/19/2023 - 18:21:46

The Town of Eastham has recently received a ladder truck, the first here ever. It is a quint, like Chatham's. It is a pretty impressive machine that just fits in the Fire Station. My neighbor is a Fireman/EMT so I got a tour of the vehicle. Nicely built. Nothing like the old Maxim and Ford except the color. I asked if there was a drawback, and I was told she only carries 500 gallons of water. But now we have hydrants around the town mostly, that is not an issue.
Question: Is the property on Pleasant Street going to be a training site, with a prescribed/controlled burn?
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Fri 05/19/2023 - 17:02:51

It's #10 Wadsworth, the sorta square house on right side just in from Pleasant. Engine 185 and rescue were parked on corner.
J Hallgren (as user)
S Chatham , MA USA - Fri 05/19/2023 - 14:22:43

Do you know what house? Sound like it would be on the corner of the 2 streets.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 05/19/2023 - 12:52:14

FYI: Saw this basic message via Facebook and walked down to see it so in case you might not know about it:

Chatham Fire Dept is conducting training for the next few days at a house at Wadsworth and Pleasant Street using fake smoke so if you see it, it's just them practicing.
J Hallgren (as user)
S Chatham , MA USA - Fri 05/19/2023 - 10:58:38

Better yet spend nothing and keep the current building.

How many people live in houses 40,50 60 0r 100 years old. I know someone who lives in a house built in the 1700's & 1800's

There is no reason to leave the current building. If it needs fixing or repair do that.

If you want to increase housing start allowing current buildings with second floor apartments to add apartments to the first floor with conditions it can only be year round tenants.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 05/19/2023 - 10:12:26

John, as you said, costs have probably risen since the senior center defeat. The ballot question was approved for a specific amount and would likely be deficient by the time a special town meeting is called. Would a separate article be needed to fund the difference, if it were to be from free cash or some other source?
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 05/18/2023 - 20:01:58

The proposal for a new COA has lost four times. I would think it's time to give it a rest. If not a rest, it's time to compromise on a new site. There is no reason the community building or the elementary school
won't suffice. Until folks can work together on this, all the proponents of the COA are going to accomplish is infuriating more people who will vote against this. It's like the spoiled children that can't get their way. Enough is enough. Kind of reminds me of the current state of affairs of the country today. Scream til you get your way and the heck with what the numbers show.
Judy P <Judylpat@comcast.net >
WChatham, MA USA - Thu 05/18/2023 - 17:50:45

Since we now have completed the Annual Town Meeting and the proposal to build it at 1610 Main Street lost, the Select Board should perhaps recognize that they need to flesh out some of the costs involved. Maybe get a current quote or at least a ballpark figure for the construction of the retaining wall. It will be a massive piece of construction and likely to be higher than the stated cost in the Warrant Article. Maybe also better figures on the building itself. It is difficult to believe that the actual costs have not gone up with all this delay. Since the Select Board wants to bring it back, maybe they should attempt to get the costs in today's environment. Such an effort should be completed before the towns folk are asked to vote again.
john whelan <sockpirate44@gmail.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 05/18/2023 - 15:00:00

We wish Nancy a wonderful birthday and more good ones to come.
Barry and Sylvia <barsyl4041@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/17/2023 - 21:02:07

Happy Birthday, Nancy!!
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/17/2023 - 20:02:42

Brother Richard: Yes, I was born on this day in 1935 to our parents Alice W. And David F. Ryder. Dad did not see me until December as he was working on a yacht for Eli Lilly on the Great Lakes. The story is that Dr. Rowley drove Mom to CCH to deliver me. Imagine a doctor doing that in this day and age. I have had a wonderful 88 years!
Nancy Ryder Petrus
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/17/2023 - 18:53:08

Happy Birthday to Nancy Ryder Petrus, born at an early age in Hyannis this day under the care of Doctor H. Rowley if I am not mistaken. She and my brothers John and Bob and our parents were at the Fish Pier when the CG36500 returned from rescuing the men from the SS Pendleton in February, 1952.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 05/17/2023 - 18:03:20

Thanks John! This was embarrassing to me so I think I have fixed the problem by deleting the Chat-M-room icon from my home page.on my I-Pad. As an experiment I have posted this using Duck Duck Go. (No tracking) so we shall hopefully have solved the problem.
Emily <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/17/2023 - 16:47:44

FYI: Just had a nice chat with Emily C about the repetitive posts that have happened.
She's NOT done it intentionally and somehow (I don't yet understand) it's occurring so I promised to delete the repeats and will, as soon as possible, visit her to see exactly what she's doing and how that might cause it.
I do know that on my iPad, using Safari browser, after I make a post, it doesn't necessarily show immediately and I cannot force refresh it like I would do on my laptop. So I imagine some users might end up double posting because they don't see it there in a similar situation
J Hallgren (as Moderator)
S Chatham , MA USA - Wed 05/17/2023 - 12:26:23

I just received a Facebook blast from the 365 committee pushing votes on 3 parcels of Town owned land that will be voted on at Town Meeting. I sense a hidden agenda here. If articles 20, 22, and 23 are approved as presented there are many, many issues we don' know anything about. They say "year round" housing. Who will be the developer and at what cost and/ or a lottery? Since we do not yet have a change on the books for Town property usage from a 2/3 majority to a simple majority......THINK HARD ABOUT these votes. It reeks of cronyism and subterfuge. Kind of like " it's my baseball and I am gonna pitch".
Emily Cunningham <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/17/2023 - 09:11:23

Thanks John, I see that now.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 05/16/2023 - 09:55:49

Bill P: I just went to Channel 18 on website, used OnDemand Archive for May, and scrolled down to May 6 where it's listed. Got the actual URL after selecting it to view.
J Hallgren (as user)
S Chatham , MA USA - Mon 05/15/2023 - 21:50:08

Thanks John. How did you find that. Neither YouTube channel 18 or Chatham MA Gov website channel 18 (https://www.chatham-ma.gov/171/Channel-18) has links to that?

Thanks
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 05/15/2023 - 18:29:20

I might have missed an l in Allison. I should know better , as her sister Grace Anne Allison, graduated with me in 1957.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 05/15/2023 - 17:42:37

The first recipient of the Lighthouse Digest is Sylvia Alison Fulcher. Her grandfather was a former Keeper of the Chatham Lights.
Notice the plural. We always referred it as going to "the lights", even though there was only one left.
The North Tower, where the large anchor is now, was taken apart and moved by ox drawn wagon to Eastham in 1923 and was reassembled and became Nauset Beach Light. Now featured on Cape Cod Potato Chip bags. The chip company does support the routine painting of the Light, as does Eastham Community Preservation money.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 05/15/2023 - 17:30:01

Anyone know what's being done at the intersection of Rts 28 and 137? TIA
Jennifer
USA - Mon 05/15/2023 - 16:44:37

All 5:28+ hours of it are online at https://play.champds.com/chathamma/event/1266 and have been for much of last week. I don't recall when I first looked to see if it was there.
Due to length, they might not show it over Channel 18?
J Hallgren (as user)
S Chatham , MA USA - Mon 05/15/2023 - 16:40:34

No video of town meeting posted on channel 18 yet.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 05/15/2023 - 13:41:25

Just so you know, the latest issue of Lighthouse Digest has a 12 page photo article about the Chatham Lighthouse, including all of the lighthouses ever erected at the bluff, and photos of all the Keepers. The last USLHS Keeper was Gus Gustafson , who was the Grandfather of Terry Ryder and Jean Ryder Howes. He lost his wife and a son while Keeper at the Prudence Island RI, Light in the 1938 Hurricane. I would be glad to loan my copy to anyone interested.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 05/14/2023 - 16:05:07

There would have been more Ryders, but they were previously decimated by smallpox. Or lost at sea.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sat 05/13/2023 - 19:12:47

I have an old book that my grandparents had in their home on Seaview Street. It is a 1901 directory listing all the people who lived in Chatham. It lists where they lived and their occupation. One of the surprises was how many farmers there were in 1901. Traditional Chatham names dominate the list which is no surprise. 87 Eldredge's, 79 Nickerson's, 42 Harding's, and 30 Hammond's. Other families with more than 20 listings were Bearse, Howes, Bassett, Kendrick and Rogers. At that point the town leaders were from the long-term families.
john whelan <sockpirate44@gmail.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 05/13/2023 - 18:24:58

The memorial brick walk in Kate Gould Park is a disgrace! The etched bricks are barely readable, full of sand and lettering too small to read from a standing position. A dear friend of mine paid $300 to have a large brick in honor of our friendship and our love of Chatham. That was almost 2 years ago and I still cannot locate the brick to send her a photo. It should have regular maintenance from our DPW staff.....blowing, sweeping and hosing would improve it ALOT. Someone suggested people bring their own water bottles to spray off the debris! I would heartily endorse a locator map, as well!
Emily <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 05/13/2023 - 05:22:59

Question: why was only a simple majority needed to allow public funds to be used to trim trees for the airport? Thanks
Ak
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 05/12/2023 - 10:38:50

I want to thank everyone (those I know and especially those that I've not met) for their write-in votes yesterday. It has been a crazy few days and I'm truly humbled by your support on such short notice. Perhaps 2024 will present another opportunity to add a fresh perspective to the mix. In the meantime, let's continue to make certain our thoughts & ideals are voiced and heard - it's your town too. Always take the high road, think outside the box and settle for nothing less than a level playing field.
Dave Mott <djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 05/12/2023 - 08:32:17

I think it's time for everyone to regroup and take a breather. To keep pushing this is dividing folks into a place we shouldn't be. I think the suggestions of John and Dan below should be paid attention to. Most folks are not against a senior center. We are against the cost and location. The Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee has no authority whatsoever to tell folks they can't use the Community Center. Many are in favor of the Elementary School. With all the intelligent folks in this town, I'm surprised folks can't get together from BOTH sides and come up with a viable alternative that will be acceptable for all. This issue has divided us long enough.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Fri 05/12/2023 - 07:32:00

Polls are closed and results are in on the COA Ballot question #1. While it only had to pass by a simple majority -which it did- (624-481), if this were instead a THIRD vote on 1610 Main St requiring 2/3 majority, it would have been SOUNDLY defeated. Not even close. Opponents (+112) vs (+1) at Town Meeting. An IMPRESSIVE turnout especially considering we were once again left in the darkthat Ballot Question #1 was in fact NOT "irrelevant" as the CCC reported. It was just the most recent of many last minute rabbits pulled out of magic hats of the Select Board and proponents. I do believe the silent majority is getting a tad fed up. Dave Mott received 136 write-in votes for Select Board member. Not bad for a 10 hour campaign. Congratulations Dave!
Elaine
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 05/11/2023 - 22:50:19

In my many years of checking out the Chat-M-Room, I don't recall the level of dissatisfaction with Town Officials as I am hearing now. That level is warranted, In My Humble Opinion. The Selectboard is unpaid, but the resources expended on the Town Manager more than make up for that. The TM should be carrying out the wishes of the voters, not the contrary opinions of the Board.
John Whelan and Dave Mott, keep up the good work!
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 17:21:49

So sorry to read here of Gordon Pratt's passing. He and I were co-workers at Chatham Trust Co and close friends, 1955-56; a difficult period in Gordon's personal life. Often after working hours, we played ping-pong at Hallowell's bowling alley or at his folk's home, or shooting pool at the VFW on School St. He reenlisted in the Air Force and I went into the Army about the same time. I last saw him ca. 1970 when he and Jean visited Mary and me at our then home in VA while I was assigned to the Pentagon and he was at Andrews AFB. May he rest in peace and Light perpetual shine upon him. Our sincere condolences to Jean and family.
John <jmstevenson@pa.net>
GETTYSBURG, PA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 15:54:36

Judy, thank you for the vote of confidence. By writing my name ( David J Mott ) as an alternative candidate it will at the very least send the message that we are unhappy with the current state of representation. We should be seeking solutions that bring people together, not widen the divide. Please encourage your friends to get out to vote. The Town belongs to all of us, let's not be a silent majority.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 15:25:51

All the select board was angry and opposed last year the special town meeting for the theater property after it failed town meeting. Including Dykens.

So now Dykens thinks it's just fine.

We need to remind them this would be the same thing. A kick in the pants to voters.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 15:18:27

I think the select board is reading the counsel opinion wrong. They are only hearing part of it. Town counsel was not saying you can bring it up again. He was saying before or after. Well it went before.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 15:07:46

Town counsel said "Costello opined that a debt exclusion ballot question can be submitted to voters before or after its corresponding town meeting authorization"

I would argue it was submitted before. He does not say it can be submitted twice.

Costello wrote. "The town meeting article, whether authorizing debt or appropriating funds for the project, "would have to be for the same purpose/project approved by the voters in the ballot question," he opined."

I would argue it was submitted before. He does not say it can be submitted twice. Town council is only an opinion and not a fact of law and can be challenged.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 14:57:37

Dan, I am no longer on the Finance Committee. Your question should go to Alix Heilala, Town Accountant.
john whelan <sockpirate44@gmail.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 14:49:57

It's very clear that the BOS will do whtever it takes to get the COA built at ANY cost. Some much for fiduciary duty.
I am sorry but any respect for the BOS is gone
Steve Jesus <sjjesus21@gmail.com>
chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 14:37:26

John Whelan - Excellent idea. How much additional debt did we incur due to Town Meeting? We are now being asked for a debt exclusion for additional $10.7 million. What will be the impact on Chatham's AAA credit rating?

Let's take some time and build community back into our community.
dan young <danyoung97531@gmail.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 13:59:01

David Mott has announced that he will gladly accept votes tomorrow as a write-in candidate for the Board of Selectmen. Time to think about replacing some folks after their latest shenanigans. If you heard him speak at Town Meeting you'll agree he could be an outstanding candidate and he is far from being self serving as others in this seat can be.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 13:58:41

John Whelan...your's is a great suggestion but it evident that the proponents want it only their way - there's no interest in discussion or compromise expressed by them or town leadership
Dave Mott <djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 12:39:54

As in the annals of war, repeated attacks on an entrenched opposition often ends in defeat. One would hope such a situation would be an incentive to change the form of attack. I'm thinking of the Town Meeting vote on the COA and imagining a different approach. Most Chatham voters agree that the COA building on Stepping Stones Road needs to be replaced. I suggest that the interested parties create a
new committee made up of proponents for the COA and opponents who have resisted the construction of the COA at 1610 Main Street. Yes, both for and against. It will take a bit of effort for the organizers, but it will be a good way to reduce the polarization in town. Give the committee a year to work out their differences and come to the Town Meeting in May of 2024 with an Article that will pass. At this time, we have no idea what that article will propose.
john whelan <sockpirate44@gmail.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 10:42:36

Just visited the Town Manager's webpage - you would think there would be an announcement of the developments regarding Ballot One. As TM I believe it's her obligation to inform people. Is she part. of the solution, part of the problem or simply a believer of "the end justifies the means"? As a community we deserve a fair and balanced playing field.
Dave Mott <djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 10:17:21

I have sent an email to Tim Wood asking him if he was aware of the Ballot One development and more importantly if the Chronicle will be send out a breaking news bulletin to inform ALL voters of the procedural ramification. Let's see if the paper wants a fair and equitable vote or has it's own agenda.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 09:19:52

I'd like to know who told Town Counsel to write an opinion on this. These people just are not able to accept the fact they lost. They are going to try anything they can until they win. What they will succeed in doing is dividing the Town even more.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 07:01:01

I don't understand how voting for funding for a new C.O.A. should be voted on when the building for it was turned down by the voters at a Town meeting because no one got 2/3's of the vote. I would think those votes would supersede a plain majority ballot vote. This voting tomorrow on funding makes no sense, there has to be something going on behind the scenes.
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 06:52:55

This has the be one of the sleaziest moves by the Selectmen and our Town Manager that I have witnessed to date. They weren't going to tell anyone last night until someone asked.

Ballot Question One is the COA debt exclusion question, and it takes only a simple majority to pass it.
Town Counsel has said that if it is approved, the same article can come back within a "reasonable time thereafter", but they don't specify what "reasonable" is" It would be a two-thirds majority again.

If Ballot Question One is not approved, Saturday's NO vote - twice - stands.

Please vote "No" again on Thursday, July 11th, at the Chatham Community Center, from 7 AM until 8 PM.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 05/10/2023 - 06:44:49

At today's Select Board, they revealed (and Counsel has opined) that if Thursday's Ballet Question One passes, the pro-COA group can come back in a reasonable amount of time with the same COA Article 18. It will be a two-thirds vote. No definition of "reasonable" time was offered. Please consider voting "no" on Thursday on Ballot Question One. If Ballot Question One fails, they can't come back for some undetermined amount of time. As I understand it, Ballot Question One is simple majority vote so every "No" vote will matter. Please tell everyone that their participation on Thursday is critical. Thank you.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 05/09/2023 - 22:21:42

They are already planning to go back to town meeting if Item 4 passes.

Go to town meeting video at around 20 minutes.

Seems the town counsel thinks it can go back to town meeting if 4 passes. Dykens then comments "that's useful information".

Any lawyers care to opine?
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 05/09/2023 - 21:59:28

One more thing that Eastham voters were told about the potential benefits of Town Water and hydrants. We were told our home insurance rates would go down if we had hydrants nearby. Called the USAA insurance folks about this, after we had a hydrant newly installed nearby. They said "It doesn't make any difference in your rates". Just part of the disinformation that was spread by the Town Water proponents.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Tue 05/09/2023 - 19:33:19

Jared, I share your dismay at individuals leaving once the issue they are interested in is voted on - I have lived in other small communities over the years and it's not a behavior limited to Chatham's Town Meeting. I think this year it was more evident because the Pro-COA contingent cajoled/recruited many residents who don't typically attend to show up just to try to pass Article 18. If I understood the comments from tonight's Select Board meeting, attendance was most ever (924 at the peak) but still is a fraction of Chatham's total registered voters.
Dave Mott <djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 05/09/2023 - 19:08:21

One thing that sticks out in my mind, is people showing up only for their pet projects. At around 900 voters present for Article 18, and then an ensuing hemorrhage of the same after its defeat, it is sad and telling of who cares and who doesn't.

I know it didn't just occur this year and i myself haven't always made it to the end of every TM, but I try to stay for the entirety, because the whole warrant pertains to Town affairs. Boring or not, town business is your responsibility. When I saw hundreds of people exiting the gym after the new COA failed, it solidified my opinion that the supporters care only for their new center and nothing more. Had the vote gone the other way, I would still have remained present until the end.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 05/09/2023 - 18:34:17

Just so you know, my first Chatham Town Meeting was in the Gym at the High School when I was 15. 1955. Not eligible to vote, but I picked up on how things should go. When we moved back to Eastham i probably attended at least 20 town meetings. After years of discussion and dissension, I stood in line at a neutral microphone and patiently waited to be recognized. I then Called The Question on whether we should be forever indebted to pay for the Town Water system. So many people had been fed so much disinformation, it was hopeless for us who were against the project. I had advocated that every home could have been equipped with an under sink reverse osmosis system for drinking water for $400.00. I even brought a sample RO unit to display in the outer lobby. It was forbidden to be inside the gym.
Our taxes have doubled since that vote was passed. All the negative things that I had predicted have been borne to be true.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 05/08/2023 - 19:16:07

Two thirds of the voters wanted to cut off debate. Two thirds of the voters didn't want the senior center. I am now hearing those that lost are questioning the electronic vote. I have a feeling they would not question it if it had passed by one vote.
I think many people prefer the Saturday meetings.
Amy
USA - Mon 05/08/2023 - 12:03:51

This isn't the first Town Meeting where proponents have strategically called the question before opponents were allowed to speak. It has to change and the solution is simple- two microphones for controversial articles -one for proponents and one for opponents, alternating until the question is called. Many towns do it that way- Acton, Andover, Milford, Brookline, Sturbridge to name a few. The League of women Voters states in their own Town Meeting Guidelines: "approach a pro, con or question microphone. It is the only equitable way to allow open debate. What occurred on Saturday should not happen again.
Elaine
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 05/08/2023 - 07:30:38

I have heard from several people that would like the meeting brought back to evenings instead of during the day on Saturday. Many said they had kids in school activities. The shellfish folks needed to get out there to make some money after the red tide. I agree and believe we should go back to evening meetings.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Mon 05/08/2023 - 06:54:57

I am proud of those of you that sought to bring out the facts, and apparently succeeded . Even if the vote failed by one, it still failed. And the Moderator has an obligation to make sure both sides of an argument are fairly represented. That takes some skill in reading the audience.
They even tried for a second vote, after many people left? I know that is an old trick, as like Yogi said, "it ain't over til the opera singer sings". Town meeting can and does bring back articles for reconsideration but only while the Meeting is still in session. Could even be a day later. Articles like these contentious ones should be at the latter part of the Warrant to ensure the voters stick around.
Good thing the voters get to make the decisions, not a Town Council or a Mayor. Or the Selectboard!
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 17:42:20

I don't think either the people for or the people against the COA are bad people. They both are just people who believed strongly in their opinion. I hope we use every opportunity to eliminate the "us vs them" mentality. A more civil approach might result in an acceptable solution for all.
john whelan <sockpirate44@gmail.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 17:35:23

Iam sure it's coming soon , they just need to find another shade of lipstick to put on the pig
Or another name change .
Em <emallowes@comcast.net>
USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 14:07:53

Iam sure it's coming soon , they just need to find another shade of lipstick to put on the pig
Or another name change
Em <emallowes@comcast.net>
USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 14:05:10

Any bets on how soon before this comes up again?

Watch the last select board meeting at 28:10 time. COA supporters were already asking for a meeting with select board to move on the new COA funding. They did not even wait for it to pass.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 13:06:17

I think there was lots of dirty dealing from the opposition to article 18.I mean there should have been equal time for speakers of both parties (for or against)not just the for people, as happened yesterday. But I!! expected as much from those kind of people !!!!!!!!
Barry Fulcher <barsyl4041@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 12:50:20

Janice, Steve & Judy, thank you for the kind words. Our opposition did their best to exclude unsupportive comments - I think I was the only opposing speaker allowed before they cut off discussion. I can't help but think that the vote would not have been as close if the affordable housing component was not part of that Article. They clearly tried to stack the deck - thankfully enough of us were wise enough to see thru the manipulation, showed up to vote and stayed for the travesty that was the second vote.
Dave Mott <djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 11:52:31

The statement at the end of the article, which now has the corrected tally for the second vote. Vote total is down by 3 votes.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 11:15:50

Where did you see that Debbie? I don't see any notice saying they made can error
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 11:01:32

The Chronicle has changed its second vote tally to 585-294.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 09:06:45

Channel 18 has still not posted the Town meeting video for confirmation of the final vote. That should have been a priority. In the future, Town Meeting should be live streamed so there is no question or confusion. This is too important. Electronic voting is simple and far more reliable than hand counts.
Elaine
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 08:46:17

Thanks Amy. I agree that the reported tally must be wrong.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 08:17:22

Unfortunately I believe the Chronicle got the second count numbers wrong. Your math is right Debbie but the vote in fact did fail so reported numbers are wrong. I only wrote down first count and those reported numbers are what I had.
Amy
USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 08:11:08

Thank you Dave Mott for your presentation yesterday. You were spot on!
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 07:36:03

I don't understand how a second vote could have been 594-274. I thought 878 voted. Also, wouldn't 594 have been a winning vote if 868 votes were cast?
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 07:28:39

Hopefully, although I'm not counting on it, this result will cause the proponents to go back to the drawing table and design a less expensive solution for a new center.
A great place to start would be to throw out the current needs assessment, hire an INDEPENDENT IMPARTIAL firm to create a new version of the report and go from there. Using the building designer to create the needs report is a huge red flag and should never have been allowed to happen. Second opinions are a requirement when it comes to making health care decisions, they should also be a requirement when it comes to spending other people's money. I've said it before and I'll say it again. A modular building should be given serious consideration. As many know, a modular can be fabricated to almost any requirement and style so there is no reason for this approach to be ignored. Factory built buildings are produced in a controlled environment to exacting quality standards in an environment that can not be replicated in the great outdoors.
steve jesus <sjjesus21@gmail.com>
chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 06:24:51

Kudos to Dave Mott for the most eloquent presentation about a controversial subject I have ever heard,
Spot on on every count. Truthful analysis delivered passionately, perfect.
Very evident however that proponents of the issue paid no attention to his comments and voted yes despite all facts to the contrary. Tells me a lot about the human condition.
steve jesus <sjjesus21@gmail.com>
chatham, MA USA - Sun 05/07/2023 - 05:59:33

Bill - not sure why you are troubled. After the first vote - many left as they did two years ago. At the end of the second vote over 300 I believe left. There were over 800 folks to start the meeting. At 3:00pm there were barely 300!voters left. The voting machines worked.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Sat 05/06/2023 - 20:44:51

Correction 7 votes and 21 votes.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 05/06/2023 - 17:47:02

I'm troubled by this. How did the vote drop 20 votes, but only up 5 for the other side in the second vote. Of course the story will be it failed by 1 vote which is not really true.

The initial vote failed 587 to 295; and second vote, after a request for reconsideration, failed 594 to 274. In both instances, the voters were shy of a two-thirds majority by one.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 05/06/2023 - 17:44:36

Article 22 to surplus the Town-owned land on Stepping Stones Road for Affordable and/or Attainable Housing has passed.

Article 23 to re-use the land and structures at 127 Old Harbor Road for Affordable and/or Attainable Housing has passed.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 05/06/2023 - 15:31:35

Article 41 which sought to change the vote required to surplus Town-owned property for Affordable and/or Attainable Housing from a two-thirds super majority to a simple majority has failed.

Article 18 to construct a new Center for Active Living at 1610 Main Street has failed to reach two- thirds vote required.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 05/06/2023 - 15:22:42

Bill - They have been vetted and tested by the Finance Committee. I watched a meeting where they were presented and the work that these folks had done with different companies that offer them. . Richard is absolutely correct. Folks do not necessarily want others to see how they vote. I would trust these much more than the folks that did that hand counts. Too much margin for error.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Fri 05/05/2023 - 21:05:54

Both sides will have to have faith in the electronic voting system. I was a vote tallier (sp?) in Eastham, along with another person. She had serious trouble counting hand votes in our designated area, on serious matters. I am totally in favor of these electronic vote responders .
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Fri 05/05/2023 - 19:05:51

Bill P:
I appreciate your concerns, but the REAL value of these proven machines is that you and everyone else can vote without anyone knowing how you voted. I do believe it does give a final tally. Not everyone has to vote, even though they can. There would only be a problem if there were more votes than voters. This doesn't happen.
It has worked very well in other Cape towns, including Eastham.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Fri 05/05/2023 - 17:36:36

Does the new electronic system of voting compare the number of voters to the final tally? In other words if they hand out 100 devices will they check that there is 100 votes. I could see some devices not working. If so would they know?

How has this been tested. Maybe we should use the new devices, but also do hand counts to make sure this works.

This town is small enough that I don't see the need for electronic voting. More potential issues than they are worth.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 05/05/2023 - 17:01:01

I will be glad when this is over. I will respect the vote at Town Meeting no matter what happens. It's very sad and disturbing to see how some folks have acted in the past month trying to promote their cause. We and we alone are responsible for putting these folks in office that are trying to change this town. If some of the articles mentioned here are passed our town will be changed forever and not for the good. The land will be gone and there will be no going back . It will be developed and will most likely be like another Lake Street mess where police will be on a regular basis. No matter what they tell you or promise you, affordable housing will not be a given for any resident in town and that includes teachers, firemen, police, etc. It will be open to anyone in this state. Also as Dann said below, look at the ridiculous amount of money to fund these pet projects. Remember - a COA is NOT a necessity like a police and fire station. This is for a select group of people who refused to compromise on the size, walked off the field when they lost two years ago, and have done nothing but cry "poor me" for the past two years. Opponents to this building have had signs stolen, run over, and have been vilified by many, yelled at, and had a flyer spit on and thrown back in the hands of an elderly woman passing them out. This is what this has come down to. Please go vote tomorrow and think about these changes, that if voted on, this town will be changed forever and we can never go back. More importantly, respect the vote tomorrow - no matter what happens.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Fri 05/05/2023 - 07:54:47

Sorry to hear about Gordon Pratt. A couple of years ago I asked Mike Pratt if he would be willing to show me the old family cemetery that I had been wondering about. I picked Mike up at his house, and he asked if I would want Gordon to join us. Of course! What a wealth of local knowledge. My younger daughter tagging along, the four of us went out to cemetery and Gordon gave us the history, which of course led to talking town history. They were both gracious hosts and I always enjoyed Gordon's sense of humor.

Tim Pennypacker, the Chowderman, Donny and Mary Nickerson, Reggie and Gail Nickerson, Jim and Jane Patterson, Dick Cunningham, Ben T, Gordon and many others. Those were some of the regulars in this chat room when I first started poking around about 20 years ago. I am so happy that I knew these folks and am grateful for the annual chat room party that used to be held. If you look through the photos of these events, you can see how many we have lost since that time.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 05/04/2023 - 19:30:49

No matter where you stand on the issues at Town Meeting, be assured that your vote done electronically will be recorded accurately, and known to you alone. No raised hands or voice votes. Our progressive towns are beyond that.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 05/04/2023 - 18:58:52

These three articles have an estimated cost totaling $35.3 million. WOW. This is approximately equal to Chatham's annual operating budget. What will this do to our property tax bills? What is essential and what is non-essential?

Article 26, Fix our drinking water $19.8 million Essential Vote YES

Article 18, New COA building $10.7 million NON-Essential Vote NO

Article 27, Redesign transfer station $ 4.8 million NON-Essential Vote NO
dan young <danyoung97531@gmail.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 05/04/2023 - 07:56:48

What a hoot if we were to designate Marion Ellis's home and property as the Town Manager's residence, manse, etc.? Sure beats the big house on Kendrick named "Golddigger".
Emily Cunningham <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 05/04/2023 - 05:50:00

Gordon Pratt was a former Air Force man, who was a crew person for an earlier Air Force One plane. He is the last of the three Pratt brothers . Herb and John predeceased him. These guys were the heart and soul of Chatham, and I will always miss them.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 05/03/2023 - 19:11:30

Sad to report that longtime chat roomer Gordon Pratt passed away this morning. Prayers going out to the Pratt family. Announcement will be made soon.
Crayton <cnick2@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/03/2023 - 13:59:46

Article 41 would change the voting margin from 2/3rds to a simple majority for town-owned land that had been determined to be surplus if used for housing. While housing is still the #1 issue in Chatham, this article would establish a very dangerous precedent for Chatham. It basically reduces the long-established rights
of town meeting voters. Worthwhile proposals have always been able to get a 2/3rds vote. Our Finance Committee considered this article carefully and voted 7-1 against Article 41. Please vote NO on Article 41.
john whelan <sockpirate44@gmail.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/03/2023 - 09:57:44

The people pushing for a new C.O.A. are unbelievable. They will tell you if they get the new building that the old one will be used for housing. Does anyone know how many units or how much it will cost? Does anyone know if it can be converted or will it have to be torn down, debris hauled away and how much a new building will cost? Do they really think people will vote for them to have a $10,000,000+ building and that making the old one for housing will sway a vote? We have Stepping Stones land, Buckley property, the church land on Rte.137 property and the old water dept for affordable housing. We don't need to use the C.O.A. building. Let them stay where they are! As for affordable housing, we should go with Habitat for Humanity housing. Those people at least have to have a job, put in some of their own time to help with the building of the hose and show tax returns.
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/03/2023 - 08:49:18

Town meeting this Sat. We have to vote No on a new C.O.A. building. Vote No on a simple majority vote and keep the 2/3 vote. We will also be asked to vote on 19,000,000. for the 2 town wells to remove the PSA's and anything else to put them back online for drinking water. The 10,000,000. money for a select few of a new C.O.A. should go to drinking water that everyone will benefit from!
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Wed 05/03/2023 - 08:48:20

After having over 20% of our signs stolen, seeing folks from Brewster and Orleans signing their "petition" to get a new COA, and "borrowing" our design format and incorporating it into a mailing , I'm wondering if there isn't anything these folks won't do for a new COA. I would never have believed that people this low would live here and advocate for such a ridiculous expense. It's really quite pathetic to see the way these folks have acted. And yet they wonder why so many of us have no use for them.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 05/03/2023 - 07:04:08

The state of Crowell Rd is deplorable! I know it is a temp patch job but nonetheless the town should demand a minimum level of worthiness. The town manager should be required to navigate this stretch on her daily commute.
Rob
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 05/01/2023 - 07:12:41

Richard - it is absolutely beyond comprehension why the Town did not take care of her house. There are no excuses for the pipes bursting and mold all over it now. It should be fixed and let the children go there after after school and let the seniors use the Community Building. Chatham has a history of not taking care of any of their buildings. I agree 100% with what Dave and Donna have said. Let's hope we can win the vote at town meeting and use this house with the intent Mrs Ellis wanted .
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Sun 04/30/2023 - 19:50:59

I don't 'think that Marion Ellis expected to have her home deteriorate and not be used by some Chatham group, be they homeless people or kids from next door. To have it lie fallow and not be taken care of is probably not what she had in mind in her will.
Too bad the Chowderman is not around to speak up for his grandparents intentions.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 04/30/2023 - 19:16:27

Donna, I expressed those exact sentiments when I spoke at last year's town meeting. The town had the option to reject the bequeathment when it was made and by accepting entered into a good faith contract. The current attempt to break that good faith has made up my mind to NEVER leave a blade of grass or 1 cent to this town.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 04/30/2023 - 12:26:02

DONOR'S INTENT SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED

I am writing this because I will not be at town meeting.
I am concerned that when Marion Ellis donated the land on Old Harbor Rd., she made some stipulations for its use. Now there is a possibility that these requests will not be honored. I'm afraid that this is starting a bad precedent. What is going to prevent the town from changing the restrictions for Kate Gould Park, Chase Park, etc.?
Also, I fear that this may cause other people to change their minds about making future donations to the town when their stipulations may not be honored.
Thank you for your considerations of future possibilities.
Donna Lumpkin <lumpkins3@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 04/30/2023 - 10:02:35

Emily, they are replacing the bulkhead.
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Sat 04/29/2023 - 09:53:55

Does anyone know what the huge red crane at the end of Capri Lane is doing over the water front on Oyster Pond?
Emily Cunningham <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 04/29/2023 - 06:02:49

And the Town of Chatham can't figure out a fair way to charge visitors that visit the Chatham Fish Pier? I understand the problem that the operators of tour boats have. They too could provide a van from one site to the Pier where they depart from.
I will say in support of Chatham Boat Co is they have been very supportive of the CG36500 over the years.
It is not an easy thing to resolve.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Fri 04/28/2023 - 17:41:51

According to Zillow the current average home cost in Chatham is $1,084,890.
Tony Murphy
USA - Fri 04/28/2023 - 08:48:47

My estimate about this upcoming season is that we will be overrun with demanding people, bicyclists on RTE 28 between Orleans and Chatham, and people driving fast and abruptly. With the median cost of a home in Chatham at 5 million, I wonder where these folks get their money. Who and how many did they have to screw to accumulate this kind of wealth?
Two years ago, the nightly (yes nightly) room rental at CBI was $1200.00. I wonder what it will be this season.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 04/27/2023 - 18:58:49

True Signs of Spring in our lovely town:
Pretty Picky, Nauset Rental, WNAV, VBRO, BH Rental

Rentals seem to outnumber Daffodils - we have become an investment for the wealthy while the hard working people who service all of us year round can't afford a place to live. Its a sad commentary on priorities of governance.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 04/27/2023 - 09:00:16

John, I applaud you for presenting your perspective, one which I agree with completely. There must be a system of checks & balances in place in small towns to avoid political abuses and personal interests from tainting the landscape of the community. A 2/3 majority vote must remain on the books to support the confidence in fair stewardship. Moving to a simple majority would set a dangerous precedent which could be referenced down the road in an attempt to circumvent other issues that a less than principled Select Board might seek to exploit. We need to wake up and smell the coffee - using the "affordable housing carrot" is part of long game that needs to derailed before we become powerless to stop it.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 04/26/2023 - 10:39:14

I believe housing is Chatham's most serious need. I support Chatham's efforts to
create more housing. But I have great concern about Article 41 on this year's
warrant. It is about town-owned land that is considered to be surplus. If this
land was dedicated to building low and moderate housing, a simple majority vote
would be required rather than a 2/3rds vote. The Select Board could decide any
town property is surplus and a simple majority could then vote it for housing. I
think that our time-honored requirement of 2/3rds vote should be preserved.
john whelan <sockpirate44@gmail.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 04/25/2023 - 22:56:36

Judith - I'm sorry if I was not clear. This is an emotional issue when political signs are taken, as I am sure you remember.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Tue 04/25/2023 - 20:23:45

Judy: I read carefully. You wrote: "These are the folks that have moved here and insist on changing our town to suit their selfish ways". Your post was about sign stealing. Perhaps not your intention, but your words implied the thieves are newcomers. I think that's unfair, so is blaming the people who want to make changes presumptively Chatham newcomers. That isn't accurate. I don't have a dog in this fight, but I did have the experience of Chatham politics. And I think pitting "old" and "new to Chatham" is counterproductive no matter the fight.
Judith Winters
Harwich, MA USA - Tue 04/25/2023 - 17:46:31

Judith - if you read my post carefully I didn't blame them. I said it's the newcomers moving to town that want to change everything! I know exactly who stole your signs and interestingly enough these are the folks that are pro the multi-million dollar clubhouse. I said low life's stole the signs and that's the truth.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Tue 04/25/2023 - 16:52:01

Judy: Not fair to blame newcomers for sign stealing. When I ran for selectperson years ago, one of my opponents paid his son and friends to steal my signs. The father, a life long Chatham resident. Another sign thief was a prominent local real estate developer at the time. As usual, this has to do with ethical behavior among those who should know better.
Judith Winters
Harwich, MA USA - Tue 04/25/2023 - 13:07:02

Wayne - It's on the Chatham Police Facebook page.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Sun 04/23/2023 - 20:33:22

So, Judy where did you see this note from the Police Chief?
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Sun 04/23/2023 - 20:06:15

It's pretty pathetic when the Chief of Police has to issue a note warning the advocates of 1610 Main Street to STOP stealing signs that are against 1610 for a COA. . These are the type of low life's we are dealing with. The Chief goes on to tell these fools to respect other individuals opinions and property. Our "OLD"'Chatham never would have been like this. These are the folks that have moved here and insist on changing our town to suit their selfish ways.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Sun 04/23/2023 - 14:45:41

Ms Connors:
Sounds like you are a "prepper". My wife and I are very well prepared for most eventualities except for a forest fire. We do have two outside faucets , and most recently, a fire hydrant fairly close to our modest home. And, a propane fueled generator. It has been used many times already due to power outages caused usually by FALLING TREES THAT ARE TOO TALL for Cape Cod weather and lower power lines built decades ago.!!
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sat 04/22/2023 - 17:23:35

Let's not forget that glaciers are melting at a rapid pace and sea levels are rising. How this will be mitigated raises many questions. I was there during 2019 right after tornados wreaked havoc. It is always good to keep an emergency stash of clean water, flashlights, emergency blankets, dry matches, non- perishable food in a backpack or easy-to-carry box. We keep our emergency supplies in our vehicle here in Humboldt, as there are numerous earthquakes and potential for a devastating tsumami. If need be, we can seek higher ground. We even pack a backpacking tent, a couple of sleeping bags, pet food, backpacking stove and camp cooking gear. Be prepared!
Carol Ann Conners
County of Humboldt, CA USA - Sat 04/22/2023 - 11:36:11

John Whelan:
I was in Chatham for the 1944 Hurricane, as well as the Hurricanes in the 50's. You are correct. The homes facing Nantucket Sound are in real danger if a real hurricane like those in the past happen. There are hundreds in Dennis, Yarmouth, Harwich that are in similar risky situations.
Here is Eastham we are 40 feet above sea level. NW Winds are another challenge for us, especially if they occur in a big tide cycle.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Fri 04/21/2023 - 19:21:01

I have not heard much of any plans for Chatham in case of a serious hurricane. We have been fortunate of late and big storms have not
come to Cape Cod for a number of years. History points out that we do get hurricanes and big ones. I recently viewed the devastation in Fort Myers Beach and it was incredible. Years and years will be needed
to rebuild the community. Their tourist attractions are no longer there.
A similar storm in Chatham would badly damage property values and the economy.
john whelan <sockpirate44@gmail.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 04/21/2023 - 18:51:11

Barbara - great to hear from you!! Those signatures cannot be verified at all. Folks sat outside businesses and accosted people to sign that. Probably half don't even vote here. Many folks will tell you they drive by the current COA on a regular basis and few cars are ever there. I do know they have been utilizing the Community Center and they should continue to do so. Many of us that have worked hard our entire lives are against this expenditure for a small amount of people. The Community Center is a perfect fit for these folks. Most folks and friends my age have been very vocal that they will never venture there.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Fri 04/21/2023 - 11:49:35

I hesitate to comment in the ChatRoom because although I was born and lived in Chatham for years I now live in San Diego. Chatham will always be my home and I still care about what it has become. That said, I have a question. There is a full page ad in the Chronicle with names of people who are voting for a new COA and I am curious as to how many of those people use the COA on a regular basis. Spending 11+ million dollars for a few people to use a building seems such a waste. After those who do use the building pass on, who do you think is coming along to take their place? The few natives left? Those with enough money to retire in Chatham? Somehow I doubt it.
Barbara <Bejsteve@gmail.com>
San Diego, CA USA - Fri 04/21/2023 - 11:02:37

And that would be what they deserve!
Emily Cunningham <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 04/21/2023 - 10:41:20

Jared:
I appreciate your informed comments. But why are we reinventing the wheel ? Is there a real need for a surf capable boat in Chatham ? When very few fishing boats operate out of Chatham in the winter? Like my Dad and others used to do?
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 04/20/2023 - 18:22:00

Dick, after the Coast Guard pulled Chatham's surf status, I talked to Stu's office to see if they had any ideas about they would do. I suggested the Town build it's own surf cadre, not too different from operating a call fire department, using Coast Guard surf guidlines. We have a very capable harbormaster department and as a town, we are responsible for the waters outside of our harbors as well.

Station Chatham's downgrade is not just our problem. It affects the waters off Wellfleet, Eastham, and Orleans too. Last summer when I witnessed a boat taking on water in Chatham's response district, Station Provincetown responded an additional 12 miles to the scene than what a Chatham boat would have had to travel. This should not be the norm, nor should we expect it. It would be embarrassing to have both a non functional Coast Guard unit and non functional harbormaster in regards to surf. Coast Guard brass continually remind the public that Air Station Cape Cod is at the ready. But ASCC is responsible for the waters from the Canadian border to the Jersey shore and we should not expect that a helo will always be available locally. If we have to pick up the slack left by the CG, then so be it. We can't kick the can down the road.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 04/20/2023 - 17:29:15

Bill P:
Those questions you raise are applicable to either the 250K boat envisioned by the Harbormaster or the 35K boat envisioned by me. Like, the HM is not available 24/7. Yes, there is at least one person available that is a Trained Heavy Weather Coxswain. But he is not the sole person that would be needed to operate either of these vessels. He alone would not be enough. The only other option is to have the Coast Guard Auxiliarists be responsible for manning and maintaining the boat under the supervision of the Harbormaster. Then they at least would have a mission and a vessel to take pride in.
The RNLI boats are superb vessels, supported by the public and manned by volunteers.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 04/20/2023 - 17:15:05

And that would be what they deserve!
Emily Cunningham <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 04/20/2023 - 13:40:42

Sadly, there are too many people lacking integrity and think "their end justifies their means", legal or otherwise. If there are stealing signs they must be worried they will lose.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 04/20/2023 - 09:12:42

It was just a matter of time before the signs were taken. These people are the worst of the worst!..I also heard that the V.N.A. want to take care of the Adult Day Care part in the new C.O.A. f so, then they should get their own place and not put that service on the back of the taxpayers.
janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 04/20/2023 - 07:38:38

Now it is stolen signs! Signs are being stolen which advise voters to vote NO on the COA at 1610. "It is a criminal offense to steal or vandalize a political sign which could lead to an arrest, imprisonment, and/or fines." If anyone sees someone stealing or vandalizing a sign, the police should be contacted immediately.

There is so much deception around this issue. So many dirty tricks. Secret meetings, lies, warrant articles never discussed with the Select Board or the public, plots to keep the public from knowing about these articles until the last minute without the chance to speak, hijacking people, refusing to provide answers about the costs to run the programs, promises being made about the financials without any possibility to make such guarantees.

Please read Elaine Gibb's You Guest It in this week's Chronicle. It is a list of problems that folks need to know about. But, if you don't go to Town Meeting, you won't be able to vote. Rides are being provided by the other side, along with false promises. They will get people there to the meeting. We have to come too. The COA article is Article 18. I'm guessing it will be heard in the first hour. Their bad behavior has to be stopped.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Thu 04/20/2023 - 07:28:44

Buying a Surfboat is the easy part. Who is going to man this boat? Who is going to maintain it?

Operating rescue boats in surf and heavy breaking seas remains one of the most challenging and dangerous tasks Coast Guard boat crews perform. CG only certifies 10 Surfmen per year.

Surfmen qualification process is extensive and extremely demanding. CG surfmen takes 4 years of training

Harbormaster and staff can not run this boat as would be needed.

It sounds nice but it's just another expensive toy.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 04/19/2023 - 21:47:11

I would urge, not use.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 04/19/2023 - 19:32:13

The former RNLI boat is certainly surf capable - much more so than any vessel the Harbormaster might have in mind for purchasing at a quarter of a million Chatham taxpayers dollars. I would use the powers that be to go and visit this RNLI boat in Ossining, NY on the Hudson.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 04/19/2023 - 19:31:25

The April 12 edition of the Cape Cod Chronicle has an article regarding the upcoming Chatham Town Meeting. "Article 31 asks voters to appropriate $250,000 for a surf-capable vessel for the harbor master department; the money is 25% match for a federal Port Security Grant and will require a vote of the select board to authorize its expenditure."
Carol Ann Conners
County of Humboldt, CA USA - Wed 04/19/2023 - 18:25:04

I have sent the Harbormaster an email. He may not be interested, or may be working behind the scenes.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 04/19/2023 - 16:57:41

Richard - why don't you speak with the Town Manager or the Harbormaster about this or
another town official. Maybe they could spearhead the effort. There probably are
slush funds if you can convince the Town Manager or Select Board.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Tue 04/18/2023 - 19:39:34

I know it is up to the voters, but doesn't the Selectboard have a discretionary fund, which they can draw on if a police or fire vehicle is wrecked, or the present Harbormasters boat is deemed unsatisfactory?
By the way, this Rother class boat weighs much more than the CG 36500, by about 4 more tons displacement wise. And she is a little wider than 10 feet. So, to do maintenance on her she would have to be hauled on a marine railway rather than transported by Nauset Marine trailer to a work site.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Tue 04/18/2023 - 17:30:16

Richard - it is not up to the Selectmen - it's up to the voters and too late for this years Town Meeting - the warrant is closed. The Selectmen seem to have no issues trying to spend taxpayers money. The fight against building an 11 million dollar country club is a perfect example when we have a beautiful under-utilized Community Center that will suffice. .
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Mon 04/17/2023 - 20:32:42

These boats have props that are housed so they don't hit shallow water sand bars. The Chatham Selectboard should really take this into consideration. The boat could be delivered by the CG Auxiliary Flotilla in Chatham. What a treasure this boat is! As a rescue boat in the UK, they had very little usage, but were very well maintained and staffed by dedicated volunteers. A perfect fit for Chatham.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 04/17/2023 - 17:32:44

I have been advised that there is an all weather Rother Class Lifeboat built in 1977 (named Silver Jubilee) for the British RNLI for sale in New York for a meager $35,000 asking price.. She has twin 4 cylinder Ford Mermaid diesels, is self righting, is 37 feet long and draws 3'6". Speed is 8 knots. This would do very nicely if owned by the Chatham Harbormaster, as her specs are very similar to the CG36500. She is built of 1" thick double diagonal mahogany planking on oak frames. (Probably copper riveted)
The Rother class of 14 boats was retired early as the RNLI wanted faster boats, so this boat was sold and transported to the US as deck cargo after her retirement in 1994.
This boat would do just fine operating out of the Chatham Fish Pier, and obviously is surf capable. It has USCG documentation.
Check the Rother Class Lifeboats on Wikipedia.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 04/17/2023 - 13:22:02

Dave Mott, I never did one job in twenty years that came in either on or below the contracted amount. Anyone in a position of authority should know that.
steve jesus <sjjesus21@gmail.com>
chatham, MA USA - Sat 04/15/2023 - 22:09:49

How dare any elected official present himself/ herself unexpectedly into a conversation about a topic so very debatable just before a Town Meeting vote? This,in my opinion is unethical as a way to spend our money and push an agenda forward. Something is rotten in Denmark! I urge everyone to attend Town Meeting and vote no on a new COA at 1610 Main St. We can do better with using the old tried and true New Englanders common sense to solve the problem without reckless spending. PLEASE !
Emily Cunningham <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 04/15/2023 - 15:38:11

Steve J - just caught up with your April 6th post and agree with you on costing out the project. I unexpectedly had a discussion with a town select who GUARANTEED me the price of the project would come in under the $11,000,000 - he lost credibility with me when he made that statement. I hope our fellow townspeople get your point - I told the select person that voting yes essentially provides a blank check which we all would regret in the end.
Dave Mott <djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 04/15/2023 - 09:23:39

Only career/senior military officers need to have classified info, and that should be on a "Need to know" level. That was the way it was when I was the Administrative Watch Officer at the Naval Hospital in Groton, CT back in the 1970's. I would get messages about nuclear submarines movements, which I was to forward to the Hospital CO. We really had no need for this info.
LCDR Ryder
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 04/13/2023 - 17:54:38

Is it for the health of the water system, or a Public Health concern? I served in VN, as a Navy Public Health Advisor, where there was no water supply except rainwater or contaminated canal water. We were advocating for sand filtration systems that could be built by local people. It was a tough uphill climb. They didn't have the resources.

Did you know that the 100 foot distance between wells and a septic system has to do with the movement of effluent through sand? It moves slowly, and in the process viral contaminates and bacteria die along the way. Now that Chatham is converting to sewers, the well distancing issue is becoming moot. Thus, so many houses built so close to each other in Chatham.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 04/13/2023 - 17:12:52

Mr Schell is rather arrogant in his approach to things, David. The way folks are going about this does indeed seem as though the fix is in. By being promised affordable housing, the young families will support the COA at 1610 Main Street. They will come and vote. What's important is those who do not want the COA at 1610 must come to the meeting and vote "NO". There's so much subterfuge going on. One select board member rents out a house on Moonpenny Lane for $17,500 weekly. He advertises for a greater number of bedrooms than he is allowed. Folks should understand why he voted against the Short Term Rental regulations. A LTE in Chronicle today alluded to this. And let us not forget how the entire Board with the exception of Dean Nicastro is pushing for a majority vote instead of 2/3 for housing. Changing the rules to get what they want. I believe we have some real problems with the majority of this Board being ethically and morally compromised. Working behind the scenes and allowing no discussion of important issues. Calling citizens naysayers who disagree with them. If this is what folks vote for at town meeting so be it. But I'm worried when will it be enough for them? Chatham's property values will be deeply affected by all the changes and the character will be unrecognizable.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 04/12/2023 - 19:35:35

Be sure to check out the fancy half page Chronicle ad for the new CFAL that will be built on the shore of Bearse's Pond. Paid for by the "1610-193" folks.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 04/12/2023 - 17:30:44

Or lost to the sea.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 04/12/2023 - 17:26:35

It's required by DEP that all towns do the flushing. Sediment builds up in the pipes over the winter, resulting in brown water, etc.. So it's basically done for the health of the water system.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 04/12/2023 - 17:26:06

Why is there hydrant flushing going on in Chatham if water is presumably so scarce? I realize most of it goes back in the ground via storm drains, but some is lost to evaporation.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 04/12/2023 - 17:01:38

I was under the impression that the new COA vote at our May 6th Town meeting would determine final go/no go outcome. Imagine my surprise and disappointment at seeing a recent social media post by one of Chatham's "cabal" members of a Bearses Pond picture proclaiming it to be just a short walk through the George Harding Preserve from "where the new COA Center for Active Living will be built". A statement like that would seem to indicate that the decision to move ahead is a fait accompli so as voters we should be asking "Is the fix in" ?
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 04/12/2023 - 16:17:21

Mr. Nicastro had an outstanding letter in today's Chronicle about the article that was slipped in last minute right before the warrant was closed for town meeting. This is about trying to change the 2/3 approval vote to a majority vote. He said water is more important now than affordable housing. Finance Committee voted against this as well. Folks better start paying attention to these sleazy moves of the housing advocates. We were promised in January there would be no article for a COA - yet look what happened between closed doors. Now we have desperate people sitting outside the Village Market trying to get signatures that mean absolutely nothing - but promising folks rides to polls. Our town is being taken over by less than scrupulous people. If folks care anything at all about our town it's time to send these people a very clear message at Town Meeting. Water is more important than more land grabbing at this point and we do not need a country club for 25 people that will benefit no one else.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 04/12/2023 - 09:57:56

I recently raised concerns to a proponent about the last minute COA day care proposal, notably the fact that there has been no public discussion or research on costs. They were called "excuses". Now a letter writer thinks that it's "selfish" to have concerns about building space for something that has yet to be decided. So unfair.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 04/12/2023 - 08:54:17

Who and why has someone been flying around Chatham in the early morning hours lately? This morning between 2:45 and 4:15, a small plane flew overhead EIGHT times, I assume from the direction and pattern each time they are using the airport, too. Other nights have been after 1 am lately.
M Reed <ccblues@comcast.net>
Chatham , MA USA - Tue 04/11/2023 - 09:47:24

Thank you Jason Alten! I wanted to make sure everyone is aware of an upcoming town meeting warrant article that may indirectly assault the Goose Pond forest. The article wants Chatham voters to OK changing the zoning laws on municipal land to accommodate the building of affordable housing. This would be done by changing the 2/3 majority needed for passage to a simple majority. For good reasons, that law has long been on our books for the protection of past town meeting decisions. Unfortunately, this warrant article fortifies the line of thinking that if we cannot get what we want, we just change the rules to suit our needs. Is that the example we want to set? This does not seem moral nor ethical to me. To me it's simple, come to town meeting with a solid plan with neighborhood input and you stand a much better chance of having a warrant article pass. Seemingly, that would be the correct way to take land for housing needs. Who wants to sign some of the last forested land away to the select board? It appears that we now have plenty of housing in the works now and that our town may be in desperate need of future new wells. Once this land is gone we all know it will be next to impossible to get back and they are now taking a roudabout way feeding off people's emotions to take it. Really it's a disgusting and terrible precedent to set and one our elected leaders should be ashamed of.
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Mon 04/10/2023 - 06:44:10

Happy Easter Nancy!!! Good seeing you today.
JimP
USA - Sun 04/09/2023 - 20:37:39

Happy Easter one and all!
Nancy Ryder Petrus
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 04/09/2023 - 09:33:06

These "clickers" are so easy to use. Our 5 year old grandson could figure them out. As could our 22 year old grandson.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sat 04/08/2023 - 19:22:34

The Mainsheet from our Town Manager tells us that she is hosting an informational session at the COA? Coffee with her to demonstrate use of the clickers at Town Meeting? What a sneaky ploy.! If you want to inform the voting populace don't showcase your agenda . Hold the information session at the Community Center or Annex. Don't vote for something no one knows what it will cost or function as!
Emily <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 04/08/2023 - 18:56:16

I am offering old copies of the Cape Codder, which apparently started in 1946.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sat 04/08/2023 - 17:06:02

The old ones were not called the Chatham Chronicle and span Cape & New Bedford.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 04/08/2023 - 13:39:21

Richard, the Chatham Chronicle has papers online back to the 1800's via the Library. Check it out, it's very interesting. Some are missing but most are there.

https://eldredge.microsearch.net/Contents
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 04/08/2023 - 13:32:58

M Reed: They are limited in what they can charge as fines by MA statute, I believe. But remember, they will have the ability to revoke the permit after proper hearings. It's still much better than the total lack of rules we have now.
J Hallgren (as user)
Clearwater, FL USA - Sat 04/08/2023 - 11:58:24

There's not enough teeth in the BOH draft for short term rental violators. $200 per day for a violation on a property renting for over 20k a week is nothing. It needs to be punitive enough to stop the violation quickly. It should be at least $200 PER BED PER DAY over occupancy limit AS ADVERTISED.
M. Reed <ccblues@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 04/08/2023 - 11:05:12

House on the corner of Barcliff and Old Harbor advertising as "sleeps 20"? 6 bedrooms? 2 king beds, a queen and 14 singles? Seriously? I thought the town was getting this under control.
M. Reed <ccblues@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 04/08/2023 - 10:38:31

Dave Mott; excellent letter in the Chronicle recently! Well spoken and thought out. You and Jennifer Buck both had great letters.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 04/08/2023 - 07:55:22

There is no way Chatham needs to spend 11 million for a COA. I am a senior and no one I know who is a senior will step foot into the senior center. The community center has plenty of room for the COA. Let's stop the BS and vote no for the 11 million dollar COA.
Tina <tinahunter1955@kgmail.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Fri 04/07/2023 - 20:19:11

Having been familiar with electronic voting in Eastham, it will be interesting to see how this new concept plays out in Chatham. In small towns like Eastham and Chatham, folks at Town Meeting used to be able to see if you hoisted a card, or an arm with a hand. Or if you shouted louder than others.
I totally support this new way to register your vote. It is like actually going to an annual election in a booth. No one will know how you have voted.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Fri 04/07/2023 - 17:54:27

I have some Cape Codder newspapers from 1950. Is there anyone interested in these? There are ads for the HOJo's in Orleans, as well as letters to the editor and other newsy columns. Free to a good home. You have my email address.
Richard R.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Fri 04/07/2023 - 17:26:56

Is there a connection between Ballston Spa, NY and Ballston Beach on the Cape?
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Fri 04/07/2023 - 16:28:22

On an Instagram post from our newest Select Board member, there is a picture of Bearse's Pond with the comment -- "This is where the new COA Center for Active Living will be built". If this isn't the height of arrogance, I don't know what is. Since when is a Select Board member elected to go around promoting their own agenda? He is certainly living up to his reputation for being pompous and arrogant.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Fri 04/07/2023 - 14:01:51

Yes, the Pamet Station is around but the owners don't want people coming by and looking at it so we don't mention it.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Fri 04/07/2023 - 08:48:02

Dick, maybe you know, the Pamet Life Saving Station also survives, though it is now a private home, and located a few miles away from it's original home at Ballston Beach.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 04/07/2023 - 08:11:37

Thank you Steve.Appreciate your speaking about this, with the experience you have had in the construction industry. I do hope the people will listen.
Thomas Doane <tommydoane@comcast.net>
WEST CHATHAM, MA USA - Thu 04/06/2023 - 22:48:29

I remember going to it as a child and when it was moved north. Thank you!
Carol Ann Conners
County of Humboldt, CA USA - Thu 04/06/2023 - 22:25:33

It was built inn 1898 across Pleasant Bay from Ministers Point in Chatham, at the end of North Beach at the time. North Beach gradually extended to the South and now if you park at the Chatham Light, you will see how far the beach has extended to the South. Back in the 50's we were able to drive from Nauset Beach in Orleans to the "point", which was abreast of the Chatham Lighthouse. Now there is the North cut, which precludes travel any further South to the point.
It was never a lighthouse, but rather a US Life Saving Station. One of about 260 in the United States. It is one of 28 of the same architectural style - a Duluth Type, as the first of 28 was built in Duluth, MN. Lake Superior. Go to www.uslife-savingservice.org to find out more of these stations. The Beachcomber in Wellfleet is the only other USLSS Station still standing on Cape Cod.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 04/06/2023 - 19:24:41

Where was the Old Harbor Lighthouse located?
Carol Ann Conners
County of Humboldt, CA USA - Thu 04/06/2023 - 18:45:28

Jared:
Certainly not. I was only talking about the two towns that had 4 stations in their midst. My grandfather served at the floating station at City Point in Boston in the summer, and later as a "Winter Man" in the winter at Old Harbor. I have visited the floating former CG station in Louisville. The first floating City Point Station was built in Mystic, CT. During WWII, the floating station was used as a checkpoint for vessels inbound to Boston Harbor.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 04/06/2023 - 17:46:22

Dick, did you forget Pamet, Highland, High Head, and Peaked Hill Bars?
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 04/06/2023 - 17:08:28

Regarding the estimated cost for the COA clubhouse. There is no possible way to provide any type of estimate for the construction of this building. There are no final drawings to base a decision or an estimate on, There is no way to confirm that the lot would pass a 21e survey because the land has not been scrutinized. Material and labor costs continue to skyrocket. The filed subcontractor bid as well as the GC bids are not even close to being known. Question to ponder: what if the GC and filed sub bids come in over budget? I'll tell you what will happen. The town will appropriate the additional money and the project will exponentially increase way over and above the initial " estimate". I can tell you after building my share of public bid projects , that that is precisely what will happen. Project estimates are solely a tool used to sell a project to the taxpayers and a way to categorize the size of the project so that contractors can decide if the job fits their financial and professional abilities. I never did any project that came in at budget. Once the project is awarded, all semblance of financial prudence is held hostage by the need to complete the project. Anyone in construction knows this as well as anyone in position of authority.
steve jesus <sjjesus21@gmail.com>
chatham, MA USA - Thu 04/06/2023 - 08:56:11

Richard,
Life Station Louisville and Station City Point?? Thank you for all your USCG history.
B King <kingsport06@yahoo.com>
Pittsfield , MA USA - Thu 04/06/2023 - 08:19:36

Last year at town meeting I remember a Mr Whitely who spoke about the costs to taxpayers on purchasing the Chatham Swim Club. He was well spoken and his knowledge of the finances and construction costs that would be involved if the town were to purchase the pool was impressive. It would be great if we had someone like him run for Selectman.
Ak
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 04/06/2023 - 00:21:04

And don't forget, at this town meeting, no one can see how you voted.
Thomas Doane <tommydoane@comcast.net>
WEST CHATHAM, MA USA - Wed 04/05/2023 - 22:48:53

Wayne, I hope you understand how important these political issues are to those of us from Chatham who are being asked to provide about 11 million dollars for an oversized, overly expensive, and underutilized building on an undersized lot, right in the middle of West Chatham. Citizens were not allowed to speak during discussions of this agenda item. Nothing is fair or right about the COA at 1610 Main Street. So please bear with us while we vent and offer our views. It would be great to also see you and Phoebe at a town meeting!
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 04/05/2023 - 21:20:18

Great post Richard! Good to hear this great history! Also good to change the subject from politics for a bit.
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Wed 04/05/2023 - 20:09:05

Back when there were 4 U.S. Life Saving Stations in Chatham (Old Harbor, Chatham, Monomoy, and Monomoy Point,) there were at least 30 Chatham families that depended on the $65.00 a month that the Surfmen received from the Treasury Department, per month. This back then was good money, enabling them to get their families through the winter.
There were also 4 stations on Nantucket, but only Chatham and Nantucket held the title of 4 in their towns. There were about 260 stations in the country.
But only two were floating stations.
Can you name them?
Hint- one was in MA and one was in KY.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 04/05/2023 - 19:28:28

Amy - never thought of that. Interestingly enough the signature sheets never asked for an address and many folks that are signing it probably aren't even from Chatham. What a waste of time.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Tue 04/04/2023 - 07:08:10

Probably an ad in the chronicle.
The only thing that matters is the Town Meeting vote. Bring your friends.....
Amy
USA - Tue 04/04/2023 - 05:25:02

Richard - it's the folks that want a COA that are collecting signatures. Not sure why - warrant for Town Meeting is closed. Signatures don't mean anything at this point.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Mon 04/03/2023 - 21:31:37

Thanks Jim P.
By the way, who are "they" that are collecting signatures?
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 04/03/2023 - 18:57:29

Richard I think that is part of the problem with our national psyche at present. We just keep demanding what we want with no thought of payment, priorities, or what we are doing to our children. 33 Trillion (that's a trillion with a "T") and we keep pushing for more. Chatham is just trying to keep up with the feckless and reckless national debt. We should pump the brakes on this and think about why Chatham is "Chatham." Saddling it with a huge debt that can't be paid off for generations won't help. It will become more elite, more expensive, and we'll wonder why we didn't do something when we have no kids, no young families, and no traditional industry left.
JimP
USA - Mon 04/03/2023 - 18:45:53

Whatever happened to "Use it up, make it do, or do without " that carried so many real Chatham families through tough times.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 04/03/2023 - 17:55:00

And yet, they are still sitting outside the Chatham Village Market today collecting signatures. . . .
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Mon 04/03/2023 - 15:20:12

Wow! What great comments from so many on not voting for a new C.O.A....Bob, John, Judy, Steve, E.M. Dave, Richard, Bill and others for your input. It really puts it into perspective
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 04/03/2023 - 08:46:00

A million here, a million there; pretty soon we're talking about real money... I'd really like to support this new Senior Center, but as pointed out in several prior comments on this page, there are too many unknowns. Those unknowns and the confusion they are creating will sink any vote taken on May 6. To allow time to prepare a comprehensive construction cost proposal - and an operating budget analysis - for the voters, I for one would like to see the Select Board withdraw this article and schedule it for a special town meeting in the fall or winter. It's always difficult to gauge whether a hard cash investment will pay off when the returns are intangible - more seniors served, more useful services provided, higher quality of life resulting, etc. But we ought to take a stab at it so that we know what we are obligating the next generation or two to buy for us.
Bob Fishback <robertef45@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 04/02/2023 - 22:39:12

I think that a thorough examination of the costs involved in an adult daycare
center should be done prior to deciding to even consider it. Talk with other
towns about the legal requirements for licensing and staffing. How many hours
would it be open each day and how many days a week? How much do you have to pay
licensed staff? Are licensed staff available? The building will be expensive to
construct, and before any vote on the building a solid estimate of the costs to
run it should be made available to the voters with and without an adult day care.
center..
john whelan <sockpirate44@gmail.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 04/01/2023 - 20:57:23

Harold - I understand where you're coming from; however, there is no reason in this world for town leadership to be promoting an 11 million dollar COA building that will have minimal use when we have such severe problems with our water and wells here. It's a fools dream when the Community Center will suffice.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Sat 04/01/2023 - 16:10:34

Thanks, John. You are a conscientious webmaster. But I can explain:

My mother-in-law passed away a few years ago after selling the family home in Chatham. She could not afford the taxes. But she also needed and used senior services in her later years. I have in-laws on the Cape, but don't know when or if I will visit again. You live a unique place, but some of your problems are not so unique. No offense is meant. We have family there who won't live anywhere else - as long as they can afford to stay.

I follow the discussions here, but it would probably be more fun down at the barbershop (Okay,April Fools!).
Harold <ezlivin@nashville.com>
Nashville, TN USA - Sat 04/01/2023 - 10:18:40

Thank you for the explanation.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 03/31/2023 - 22:50:08

Dave: Because there's NEVER been any restrictions (in my version of this site) on where someone lives, as long as the comments are appropriate, and follow the rules, which his are since they specifically relate to Chatham and/or Cape Cod, ok?
J Hallgren (as Moderator)
Clearwater, FL USA - Fri 03/31/2023 - 16:59:55

Regarding Harold's posts, why is he even in this chatroom if he lives in Nashville? Just curious.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 03/31/2023 - 16:35:47

The important number is the average residential tax bill, not the rate. Thanks to high assessments, Chatham is right up there for the Cape in that regard.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 03/31/2023 - 11:25:03

Chatham's rate is the lowest on the cape. Well, back to minding my own business.
Harold <ezlivin@nashville.com>
Nashville, TN USA - Fri 03/31/2023 - 11:00:16

I see the tax rates on the cape are actually down rather substantially since last year. https://joeshimkus.com/MA-Tax-Rates-Barnstable-County.aspx
Harold <ezlivin@nashville.com>
Nashville, TN USA - Fri 03/31/2023 - 10:58:18

What Steve has just mentioned about lack of impartiality, is why municipalities typically have a capital project or building needs committee, made up of residents who will advise what is needed and what is in excess. I remember one such committee acting on plans for a new fire station nearly a decade ago, and handing back a report that said, scale it back because it is too big.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 03/31/2023 - 08:52:35

Steve - I believe they have been involved with several projects in town. Needless to say there have been problems with most of them as well. For some reason the powers that be continue to use these folks. They were beyond rude to us at one of the public meetings many years ago (again, about the COA) when they were questioned by many of us. Conflict of interest - probably- but our leaders seem to love them. I think it's past time for the Select Board and Ms Goldsmith to be more closely scrutinized. Someone mentioned a recall last month. I'd be all for it as I'm sure others would be as well. The Chairman of the Board and the one running for re-election are a disgrace and seem to be ethically compromised. It's pretty sad no one will run against any of them. They are their own little group that makes the rules up as they go. Why would anyone be the lone outsider?
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Fri 03/31/2023 - 07:43:44

Another interesting factoid. The needs survey was formulated by the architectural firm that is designing the building. Why wouldn't they develop a survey that proves the need for this size building? It is in their interest to do a needs survey that requires a building of this size because there is more money to be made by building a big building instead of a smaller building.
The needs survey should have been done by an IMPARTIAL third party.
Conflict of interest here anyone?
steve jesus <sjjesus21@gmail.com>
chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/30/2023 - 21:15:24

Again, I firmly believe that the taxpayers are being forced to expend a huge amount of money on a building they know nothing about. There are no completed drawings of the proposed building that taxpayers would be able to scrutinize in order to make an informed decision about how THEIR money will be spent. The only drawings available are CONSEPTUAL drawings which in reality mean very little. Do we know the types of finish materials being specified are? Will there be cherry moldings and finish lumber used? What grade appliances will be used? Is the subsurface of the site known. Will it pass a 21e certification? Do we know how much the annual maintenance of the building will cost the taxpayer? There are many unknown costs involved here that preclude anyone being able to make an informed decision on expending such a large amount of taxdollars. No one should be expected to make such a decision without knowing exactly what they are buying. It appears that town officials are saying " trust us" we know what we are doing. Really?
steve jesus <sjjesus21@gmail.com>
chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/30/2023 - 21:04:44

The plan for a new CFAL (?) weighs heavily on my mind. It's a "boondoggle" being shoved down our throats by people who haven't lived in Chatham long enough to get their feet wet. The design is a chopped up puzzle of strange roof lines, odd rooms, weird parking and entrances and exits. For 10+ Million? An Adult Day Care ROOM on the second floor? Emergencies will happen there....what about egress ?
My mother lived alone in her own home until age 97. She NEVER needed or wanted help from her beloved Town. Day Care? Phooey! She dug her heels in and happily took care of herself. I will do the same, in the same house. Let's re-think this "gift" and VOTE NO once again.
Emily <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/30/2023 - 19:16:10

Whoa Cynthia! Be careful in your assumptions. I am a senior citizen. I have played bridge in the Chatham COA library room upstairs, I have borrowed a cane for my husband, I belong to a local SeniorCenter in So. California to continue my life-long passion for tap dancing, I am not in need of a fancy building with access problems and a day care center, but I know there are people who are dependent and wanting those services.. I would much rather help young families who cannot afford to live and work in our fancified town!
Emily <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/30/2023 - 19:14:30

I have noticed that every once in a while the Chat-M-Room stalls. Off subject, or a repeat of past entries or something not really current or pertinent to the thread.. We are all guilty and to prove it, I went back and clicked on the very earliest archives. WOW! 2001, 2002 I could hear voices of old timers and enjoy all their comments. Jane H Patterson, Hilda Trainor, Tim Pennypacker and many others. Let's remember what they were telling us.....don't let Chatham change any more!
Emily <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/30/2023 - 19:14:06

Drove by the Marion Ellis property on Old Harbor Rd.today and noticed how run down the town leaders have allowed that property to become .such a disgrace . And to think the last medium home price I see listed for this town was 1.2 million . Now they want us to let them spend a projected 11 Million on a new COA building when they obviously can't maintain what we already have . Iam sure Mrs Ellis must be real pleased looking down at what has become of her generous donation to this town . I urge everyone to take pictures or point out other town properties that are neglected . It's obvious our leaders aren't capable of taking care of what we have already . All this crazy spending needs to end , the leaders clearly don't understand the meaning of no . How is anything going to be affordable here if we just keep driving taxes up with foolishness to benefit a few
EM <emallowes@comcast.net>
USA - Thu 03/30/2023 - 16:41:47

Bottom line - there are not enough senior citizens using the COA building now to justify an 11 million dollar expense when we have serious issues with our water and wells. Mr Duncanson said last week we are still on water restrictions. How many are aware of that?
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Thu 03/30/2023 - 08:29:38

Thanks Debbie for cutting through the fog.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 03/29/2023 - 19:18:24

I was simply suggesting the possibility that there hasn't been a significant growth in the senior population over the last 3 years. As for births, I have to wonder why the number in the 1957 graduating class is essentially the same as the current number from Chatham in the CES kindergarten class.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/29/2023 - 18:45:23

If there are 200 fewer Chatham people, according to a Census, they are not necessarily senior citizens. who have departed one way or another. Several years ago, I was to give a talk to the Middle School class in Chatham. I was told that in the previous year, only one kid was born to a Chatham family.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 03/29/2023 - 17:18:30

I question whether "seasonal seniors" are counted in the census or use would use a senior center.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/29/2023 - 15:55:23

Sorry, I was only referring to the year round Senior population.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/29/2023 - 14:36:36

But those could be seasonal seniors!!!
Josie
chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/29/2023 - 13:53:20

So, if Chatham has lost 200 year rounders in the past 3 years, chances are that the Senior population isn't growing. But the seasonal population sure is.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/29/2023 - 13:46:14

Bill - well said! Once again you know they're desperate when the Chairman of the COA had to write a letter in today's Chronicle. She looked me in the face and lied directly to me about how she hated that location - none of these people can be trusted. Meanwhile she was part of the entire back room deal. For the Select Board now to try to change the 2/3 vote with affordable housing to just the majority shows they have a serious problem with their moral compass. They also tend to forget they work for us - and stop the lies and deceit. Karma is a very powerful fact of life. It can't come soon enough - hopefully at Town Meeting.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 03/29/2023 - 09:46:07

Actual numbers are more relevant than medians. Population in 2020 Census 6594. Current population is 6395. 2020 Census percent age 65+ was 46.4%.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/29/2023 - 09:10:16

My point from my previous post is that Kindergarten is nice to have but not essential. It would have been nice to have been able to go to Cape Cod Tech, or 4 C's, but they were not an option back then in 1957. We had to leave the Cape to get further educated. I am proud to say I was able to compete with others who had been in Kindergarten.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Tue 03/28/2023 - 17:53:13

Harold the problem is Chatham has been on a drunken spending spree for the last 10 years.

Second a lot of people bought or inherited houses years ago when pricing was normal. We are not rich. The super fast rise is hurting people who have to pay taxes. Now add all the spending on top of that. I know people who had to sell their no mortgage homes because the taxes were to high.

Third, The mean age is high because no young person can afford to live here. Even fishing is not what it used to be. That provided a lot of younger families a decent living in the past.

fourth, I don't know any 67 year olds who use he senior center. Probably not until 85 or older on average.

fifth, there was a vote on this and it was voted down. That is why it is outrages.

sixth, it was backroom sneaky deal only DC & Chicago would be proud of.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/28/2023 - 15:00:00

Hello all, I'm not a regular here, and don't mean to ignore other issues, but I only have time for some fights as we all do. Looking for advice. A relative of mine in Orleans is having an extremely difficult time with getting the town to support her in removing phragmite that is swallowing up her property and the Town Cove in general. She has been fighting for the right to extract the terribly invasive species from her parcel, and what she is going through is beyond ridiculous. Does anyone here have a similar story or advice? This has been going on for several years with little support from anyone, the state, the town, etc. They seem incompetent and ignorant about the damage this species does to the ecosystem and how fast it is spreading. It's just a matter of time before we have it in spades here and if we get policies in place now, we can save a lot of headaches and a lot of waterfront all around. We need to ensure rights to remove it from the waterfront wherever it takes over. I see a patch of it in my neighborhood and know it will bloom into big trouble in no time.
M. Reed <ccblues@comcast.net>
N. Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/28/2023 - 09:55:51

Median age for MA is 39.6 years.
Median age for the Cape is 56.1.
Median age for Chatham is 67.5 (2020 Census)

The average price of a home in Chatham is more than $1,000,000 (realtor.com)

What is the problem here? It can't be the money or the need. Why, really, do y'all not want a better place for your growing population of elders? My relatives in Chatham would like to know...
Harold <ezlivin@nashville.com>
Nashville, TN USA - Tue 03/28/2023 - 09:54:19

Is the Chatham senior population growing? I'd like to see the actual numbers supporting that statement. I'd also like to see the numbers identifying the number of people/households that use the the senior center by by day by month by year for the past decade. If COA supporters are so keen to spend $12M, let's see the justification. Let deal in facts not opinions.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/28/2023 - 09:35:07

Debbie - of course it didn't! Why would they do something like that- which woukd make so much sense?
The signature sheet said "support Chatham's growing senior population". I hope this vote goes up in flames. If it does, I will have a warrant article next year to vote on that will state not to bring this back for 25 years. Enough is enough.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Tue 03/28/2023 - 09:22:05

I doubt the petition says anything about the proposed total of spending and debt authorization for FY '24 being a whopping $104,778,724.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/28/2023 - 08:53:33

Within the past week there have been signature sheets at Larry's PX, Meservey's Gas, and the Chatham Village Market. These sheets say "We support the decision of the Select Board to build a COA for Chatham's growing community. They can do nothing with these signatures. The signatures will not be verified and the warrant is closed. This is desperation in its finest hours. One of my friends said yesterday -- it's interesting the Select Board were so quick to say "NO" to the six million dollar pool (without the benefit of Town Meeting) that many would benefit from. I still can't understand the desperation for an 11 million dollar plus building that so few will use. Wouldn't this money be better spent on our water issues. . . Oh that's right -- the Chronicle reported this past weekend, there is no problem now. How many want to make a bet that after the Town Meeting there will be water restrictions?
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Tue 03/28/2023 - 07:39:42

Jared, I am sure you know the Lighthouse Service was assimilated in to the Coast Guard in 1939, so this person would have been a Coast Guardsman in the 40's.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 03/27/2023 - 17:02:11

My older siblings, Nancy Ryder Petrus and John Ryder might have heard of him. I have nothing to add about him. Coast Guard men came and went back then, until Bernie Webber became so well known.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 03/26/2023 - 21:29:14

Does anyone remember a Tom Crook or John Crook? Their father took over command of Chatham Light in 1946, having been transferred from lighthouse service at West Chop on the Vineyard. The daughter of Mr. Crook's successor at West Chop was asking if I might know what ever happened to them. Sound familiar?
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 03/26/2023 - 20:26:41

SO interesting to note that there are only 21 kids in the Kindergarten class now. Guess what: First of all, when I was kid in Chatham there was no Kindergarten available.. Secondly, the Graduating Class of 1957 had 22 kids. We somehow made it through our 12 years in one building. Now the Community Center, or whatever it is called.
Graduate, Stockbridge School of Agriculture, Diploma, 1959. Graduate, Cornell School of Hotel Administration, BS, 1973. Retired Naval Officer.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sat 03/25/2023 - 17:58:55

Actually, the 25% might be a bit high. Here's the breakdown for the two schools: CES 119 Chatham 11 Harwich 21 School Choice Total 151 HES 10 Chatham 412 Harwich 55 School Choice Total 477 129 out of 628 regional elementary students are from Chatham.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 03/25/2023 - 14:54:35

Thanks for the breakdown Debbie. To me it highlights the effect of the lack of affordable housing. We need to find solutions it in 20 years there might not be anyone here to populate our committees & boards.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 03/25/2023 - 12:43:19

CES breakdown for Chatham students: K=21; 1=27; 2=12; 3=37; 4=22. (There are also 10 Chatham students attending HES.)
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 03/25/2023 - 11:48:27

Currently there are 119 Chatham students enrolled in CES.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 03/25/2023 - 11:39:11

Did I read this correctly that only 25% of the regional elementary school students are actually from Chatham? What does that equate to as an actual headcount?
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 03/25/2023 - 10:35:27

I ran into a woman today at the transfer station who told me she is a frequent user of the COA building and activities. She told me there are hardly ever any folks there that attend these programs . She said they do not need a new building and that we should be spending our money on wells for water. I think our priorities are screwed up when we tend to think a COA building is a necessity over water.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Fri 03/24/2023 - 21:49:15

Not to divert attention from the COA topic, but I did go to the former RCA site in South Chatham today to actually see why this site has been off the table for a new COA. My wife Pat pointed out that the site is probably in either a Resource Area or a Buffer Zone. so any new construction there would be problematic. Still, the view from such a facility , if ever built, would be very impressive .
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Fri 03/24/2023 - 17:25:48

I have gone through the CC schedule and my conclusion is simply that the COA needs more space than is available there. That's why I advocated for an addition behind the gym which would include a kitchen and a first floor multipurpose room. I regret that there doesn't seem to be any appetite to have after school and summer rec programs held on school property, as is done in other surrounding towns. I also regret that they didn't come back with a smaller building for 1610 Main St., considering that there is available space in the CC for some COA programs.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 03/24/2023 - 11:21:55

Debbie - I believe one would need an honest accounting of the Community Center schedule, Monday through Friday, for starters, with times and rooms listed, along with what happens on weekends. Then compare that with the current COA building schedule. Using the Community Center seems to have worked for a while now. Why can't school programs as well as recreational summer programs be held at CES, freeing up more time and space for the COA, if it is needed. Kids do not stay in buildings during the summer months -- they are outside. Do you have any idea of how it could work, and have you looked at the CC schedule? I would hope you would agree that the poor feasibility study that was supposed to be done for the Community Center provided nothing. I believe the behind-the-scenes activity to provide the land donor with a tax-write-off for the land seems to be the priority of our Board in addition to spending millions of dollars of tax payer's money rather than utilize any common sense at this point.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Fri 03/24/2023 - 11:05:39

The Community Center elevator was not functioning recently. At least one elderly person with mobility issues had to struggle with the stairs in order to attend a meeting on the top floor. This is a friend of mine, and I felt very bad when I learned about it. I can't imagine what would happen in the case of a fire.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 03/24/2023 - 10:47:22

Re the second floor of COS: I haven't been in the current building but for some reason, I thought it had a second floor only accessible by stairs?
However, the plans for the 1610 location had emergency exits on the front of building to ground level for that floor since it was going to be one story from street view but two in rear.

And for reference, it's only the gym in the community center that doesn't require either stairs or elevator.
How many times are seniors in the large meeting room on the second floor there and no problems?

Simple elevators like that don't have many issues so I don't see that as an issue.
J Hallgren (as user)
Clearwater, FL USA - Fri 03/24/2023 - 10:33:40

A rope ladder? Nope! Just a flight of stairs for the mobility challenged elderly to deal with when the elevator isn't functioning.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 03/24/2023 - 09:10:45

I imagine most of us have had bad experiences with town, state, county and federal officials; also businesses and hospitals. It is pointless to punish innocent senior citizens for past behavior of officials. The issue is not about to go away with a lot of kvetching. The longer it takes, and the more Town Meetings it involves will just add to costs. I wonder if that COA official voiced her opinion to the powers that be. I hope the second story is not only accessible via a rope ladder.
Cynthia Moore <cynthiamoore120@yahoo.com>
South Chatham, MA USA - Fri 03/24/2023 - 08:16:46

Dear Judy
First, I am sincerely sorry to hear what happened to you and your brother when you probably could have needed some real help at that time. Second, Know that I admire your soul and your courage to stand up in what you believe. You and Elaine (who has not been in "John's place for a long time), I admire you both, even though I have caught some shots myself. If what you suggest has indeed occurred, it is not country hospitality, you certainly are due to an apology, but know in your heart, it will never come. Gov't does not work like this. At some time, wouldn' t it be good to have some laughs with someone in the flesh, in those living years. I guess a small miracle is needed
Alan
USA - Fri 03/24/2023 - 00:42:37

Unfortunately I would be reluctant to believe anything we would be told regarding the Community Center. It's obvious they don't want it.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 20:59:03

Judy, I welcome you to respond to my question. How would it work?
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 19:37:36

Unfortunately I would be reluctant to believe anything we would be told regarding the Community Center. It's obvious they don't want it.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 19:22:07

It would be helpful to have an explanation of how the space in the existing Community/Rec Center could fulfill the needs of the COA. I'd think there would need to be an addition.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 17:21:55

Cynthia - my brother and I went to the COA for help with one of our parents several years ago. We were both treated so rudely by the former director we couldn't believe she could be in her position. Since I had been so outspoken against them I figured I'd meet with the new Chairman of the Board of the COA. I had a great meeting with her last fall. I told her what happened with both my brother and me and she was mortified. At this meeting she told me that 1610 was a horrible location and having a second floor was dangerous for seniors in case of a fire or other emergency. Imagine my shock when she started praising the location and Mr Marsh's generous "donation"/tax write-off. This was a finely crafted, behind the scenes discussion between our Town Manager and two Select Board members. To me ,this was the height of deceit and a shameful political ploy with our leadership. Why should anyone trust the management of the COA and more importantly our Town Manager and those particular select board members. To hear from several people that one of our Select Board members is going door to door to promote this speaks volumes- as well as his friendship with one of the main supporters. As someone said earlier here or in the Chronicle - I just want to know what's in it for them. My opinion of this sleazy ploy by all of these folks will never change. They can stay where they are or use the Community Center.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 16:41:35

Well said Cynthia.
Crayton Nickerson, Jr <cnick2@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 13:44:29

Thank you all for sharing your heartwarming stories of your 97 year old mother being able to make it on her own;and the sage advice to start a Go Fund Me page when in need. And suggesting that the new Center is a social club.
Have any of you ever visited any senior center? Or been homeless?
There are many people interested in this and they have lived here all their lives. They volunteer their time and energies.
I was unaware that the naming of any service or building had to pass muster with the populace.
So just a reminder to anyone not paying attention. This is not about you. It is the future. 20% of the population "baby boomer". They are fast approaching the day when they can no longer care for themselves, or afford computer advice, tax advice. They may be suddenly alone and need the very important socializing offered by a center.
And yes it is expensive. Everything worthwhile is expensive. Still cheaper than society ignoring a problem.
Cynthia Moore <cynthiamoore120@yahoo.com>
South Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 13:04:23

Emily, your question mark threw me off. Sorry!
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 10:37:44

Ahh, thank you Dave Mott ( a voice of reason). Of course I know what CFAL initials stand for and I object to the change of name as much as I object to a new building. It smacks of old time circus tomfoolery.
Emily <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 10:24:26

Probably the day care suggestion is a good strategy to secure votes. But that's not what this vote is about.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 10:20:02

Appreciate your comment Debbie although my earlier comment was intended for those who have made the suggestion of Adult Day Care as a reason to approve what you refer to as the CFAL, which of course is an unnecessarily glamorized name for a Senior Center.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 09:47:31

Once again - no need nor reason to spend 11 million on a social club for a select few folks when the majority of us will never use it. There is absolutely no reason in this world the Community Center will not suffice. That can be utilized along with a re-do of the current COA. We gave enough land now for affordable housing without using that as a dangling carrot. Emily and others have said the same exact comment -,never rely on a town to take care of your needs. You and you alone are responsible for yourself.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 09:31:56

Center For Active Living is the new name.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 09:04:46

If funds to run a day care program don't get approved by voters at a future town meeting, that space will be used for something else. The COA will have 3 program rooms, with 2 of them dividable, along with available program space in the Rec. Center. I maintain that the notion of a second floor day care in this "as built" space was put forward at the 11th hour for reasons which I won't speculate on. The previous plan was for day care space to be added at a later date.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 08:11:45

Debbie - that has been the plan all along. It's been discussed at all the meetings. If they get their Taj Mahal that is exactly what they will do and they have made that crystal clear. They can do whatever they want if they get their building.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Thu 03/23/2023 - 07:50:29

Regarding the Article for the new CFAL, Adult Day Care is not mentioned in the motion and the room designation in the building design is simply labeled "Program". So we're not voting on inclusion of day care.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/22/2023 - 23:29:57

My wife Pat, an RN(C) was a staff member of the Adult Day Care Center in Eastham. One might want to ask her what is involved with such care.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 03/22/2023 - 17:53:33

Another good post Dave. It's nice to see people seeing the light of this ridiculousness.
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/22/2023 - 14:33:50

There seems to be a growing opinion that a Chatham Senior Facility should include adult day care. While well intentioned I suppose I ask pro-ADC advocates if they have considered the issue of the cost of adequate staffing and the insurance risks of providing such a luxury? Where will the required medical professional staffing come from (CCH finds adequate staffing to be a challenge) and what's the additional legal liability (plus associated costs) would be involved? I'm a senior and feel that I'm responsible for my own daycare - I would never consider asking the taxpayers to do that for me. If I were desperate, there's visiting nurse services or always a go fund me options. Let's think personal accountability before we look for fodder in an attempt to justify a political agenda.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/22/2023 - 12:34:54

I just read letters to the editor in the Chronicle and I will say Dave Mott and Jennifer Bucks letters were spot on! I say leave the C.O.A. where they are and if the 1610 property is so good, maybe we should put Affordable Housing there.
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/22/2023 - 09:47:27

There are two outstanding letters in today's Chronicle I hope folks will see. They both are about the lack of transparency in our leadership. After reading these letters I can honestly say I am ashamed of the way these people we elected are acting. In addition, at their Board Meeting last night, despite please from residents which they ignored, they granted a filming permit to Netflix. Interesting to see Attorney Riley representing the film folks. The residents of the area had some very compelling arguments against letting this film company disrupt their area. It fell on deaf ears by our Board. It's all about the money.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 03/22/2023 - 06:47:55

Good video of yesterdays fire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHI5Ono-ZYQ
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/21/2023 - 20:04:37

I have wondered about what kind of object would be found at the old South Jog to inhibit the sheet piling effort. Many years ago, Captain Dave Ryder, and others, would have large concrete moorings poured at the edge of the pier. They threw stones and other dense things in to the pour. Then, moved/slid the cured form to the water. One can only guess that there is an errant mooring sitting at the bottom, inhibiting the sheet piling drill.
Certainly there are no rocks there.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Tue 03/21/2023 - 17:25:59

Judy, I certainly agree that the taxpayers should be periodically updated on progress of costly litigation, especially when it could have been avoided if someone with some knowledge of construction was overseeing the project. I suspect the new issues are occurring as a result of similar shortcomings.

As for conflicts of interest in local politics, individuals with integrity know they have to avoid the appearance of bias and impropriety - what you've described happening speaks volumes about our "leaders".
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/21/2023 - 09:37:15

Dave - it's my understanding the suit is still in progress. Now there are new problems there with Red's Best who buys the fish off boats. In addition there are problems with the new bulkhead that's being installed. The never-ending nightmare. One would think taxpayers would be told about these things in the weekly MainStay letter from our Town Manager. There's probably not enough room though due to her promoting Ms Davis's seafood wholesale business Chatham Harvesters.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Tue 03/21/2023 - 07:54:39

Does anyone know how the Fish Pier lawsuit is going? I remember an article indicating that contractor was claiming damages in excess of $2M.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 03/20/2023 - 22:53:50

The lobster diver DID say that he is the only one diving for lobsters now, mostly due to the others being leery of great white sharks, and the others are aging. He does see the sharks, and tries to make himself as inconspicuous as possible.
He was encouraged by the audience at the Eastham COA to write a book about his experiences.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 03/19/2023 - 16:34:37

I have gone on record that I am not in favor of building an expensive new COA, neither supporting the 1610 location not the projected cost at a time when the inflation rate is over 6.5%. I don't understand why our town leaders continue to pimp an issue that has voted down more than once. Until someone can factually and concisely make a logical case, I'm a NO vote.
Dave Mott <Djmott@aol.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 03/19/2023 - 14:40:29

Gosh! What an experience that was for him! Thank you for sharing the story. It is a good thing that he had his dry suit on while diving.I have had two surfer friends that have been attacked by Great White Sharks. Sue was surfing in Crescent City when a Great White took a bite out of her surfboard - she was okay. Her surf board hangs on the wall of her home. Scott, a very experience surfer was surfing at the north jetty of Humboldt Bay when a Great White took a bite of Scott's side. Scott had to punch the shark in the head to get it to release him. He quickly swam to shore where he told a friend to put all their weight on him to stop the bleeding and wait for emergency response. He survived and still surfs. His surfboard now is on the wall of The Lost Coast Brewery in Eureka.
Carol Ann Conners
Humboldt, CA USA - Sun 03/19/2023 - 11:01:50

The whale talk was excellent - this guy has had several near death experiences. He described in great detail what he was doing ( commercially diving for lobsters off Race Point) while in the midst of some small bait fish that the whale was intent on scooping up. That is how this guy got inside the whale, with his air tank and dry suit on. The whale essentially opened his mouth and thrashed back and forth to dislodge the guy. It was about 35 seconds that he was inside the whale. Probably seemed a lot longer. He was slightly injured.
One of his other close calls was a plane crash in the jungle of Costa Rica. He survived - others did not.
Reminded me of the close calls brother Captain Bob Ryder has had.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sat 03/18/2023 - 16:58:03

Richard, how was the talk at the Eastham COA by the fellow that got swallowed by the whale?
Carol Ann Conners
County of Humboldt, CA USA - Sat 03/18/2023 - 10:33:31

Interesting to note that the School on Depot Road was where the Circus came to town and erected A THREE RING CIRCUS with elephants, side shows, etc. Been there.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 03/16/2023 - 19:53:14

Well said Judy.Do we have a maintenance dept that is supposed to take care of this and if so who do they answer to?
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/16/2023 - 18:39:56

I would think taxpayers would be sick of the neglect of maintenance on town owned buildings. Look at the property on Old Harbor Road. The building is disgusting because pipes burst when no one could be bothered to shut the water off. Mold is everywhere. Why all of a sudden does the roof need to be replaced at the Elementary School? Look at the mess at the Fish Pier and the bulkhead. Why is everything not being maintained ? Look at the current COA building. They threw a coat of paint on it a few years ago after years of neglect so they could use that as their "poor me"' ad. . Is anyone else a tad upset about the lack of maintenance on our buildings? Town management alone is responsible for this mess and it continues to get worse. And you expect taxpayers to fork out 11 million for another building that will be minimally used and not maintained? I think not!
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Thu 03/16/2023 - 17:14:48

So if the building on Depot road needs a new million dollar roof, why don't we build up another story and make apartments out of it. The roof will still cost the same amount of money. I agree a survey would have been very helpful but then again, they want what they want. I don't think anybody who doesn't want the COA is forgetting about the potential empty daytime space at the rec center.
Janice Dusan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/16/2023 - 15:58:51

So fit them there somehow. Then we have a 54,000sf building on Depot Rd. that was built in 1956 and it's soon to need a new $1,000,000 roof. And don't forget the potential empty daytime space in the Rec. Center. In my opinion, a survey back in the beginning would have been very helpful.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/16/2023 - 12:19:06

*grade at the high school.
Janice Dusan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/16/2023 - 11:52:26

Debbie, when my son was in 7th and 8th Great at the high school their classes were in trailers in the back of the school. So if we think outside the box they can all fit there.
Janice Dusan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/16/2023 - 11:51:34

I have a thought. Isn't it up to the voters to decide where the C.O.A. should be? If so, then why are we allowing them to tell the voters where they will go. If they have outgrown (which they haven't) where they are now, then the voters should tell be the ones to tell them that they will go to the Community building, Elementary school or wherever or stay where they are. They have turned down everyplace that was put to them. I think we are allowing them to TELL the voters where they want to go and will not accept anywhere else. Remember, WE the voters will be paying for anything new. $ 11,000,000.and that is the cost as of now, is not money well spent. We need to repair our wells and housing for locals.
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/16/2023 - 09:16:15

There are currently about 145 students in 9 classes at CES. For 2025-2026, 9 classes are projected. They can't all fit on Crowell Rd..
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/16/2023 - 08:48:02

Crayton - sorry about spelling your name incorrectly. I think your idea of using the Elementary School is excellent. The attendance keeps dropping according to the Chronicle and the kids should utilize the Crowell Road school. Amy has se very thought provoking comments as well. Instead of being in such a rush to build an 11+ million dollar mansion that will be used minimally I hope more folks come up with other ideas. Between the Community Center and the Elementary School - right now these two make more sense than a less than suitable lot in the middle of a busy roadway.
Judy P
WChatham, MA USA - Thu 03/16/2023 - 08:00:53

Judy, At least spell my name correctly also put your last name and email address so others know who you are I know you but you need to address the use of the community building when school's out not just after school but when they are on vacation and summer rec programs. The rec department have issues with it and not a good place because of summer traffic getting in and out of the parking lot. All other options have been explored and nothing seems to work. Maybe you should get on a committee and find a place, that hasn't been explored. We are running out of land to build anything. I feel they are not selfish. My suggestion would be close the Depot street school and move the students up to Crowell rd and put the COA there.
Crayton S. Nickerson,Jr <cnick2@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/15/2023 - 19:33:50

Isn't the Brewster Senior Center on busy Route 6A, near the Route 137 intersection? I wonder how that works. Also, with no Community Centers, where do Eastham, Orleans, Brewster and Dennis run their after school and summer rec. programs?
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/15/2023 - 19:30:45

Q. What do you do if you get swallowed by a whale?
A. Run around inside until you get all pooped out...
Harold <ezlivin@nashville.com>
Nashville, TN USA - Wed 03/15/2023 - 18:15:26

Just so you know, tomorrow afternoon at the Eastham COA, there will be a talk from the guy who got ingested by a whale. I rarely, if ever, at age 83 , have visited this COA place. But, with this kind of program, and me having seeing whales alongside the CG36500, and from the shore of Race Point, I really want to hear what this guy has to say.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 03/15/2023 - 17:34:54

Amy, you give very good points that should be considered.
Janice Dusan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/15/2023 - 15:51:37

Creighton - I am a senior citizen. I like just about everybody til they give me reasons not to . I don't like the group I am referring to because they are demanding a senior center when you can use the Community Center instead of selfishly asking all taxpayers to spend millions on a social club for a select few. . Obviously a lot of folks agree with me as per comments here. You won't compromise nor will any of you agree to anything else - so there you have it. Apparently you didn't read what I said about running for Select Board earlier - you may want to look back . Once again - this multimillion dollar expenditure will not get my vote and others here in Chatroom agree.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 03/15/2023 - 15:47:04

Judy, I take offense to this. We know you don't like senior citizens and the Community building is used by children during the summer and school vacations. Like I said in my earlier post run for slectperson. You like to call people names so don't complain RUN FOR OfFICE.
Crayton Nickerson Jr <cnick2@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/15/2023 - 15:20:08

So, during the school day, children, most seniors and most working people wouldn't be participating in recreation programs (except for pickleball). Maybe I'm missing something.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/15/2023 - 10:31:33

Debbie - they are only doing these new programs because they don't want the seniors there. It's remained vacant forever - along with a full sized kitchen there and meeting rooms. Kids don't show up til school is out. Who do they think they're fooling? . They are trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes. They need to give us credit for seeing through their misguided ways. They all are a deceitful group of people who place their selfish wants over others. Remember this when we go vote.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 03/15/2023 - 10:15:37

Maybe, with all the new recreation programs, the Chatham Recreation Center will be filled to capacity during the school day. I sure do have my doubts.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/15/2023 - 10:01:00

Judy,very well said and I couldn't agree with you more.
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/15/2023 - 08:53:34

Janice - they think if others hear "more affordable housing" by using the current COA building (if a new COA is approved by voters) that will make them vote for a new COA. They are admitting now the price tag is 11 million. What a joke. We have the Buckley property, the church property, the property by the school - and not one thing has been done. When is enough enough? I think our Board of Selectmen has done an excellent job of infuriating voters and it's time to show them what they can do with an 11 million dollar waste of money. They can use the Community Center . I will never vote for a COA after hearing about all their dirty back room deals and the way these ungrateful seniors and their Board of Directors have acted.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 03/15/2023 - 08:44:44

I just heard on the radio that the selectboard voted unanimously to put on the town meeting in May, to vote to convert the C.O.A. building on Stony Hill Rd. for active housing. If that happens, then the C.O.A. will need a new place to operate out of. Now why would voters vote on taking a building already in use, to convert or build for something else. I say if the voters vote yes on it, then the voters should also vote on putting the C.O.A in the Community building and be done with this mess.
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/15/2023 - 08:24:07

Just a couple of more points on the senior center:
-Why are we not thinking more about regionalization of such services? If Orleans has a great program why don't we utilize those services? And if Chatham has a great rec program for kids, why don't we share our services with neighboring towns?
-why are we building what some people want as opposed to what we can afford? There may be lots of things I want in a house but I know I have a limited budget and therefore can't have it all.
-why are we building a new building when we have other buildings that can be used? Now I hear the new head of beaches and recreation is creating programs to utilize the community center more....
-and finally, don't you think, if the site was easy to develop, the developer would have done it? Instead he's sticking the town with those challenges and costs....
Amy
USA - Tue 03/14/2023 - 14:44:53

To put things into perspective - Sandwich just opened their Center for Active Living. This is for the ENTIRE town to use . It has an elevated walking path, three pickle ball courts, a bocce court, a 9000 sq ft gym, as well as a full service kitchen and several meeting rooms. It was designed for seniors and everyone else. The entire town benefits. It was 16 million. This is what a town does for their residents. Not Chatham. They want to cater to select groups.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Fri 03/10/2023 - 08:28:49

And don't forget the new plan has an adult day care component which means more staff and highly trained staff. Bring your like minded friends to town meeting and vote no, again.
Amy
USA - Thu 03/09/2023 - 16:21:57

After reading the posts of the people who are against a new COA,they're comments are well written and should be considered for not wanting a new one.
Janice Dusan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/09/2023 - 11:22:45

To all of you criticizing us for not agreeing with the COA - - have you even thought what a compromise would do? The folks pushing this are NOT willing to scale this down. You want a social club like the "Jones' for a select few folks while ignoring this Town is in a crisis with water wells, water quality, housing and a host of other issues. One of my older friends said this is very selfish for those of you promoting this. As far as me running for the BOS - why would I choose to do it when it is run by a like minded group of people - mostly folks with no long standing roots here? I would be in the minority and as we all have seen, the majority wins. I'd rather point out the stuff that is being done behind closed doors. You should be ashamed of yourselves for wanting to spend money like that with no compromises. A "NEEDS" assessment vs a "WANT" assessment would be the way to go. You would find you do NOT need a mansion. You can rebuild what you have and learn the fine art of compromise. You could also put something much smaller on that piece of land. No one disputes the seniors need something - but not a 10-12 million dollar building. By the way - normally, in a regular town, after three votes, this would be a moot point. . but not in Chatham - where NO never means NO, and folks still keep at it.
JudyP <judylpat@comcast.net>
West Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/09/2023 - 11:01:37

I am so glad all the naysayers about the COA site and building have this soapbox to air their grievances. Would probably be dangerous to your health were all of you to hold that in. No matter the number of members at the COA it is available for all Seniors to use when needed. Number of cars in their parking lot means zip! people arrive by bus and other methods. So what if a town meeting votes things down? Less than 500 ever attend and vote of the 5,000 + population. So I say good for the selectboard to go ahead with this. I appreciate the land donation. Would be nice if the builders in town donated time to the construction, but that is a pipe dream. Here's hoping the plans move ahead and Seniors have a new home for their organization and thrive.
Cynthia Moore <cynthiamoore120@yahoo.com>
South Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/09/2023 - 09:01:51

Judy, Here's your chance to run for the Select Board. You keep complaining about how things are done. If you are not happy run. I recall the vote on the COA was for the building but didn't get the two thirds required. That is why it's brought up by some citizens to do it again. Till you walk a mile in one's shoes don't complain. Here's your chance do it.
Crayton S. Nickerson,Jr <cnick2@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/09/2023 - 08:52:57

Well said Steve,agree with you on all points. All good points made by John,Jim and Jared.to bad the board members who don't understand the meaning of a No votes will continue to jamb this down our throats till they get their way. Not even willing to compromise on the scale of another palace. Very sad seeing the charm Quaintness and soul of Chatham being destroyed to keep or out do the Joneses.My guess is they won't be satisfied until they can hang a big gold D over the door on their Main st. COA building.
EM <emallowes@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/09/2023 - 07:43:37

Jared - I think many of us would support a recall - Mr. Dykens and Ms. Davis first!
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 03/08/2023 - 20:37:00

The selectmen's meeting was predictable and unfortunate. Jeff Dykens was talking about how wonderful the West Chatham rotaries are and then about how great a new senior center would be on Sibley's land. In a couple of sentences, Board Chairman Dykens summed up a chronic problem in this town. The construction of rotaries were petitioned against and voted down in a non binding article at Town Meeting and the selectmen decided to still recommend the project to the state. The senior center in West Chatham was voted down at Town Meeting and here we are going through the process all over. The selectmen are emulating the attitudes of our state legislators of the "nanny state" and disregarding their fiduciary responsibility. Our town officials are saying, "even though you voted no, screw you, we are going ahead anyway". Recall effort, anyone?
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/08/2023 - 19:42:37

Steve, well said. You've obviously been down this road before.

I still would like to see a "needs statement." Not a "good to have" statement, a bona-fide "we need this because..." statement that is put before the voters. The military is required to do this, I don't know why a municipality wouldn't be required to do so.

The rotary's were predicated upon flawed (benign way of saying 'misrepresented') data. Things should be crystal clear so that the voters know what THEY are buying. If they want to buy it....OK, go ahead. But this seems to be a bit of a contentious issue. Best everything is kept above-board. Don't short cut the process, and give voters some confidence in the decision making.
JimP
USA - Wed 03/08/2023 - 19:39:15

There is an ethical problem to ask taxpayers to but a project without knowing exactly what they are purchasing. The only drawings available are conceptual drawings and not final bid documents. There should be no approval of a project unless and until taxpayers can examine EXACTLY what they will be paying for.
I was in the public bid world as a GC for 23 years, I have seen this scenario many times and it's alway the taxpayers that gets stuck with the change orders and unforeseen expenses. This is how it works: The building committee goes to an architect and tells them what they want. The architect designs a building that will please the committee which includes all the bells and whistles the committee is looking for. The architect has no incentive to design a functional and basic building and is more than happy to build whatever the committee desires regardless of the expense.
I repeat, the taxpayers should not fund any project based on conceptual drawings.
To do so is completely unfair and wrong.
Would anyone buy a car without knowing anything about the car?
steve jesus <sjjesus21@gmail.com>
chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/08/2023 - 18:11:07

Every single Select Board member that supports this ridiculous waste of money should be ashamed of themselves. I still don't understand why Mr Dykens doesn't recuse himself. Mr Metters certainly had enough class to do so. There is a meeting now on Channel 18 with NO MODIFICATIONS to original size. I agree with everything Steve and John have said. There is no way this outrageous cost can be justified. No way.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 03/08/2023 - 17:48:49

How about sending the proposed millions of dollars for a new Senior Center incrementally to all Chatham registered voters over say 75 as a one time payment so they can continue to be supportive of, and possibly use, the existing building ? And continue to pay their utility and food bills.
Maybe, not build anything new in the first place!
Or establish a fund that loans out no interest money (forgivable loans) for folks who are aged and close to desperate?
Seems to me you have to have a car to avail yourself of the benefits of the COA proposed Senior Center, or even the existing one. Lots of people my age are not allowed to drive due to vision issues, etc.

I know I don't have a say in what happens in Chatham, but my heart and two of my siblings still live there.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 03/08/2023 - 17:30:33

Has there been any discussion about reducing the size of the projected COA? It seems that the number of people who actually use the COA has been debated for years without a conclusion. The number of cars at the present COA does not appear to justify the size. The old report which indicated the number of seniors in Chatham was most likely accurate. What the report missed was that the lifestyle of so many Chatham seniors which does not include using the COA.
john whelan <sockpirate44@gmail.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/08/2023 - 16:22:31

Are the plans and specs available for review? Has anyone seen annual cost estimates for upkeep, personnel,utilities etc for the proposed building?
The reason the board is pushing this so hard is because "seniors" ( I hate that moniker)are a powerful voting bloc and politicians care about being reelected first and foremost.
For a town that cares so much about retaining young families, they sure don't worry about saddling young families with the cost of providing a clubhouse for the elderly.
IMHO, the real reason they want a monument built is because surrounding towns have built extravagant senior centers and the seniors in Chatham are intent on keeping up with the Jones's.
There is no reason that the existing building can not be demoed and replaced by a modular building built on the same site to the towns specifications on an accelerated schedule.
I'm positive that wouldn't fly with the COA because they want what they want and don't care what it costs the taxpayers.
This is about a group of Selfish people demanding a new clubhouse because they say they "deserve" it.
Just because you are old doesn't mean you are entitled to a new toy box at someone else's expense. That's called being selfish.
steve jesus <sjjesus21@gmail.com>
chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/07/2023 - 21:36:54

Nobody can seem to see past Marsh's "gift". If he wasn't trying to dump Sibley's property off on the taxpayers, I'm sure nobody would be talking about how fitting the site is for a senior center. The current building needs to be renovated and retrofitted. Going nuclear should not be the town's first course of action.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/07/2023 - 20:47:35

Listen up to Judy.....voters! She nailed all the extravagant, unnecessary new projects that will continue to ruin this charming fishing village. Who is the Captain of this ship.? I understand every Select board member tries to assist their constituents, but it reminds me of Washington, DC where all the special interest groups lobby and get what they want. Get going with townhouses at 127 Old Hatbor Rd restricted to families with young children.....HELLO.....playground, elementary school, Monomoy services....HUH?
Emily Cunningham <dayonown@yahoo.com>
Rancho Mirage, CA USA - Tue 03/07/2023 - 19:53:55

Judy, I find your post well written about the issues going on in this town.
Janice Dusan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/07/2023 - 19:11:36

What I find inappropriate is bringing this back to TM for a THIRD time after previous "NO" votes. The fact that no one will compromise on a less expensive price, and most important -- every project the Town has been involved in that has cost major money has been screwed up. Look at the Annex and the Police Dept and the fact another builder had to come in and fix things, look at the Fish Pier and how the Town is being sued. Look at the library and the windows. This is because of poor oversight by our town management on every single item. Let's not even discuss the amount of Town employees that are driving around all day doing nothing but hanging out at Town Landings. We have no money for new wells, yet we are expected to curtail our water use. Now we want to cram housing into West Chatham regardless of the water issues. And you think building a multi-million dollar facility that will be used as a social club for a few select people is the way to spend our money? I would like to know why this issue keeps being pushed by our Select Board and what it is they are getting out of it -- along with other folks that are pushing this ridiculous expense, when we have a perfectly usable Community Center that is vacant most days. This is what I find more than inappropriate.
JudyP <judylpat@comcast.net>
West Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/07/2023 - 19:05:04

Janice Susan, As a Senior Citizen I find your remark inappropriate.
Nancy Ryder Petrus <nansea123@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/07/2023 - 17:40:58

Nancy, you are entitled to your opinion as I am mine.
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/07/2023 - 16:41:36

Janice Susan, As a Senior Citizen I find your remark inappropriate.
Nancy Ryder Petrus <nansea123@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/07/2023 - 16:07:19

Judy P. Did you say they want to build a new Senile Center?
Janice Susan <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/07/2023 - 14:52:13

Not sure what happened at the park - sorry. I hope folks are aware the new cost of the COA (if we believe it) has now gone to between 10-11 million dollars. This will be voted on at Town Meeting in May. The powers that be refuse to make any modifications to the outrageous design , doors, fixtures that were presented before. Just for a thought - the Town of Brewster paid 26 million for ALL the property and buildings at the former Sea Camps property. Put this in perspective to a building that will hardly be used if current use trends continue. A ridiculous expense to add to taxpayers for a social club that will be used for so few people. Even the current Chairman of the COA Board of Directors told me last fall she did not like that location. I think as a Town, we can do a lot better and utilize the Community Center as an overflow.
JudyP <judylpat@comcast.net>
West Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/07/2023 - 11:52:27

What happened to the playground structure at Volunteer Park??
Allie H.
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 03/03/2023 - 22:38:51

Maybe what is needed at Commerce Park Lake is to drill a reverse well. If there is such a thing. But not before the Town of Chatham water lines have been proven to be patent. peeayeteeeenntee Like paytent. With no holes or leaks . Like what your ER doctor would want you to have with your breathing when you arrive at CCH.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 03/02/2023 - 17:13:09

Bring your wallet. Most likely well worth the price.
BobR <zut444@verizon.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 02/27/2023 - 17:55:38

Thanks Jim!!! Shows you how I've failed to keep up. I never even got to his one in P-Town either!! Will have to hit the one on 28 when I get up there.
JimP
USA - Mon 02/27/2023 - 06:57:05

Actually, JimP, the Wydah museum is now on 28 in West Yarmouth in what used to be Seaquarium. It moved from P-Town perhaps seven years ago. My son visted there last week and said there was much more room than in Provincetown.
James J Dempsey
W.Chatham+Boxborough, MA USA - Mon 02/27/2023 - 06:44:28

Thank you Jim . You must have some exciting stories to tell about your dives for the Whydah. Exciting and dangerous I'm sure.
AK
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 02/25/2023 - 10:52:53

Emily, we live on the opposite end of the San Andreas Fault from where you live in the desert and at the opposite end of the state. Are you thinking you felt the 6.7 Northridge Earthquake of January 17, 1994? My husband's uncle lives at the epicenter a block away from the Northridge Mall. After the initial quake, he went door to door to all his neighbors and helped them turn off their gas to prevent fire and explosions in his neighborhood. Up north we are still having aftershocks from the Ferndale quake.

In regards to the puddle in Commerce Park and after looking at the photo of the puddle in the Cape Cod Chronicle, could there possibly be an artesian spring?
Carol Ann Conners
Humboldt, CA USA - Fri 02/24/2023 - 18:53:20

AK, I dove on the Whydah for Barry. His offices were in the industrial park (commerce park), south Chatham. He now has a museum in P-Town.
JimP
USA - Fri 02/24/2023 - 18:35:15

I am reading Barry Clifford's book in The Whydah, he mentions his offices were in South Chatham, does anyone know where?
Also two more questions: I just came from the dump, why is so much land being cleared on Middle St?
And why were Solar panels rather than housing placed on Middle St.?
AK
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/24/2023 - 13:00:02

I am reading Barry Clifford's book on the Whydah. He mentions their offices were in South Chatham; does anyone know where?
Also , why is land being cleared on Middle Street? And... why wasn't housing chosen over the installation of Solar panels? Lots of questions, thanks!
AK
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/24/2023 - 12:23:59

I have lived almost on the San Andreas fault for 30 years here in Southern CA Desert. We felt the big one over in the LA area Jan. 1992 ?, Had a little roller type movement on Easter in 1996?......so minor, no damage etc., why live in fear? I never have and never will.
Emily <dayonown@yahoo.com>
Rancho Mirage, CA USA - Thu 02/23/2023 - 19:01:26

Double that time frame after the feasibility study and the working group and the owners and renters feed back and the quotes to rebuild and pave the road and.....and.... Everything else to cyb. Same old!
Emily <dayonown@yahoo.com>
Rancho Mirage, CA USA - Thu 02/23/2023 - 19:01:03

Sorry - I meant to say they are trying to eliminate any single family housing being built - not single story housing .
JudyP
USA - Thu 02/23/2023 - 15:56:37

Richard, if can get a copy of the DVD of the movie there is a chapter of interviews with local people there on the 18th. Very entertaining.
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Thu 02/23/2023 - 13:42:59

I hope folks take the survey the Town has emailed about the housing possibiities they are considering for West Chatham and South Chatham. They are trying to cram as many units as possibe into these areas and it is more than disgusting. Let them know we do not want three story units, townhouses, and apt buildings crammed into our town just to meet quotas. There will also most likely be an article at Town Meeting that will seek to prevent any single story houses from being built in the West Chatham"Village area". They want a "walking village" with strip malls. What these boards are trying to do to our Town is awful. Pay attention or it will be too late and we can never go back.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Thu 02/23/2023 - 12:07:20

There are very few Chatham people around that were there that night, February 18th. Bob Ryder, Nancy Ryder Petrus, and John Ryder were there. As well as Barry Fulcher. I was home sick from school so I was not allowed to go to the Fish Pier. But, I got to hear the radio transmissions between the boat and Chatham Station. There were long gaps. In the words of Captain Dave Ryder, "He had a lot going on".
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 02/20/2023 - 17:51:25

About this time on February 18th, 1952, Bernie Webber left the Chatham Fish pier with a crew of three on what was thought to be a suicide mission. He did in fact retrieve 32 of the 33 men from the stern section of the SS Pendleton. Luckily, he was familiar with and was piloting a Coast Guard boat that was built for such rescues. The CG36500. One of only 135 that were built.
Plans are underway to put the boat under cover, for the world to visit her, no matter the season.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sat 02/18/2023 - 17:56:30

Sorry I couldn't make the puddle meeting.Just a suggestion.
Could the town look up the building permits and see what the engineers provided for property water runoff and see if it has been installed.
Just an Idea.
pete Skipper <peterskipper@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 02/18/2023 - 11:12:21

One has to wonder if there is a broken water pipe under the lake. It seems like an awful lot of water to accumulate from what little rain we've had since the pumpout. But, if there is no Town water, that shoots that theory down.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Fri 02/17/2023 - 18:05:17

RE: Commerce Park lake. The town did pump out the water at commerce park.

From the chronicle.

"Town officials hope to solve the problem in three to five years, when the sewer system is expanded to include Commerce Park. When the road is torn up for the installation of sewer pipes, crews can also replace the storm drains, billing the owners of property on the road in the form of a betterment tax."
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/17/2023 - 14:11:35

Jared, there are plenty of the 400 watt metal halide mogul base bulbs on eBay. Rated for 2000 hours. $22.00 each. Free shipping.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Fri 02/17/2023 - 11:54:52

Hi Dick, we are using 500w, mogul base, metal halide, with no internal ballast. We were using the 400w, but as of recently we could not find any.

To minimally change the subject on you, have you been past Station Chatham recently? The sign above the front door that was used in the film production appears to have been changed out for one of similar size, that harkens back to years past, identifying the Station as No 42.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 02/16/2023 - 19:58:07

We have been dealing with wealthy people shooting off MAJOR fireworks on the beaches of Eastham, despite the fact that they are illegal in MA. The Police Chief has bee very supportive of getting out the word that fireworks are illegal in MA. But some of these people seem to not care about the rest of us.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 02/16/2023 - 17:58:01

Jared, not to change the subject but what kind of bulbs are you folks using in the Nauset Light DCB 2-24? An inquiring mind from Washington State wants to know. We replaced the 1000 watt incandescent bulbs, and the changer, in 2009. They were costing $150 each. I think there are now mogul based bulbs. Much less expensive.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 02/16/2023 - 17:53:34

Reed is right. My daughter called me up to her bedroom around that time, shortly after going to bed and we were able to watch the fireworks off toward the fish pier it seemed. Looked like a professional display.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 02/16/2023 - 14:10:38

M Reed, if you are in S Chatham the Harwich range was in use last evening. This may be what you heard. Probably Harwich police.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 02/16/2023 - 11:12:24

Not wanting to veer off course of the flooding subject, but.....rant warning here. What is our town's policy on fireworks? Last night at 8, an extremely sharp bang actually shook the bottom of my chair so loud that I jumped, and for the next 10 minutes, fireworks exploded as if it was a finale, on a school night no less, in the middle of winter. Was it CBI? (It was in that direction.) It seems some think they can disturb the peace of residents whenever they want. Do they think there are no families left in our town with infants sleeping or children doing homework or elderly with heart issues? Seems so, as this would never happen years ago at the rate it does now. Have we lost control over our rights to peace and quiet in our town on a winter's night? They were so loud up here I couldn't watch the tv, and this happens several times a year now with no warning. We should only allow them during vacation times starting at twilight in consideration of the town's residents, ( remember us?) not several hours into the dark on a random winter's night when young children are sleeping or doing homework or residents are just enjoying their right to peace.
M. Reed <ccblues@comcast.net>
N Chatham, MA USA - Thu 02/16/2023 - 10:57:01

The drainage issue at Commerce Park has been a problem for quite awhile. We have rented vehicles from Kelsey's Auto Rental and noticed it. I sure hope everyone can work together to find a solution to fix it.
Carol Ann Conners
County of Humboldt, CA USA - Tue 02/14/2023 - 10:58:09

Bill - Take a ride by McGrath's - no action whatsoever. He's moved some stuff to end of Barn Hill by his shanty. The water is now being polluted and nothing is being done. We have a Town Manager and a BOS that don't know what to do. It's embarrassing, shameful, and dangerous with their inaction.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Tue 02/14/2023 - 07:33:32

Bill, roads are handled differently because they aren't taxed nor listed on assessing records, it seems.
Judy, my understanding is the sewer work on 137 is part of the main lines being done first. Side roads come later in the process.
J Hallgren (as user)
Clearwater, FL USA - Mon 02/13/2023 - 23:34:10

Who is paying the property tax for the road? If no one then take the road. Now the town owns it and can sewer it. If anywhere needs sewer it's commerce park.

If someone is paying the tax force them to fix it. They made Mcgrath clean his property as a hazard.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 02/13/2023 - 20:51:37

Whether or not the Town fixes it they need to figure out a solution. It's kind of like the airport mess and they don't want to get involved. What John said below is correct. For folks that want more info pull up the Select Board meeting last week and watch. My personal opinion is that Duncanson wanted no part of it and was less than forthcoming as to why Commerce Park couldn't have been sewered while they have been working on 137 for weeks - closing half the road. Wouldn't it have made sense to do it while this was being done? I've never understood why they do certain areas in town and don't do the adjoining roads at the same time. As far as Atty Costello agreeing with Duncanson- any good lawyer can argue any side of an issue. That's not to say I disagree with Amy or Jared - but I pay a membership to a gym and it would be nice not to have to worry about whether I can get there or not. Something needs to be done and soon. Too many folks and businesses in there to be this inconvenienced.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Mon 02/13/2023 - 19:04:02

I agree Amy. Even Bob Duncanson said an unwanted precedent could be set by the Town going in just once to patch it up. Every private association could demand the Town accommodate then the same way. Should we bail out an Eastward or any other development while the roadway is still privately owned? Town Counsel also alluded to any unrequested Town interference as constituting trespassing. Further, Duncanson explained that none of the original principles of Commerce Park are living or in state and that the roadway was never formally transferred to the current owners. Not that I don't think that the drainage should be addressed, but I don't think the Town should be sticking its nose into the matter by "testing the water quality" or doing a "pumping exercise" with the Town truck or anything else that could expose the taxpayers to a lawsuit or create a queue of homeowners expecting the Town to solve their drainage problems too. I wish Jeff Dykens and Mike Schell could have understood it that way.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 02/13/2023 - 18:49:31

Amy, actually the abutters do NOT own the road! If they did, it would be definitely their problem. But the road is still owned by the company/corp that developed the park and it's now disappeared or dissolved, don't recall which. So in effect, nobody owns it, ok? That's why the town is more likely to be able to do some minor things to fix it.
J Hallgren (as user)
Clearwater, FL USA - Mon 02/13/2023 - 18:45:17

Regarding commerce park, it is a private road and the owners of the properties abutting the road own the road and need to fix it. This should not be paid for with taxpayer funds. Select board is wrong to start maintaining a private way, whatever the reason and they should listen to town counsel.
Amy
USA - Mon 02/13/2023 - 17:57:05

Anyone remember the "Honey Wagon" run by "fill in the blanks"? Was it John Speight? Chatham has a lot of clay, vs sand , so cesspools were in need of frequent pumping.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 02/13/2023 - 17:36:26

Both puddles back today after the rain. Couldn't get to gym from either side. What a mess.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Mon 02/13/2023 - 12:10:00

Well one has to wonder where all that awful water went. If as was said if it was a health hazard in the road now it is probably a hazard somewhere else.
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Sun 02/12/2023 - 20:21:53

Must have been someone with a gas powered trash pump.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 02/12/2023 - 17:10:52

The lake/pond/swamp was drained in Commerce Park. Thank you to whoever did this! The Town probably would have had a feasibility study before they could take action.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Sun 02/12/2023 - 15:33:17

Richard, not too long ago I worked at a Combatant Command wherein we exercised our continuity of operations plan should the New Madrid fault shift. We had studied it - we actually have a contingency plan in place - and implemented a disaster response scenario. When that fault goes, it will literally cut the country in two. Our rail lines crossing the country are critically dependent upon several crossings that will be dropped should the fault erupt. it was an incredibly frightening, and enlightening, experience. Life, as we know it, will be over for a fairly extended period of time.
JimP
USA - Sun 02/12/2023 - 14:39:03

Richard, earthquake insurance is expensive and has a 15% deductible on the value of your home, at least in CA. My husband and I were looking at moving to a place with less chance of earthquakes, even in Chatham, but we do love it here. Cape Mendocino is the site of 3 tectonic plates converging. However, it is a beautiful place to live and the climate on the coast is mild. Resilience and learning to live on shaky ground is key. Jim P may have felt an earthquake. The earth's crust is constantly moving.
Carol Ann Conners
County of Humboldt, CA USA - Sat 02/11/2023 - 22:41:37

I couldn't wait to get out of the New Madrid fault line in TN while serving at the Naval Hospital in Memphis. I even had EQ insurance.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sat 02/11/2023 - 17:45:14

I should have added " a temporary bridge" until the sewer construction comes in to play.
Or maybe Des Eldredge's scow that we used to get to Morris and Stage island, before the roadway in 1956.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sat 02/11/2023 - 17:27:51

For history of earthquakes in Massachusetts read here:
https://nesec.org/massachusetts-earthquakes/
Carol Ann Conners
County of Humboldt, CA USA - Sat 02/11/2023 - 12:15:18

I would suggest a couple of signs be put at lowest point in pond with a easily and highly visible depth gauge marked in feet and inches with a top saying the standard "Turn around, Don't drown" or such.
Because then people would see exactly how deep it is and decide if it's passable or not, assuming some common sense.
J Hallgren
Clearwater, FL USA - Sat 02/11/2023 - 11:41:15

Bill P, I did not see an earthquake recorded on the earthquake website: earthquake.usgs.gov website. We are still having aftershocks where we live from the 6.4 earthquake on December 20, 2022. Since we live in the most earthquake area in the lower 48, we signed up for earthquake alert. When we had a 5.4 on New Year's Day, we got the warning alert (for earthquakes greater than 5) right as the ground started shaking. I report all the earthquakes that I feel (and hear) to the USGS website. The other night we had a mild 3.4. And I noted that there had been a small earthquake at Niagara Falls. Plate tectonics is fascinating but also can be devastating, as we have seen with recent earthquake in Turkey.
Carol Ann Conners
County of Humboldt, CA USA - Sat 02/11/2023 - 11:40:53

Maybe the Commerce Park Lake needs a bridge!
Maybe the MA National Guard would do a temporary bridge to span the waters as a training exercise.
Or one could be made using empty olive barrels as flotation like the inexpensive ones Cape Fish sells.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Fri 02/10/2023 - 16:49:48

Bill, what part of Chatham do you live in? We're in W.Chatham and never felt or heard anything.
Sylvia Fulcher
USA - Fri 02/10/2023 - 15:13:23

Was there a small quake last night? Around 12:10AM there was a rattle noise for about 15 seconds.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/10/2023 - 07:18:15

It was still icy today although breaking up when I walked it. I was there yesterday for about five minutes walking and have never seen anything like it.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Mon 02/06/2023 - 19:45:44

The Cape Cod Chronicle has a video of the sea ice by Harding's Beach. Brr! Does anyone remember back in the 1970's when it was so cold that Pleasant Bay froze and some Chatham High students drove a VW out on the ice?
Carol Ann Conners
County of Humboldt, CA USA - Mon 02/06/2023 - 18:26:18

This might affect some Chatham or other local kids: The Eastham Elementary School had an issue with either no power or just too cold temps, causing the sprinkler system to behave as it should. Burst pipes in one section caused the rest of the system to discharge. Cleanup caused school cancellation today. Not advocating to go back to unheated one room schools, but why doesn't someone in authority read the NOAA weather, acknowledge that this is an unusual event, and turn up the heat!
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 02/06/2023 - 17:38:54

Watched tonight's BOS meeting about the 1610 Main st. "Gift" from Bill Marsh to the Town for a new COA. HE profits and WE will pay in the long haul. Dykens should have recused himself.....Marsh is the landlord of his wife's Local Color
business. At 81, I have never had any need or desire to even visit the COA. THERE IS A SNAKE In the grass here and a private meeting on Jan. 23 with only two members of the BOS needs more scrutiny and transparency.
Emily Cunningham <Dayonown@yahoo.com>
Rancho Mirage, CA USA - Sun 02/05/2023 - 09:58:16

One thing from this severe cold I had not seen before - green pine needles frozen off the tops of pitch pines and lying in the roadways of Eastham.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sat 02/04/2023 - 16:47:22

I really can't stay (But, baby, it's cold outside)
I've got to go away (But, baby, it's cold outside)

I simply must go
Baby, it's cold outside
So thanks for the show
But, baby, it's cold outside
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/03/2023 - 13:43:47

In response to E.M. I agree we do not need a expensive club house for a new C.O.A.as a matter of fact, we don't need one at all. The C.O.A. can use the building where they are now and any overload can be done at the Community Building plus, some of their programs are virtual now. When we got the price 2 years ago for over $8,000,000.you can rest assured that will not be the price now and that does not include the cost of hiring new people for the new programs they will have. We MUST put our money into our drinking water and housing!!!
J.S. <redpeterbilt7@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/03/2023 - 09:03:06

The very well compensated Town Manager in Chatham kinda sets a level for other Cape Cod towns - if she /he can get a lot of $$ for a cushy job, and a Car to boot, that exerts an influence on us who don't have the same level of taxable properties.
Stopped in to Cape Fish this afternoon and was able to buy a replacement red handled knife for one I bought so many years ago.
What is up with Crowell Road being torn up?
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 02/02/2023 - 17:32:42

Let's see if I understand this.
2-3 wks ago we were back to considering the MCI property for the COA . Now because the developer who has done the most to damage to the charm of Chatham to change it into a community for the rich to vacation decides to offer up the Sibley property once again we are back to being forced to swallow once again a project we voted down already. What doesn't this board understand about a no vote to be brought back again so soon . Is it just the 2 members who were privileged to the meeting personal agendas or do they represent the town voters . This developer seems to have the ability to get away with the River Bay fiasco that the is paying for . Tearing down the Sibley property with no permits and nothing is done . Hunters Ride is another one . You can be sure that's not all the powers to be let ife by . Looks to me like our town manager looks out for him more then keeping Chathams charm.
So if this COA in West Chatham is forced down our throats again let's let them hear us say NO one last time . We Do Not Need a club house costing well over 8 million now to house the COA . They can't even show numbers to justify another Taj MaHal
EM <emallowes@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 02/02/2023 - 08:46:45

Agree 100% Bill! There is NO reason in the world the COA can't utilize the Community Center. Enough is enough of this bs. The BOS should be ashamed of their attitude(s) last night. For them to dismiss Carol Gordon when she called them out says all I need to know. Remember, these are the individuals we voted in office. Ms. Davis is up for another term. Time to find someone to replace her.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 02/01/2023 - 10:39:55

The casual flippant attitude of the board to the fact that this was voted down 2 years ago is shameful. I'm sure they were planning this since the day it was voted down. The board was vigorously against all the other locations. Did they have a plan to bring this back up then. It looks and smell like dirty politics and the board does not even see that. It should be voted down on principle of bringing it back up so soon.

Let Marsh donate the land for open space and or recreation. A park/playground would be nice. He gets his tax write off and West Chatham looks better.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 02/01/2023 - 10:03:33

There are a few things that really bother me about last night's vote. The first being how this was turned down two years ago by voters because of the cost of $8M. We were told last night there will be no modifications to the original design. It was over the top -- outrageous. What will the new cost be? The second is that I met last year with the Chairman of the Board of the Directors who told me she did not like that site and did not want a two story building because of safety concerns for seniors. Last night she spoke about the wonderful donation and how they look forward to a new COA. This is exactly how disingenuous these people are. There is no denying this is a generous gift from Mr. Marsh. I'm glad he now is able to obtain a write off on his taxes. The former Sibley property was knocked down illegally without the proper permits, once again with no fines. The other items of concern were how this came about. The complete lack of transparency between our Town Manager, Ms. Davis, and Mr. Dykens was a slap in the face to everyone, including their own Board. They never had the decency to inform the other Selectmen about this meeting. Mr. Metters wisely recused himself from the vote. Mr. Dykens should have done the same. Interestingly not one local resident with generational ties to Chatham spoke in favor of this. It was all the folks that have moved here that are intent on changing West Chatham. With the Planning Board cramming density into housing in West Chatham and now this, it's just another slap in the face to us. West Chatham will be forever changed. This is not the Town that I grew up in and loved.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 02/01/2023 - 07:48:13

Richard, the good news is this will only last about 36 hours. Showing -5 Friday night with 13 for Saturday. But then jumps up to 42 Sunday.

Sunday warm up will see lots of pipes bursting as people don't understand what -5 can do. Make sure to open cabinet doors under sinks and drip water.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 01/31/2023 - 18:50:19

According to NOAA, it was 2016 when the outside temperatures were this low. This will skew the programs that fuel delivery folks use. They depend on a formula based on daily temperatures to determine when automatic deliveries are made.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Tue 01/31/2023 - 17:17:09

I hope folks tune in to the Select Board meeting tonight at 5:30. This "gift" from Mr. Marsh is the first agenda item. Rumor has it that all the "behind the scenes supporters" will be there. Just a rumor - but time will tell. It will also be interesting to see who recuses themselves from the discussion.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Tue 01/31/2023 - 07:16:57

The expression "something is rotten in Denmark" may be applicable here. It ain't Havarti.

Stand by for severely cold weather Friday night. Below Zero predicted. It has been several years that it will have been this cold.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 01/30/2023 - 17:16:30

Well said Nancy. Don't be fooled by Marsh's kind feelings toward the Town. He originally tried to unload Steve Sibley's property onto the taxpayers for more than what it was worth and only decided to gift it after the Finance Committee wouldn't recommend purchasing it. I hope everyone on in this chat room is smart enough to see through Bill Marsh's continuing BS.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 01/30/2023 - 16:34:02

Bill - the others were not informed. This is a classic "behind everyone's back" move. I agree with everything Nancy said below. Until these folks are called out by the taxpayers this is going to continue to happen again and again. Another bone of contention I have is that we are paying for a car for our Town Manager. How many folks are aware of that? I understand the Chiefs of the Fire and Police Dept having one - but this a ridiculous waste of taxpayer dollars. Every one of these selectmen agreed with her contract for four more years at a ridiculous amount of money. The pandering to Mr. Marsh needs to STOP. We need to be more vocal in our distaste for these sleazy moves by the folks at that meeting and pay more attention how our money is being spent.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Mon 01/30/2023 - 11:30:09

"Participants invited at the request of Mr. Marsh were with the Town Manager, Select Board Chair Dykens and Select Board Member Davis."

Why were just these people requested by Marsh? Were the other select board members told about the meeting and allowed to attend? Was the meeting posted and open to the public?
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 01/30/2023 - 11:08:15

Maybe we need a law that states if something is voted down there is a 5 year moratorium before it can go to vote again.

To keep bringing up the same issue over and over again with a little twist here and there after being voted down just looks shady.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 01/30/2023 - 10:59:46

I don't understand the power that Mr Marsh seems to hold within the government in our town.He was recently bailed out in the amount of hundreds of thousands of dollars for causing drainage problems in Riverbay which apparently did not even fix the problem.People's properties have been damaged, making one home that has been put on the market unsellable. The town was supposed to revisit this item on the board agenda to recoup some of the $400,000 spent, after they realized the fault was on the landowners that had Mr Marsh change the topography of a plot, completely removing a drainage easement and causing adverse conditions and a nuisance to the surrounding properties and the town's drainage system beneath the road.This system was put on their property in the '70's to relieve flooding that occurred back then. I requested that any board member with personal or professional ties to Mr Marsh recuse themselves from offering remarks concerning what should be done. The board members did not even reply to my last letter concerning the promised review after the project was completed.It has all been pushed under the rug.My neighbors and I can't be bothered to sue a man who has plenty of money to keep this in the courts while we drain our retirement funds.It is shameful.The select board is supposed to work for the people of this town.
NancyGillis-Hendel <nanhendel@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 01/30/2023 - 08:16:35

Shareen - your job as a Select Board member is to represent the taxpayers. They have spoken and do not want that property for a COA. In addition to the people you mentioned, what about the others working behind the scenes? You do not give us credit for knowing exactly what goes on behind closed doors. What if this is turned down? Can you guarantee this land won't be turned over to the Affordable Housing Committee and then they can put anything they want there without going to Town Meeting for approval ? This was voted on in 2021 and we all remember it. Now we have the planning board cramming high density into West Chatham and this is just another slap in everyone's face after a COA has been voted down three times. There are a few Select Board members that need to be very careful about what they vote on because of a lot of concern in community about items they shouldn't be voting on due to ethical concerns.
Judyp
WChatham, MA USA - Sun 01/29/2023 - 18:41:30

Dear Chat-Room folks
At the request of William (Bill) Marsh, a meeting was held on January 23, 2023 to discuss his desire to gift the Town his land located in West Chatham -- 1610 and 0 Main Street for a Council on Aging Facility. Participants invited at the request of Mr. Marsh were with the Town Manager, Select Board Chair Dykens and Select Board Member Davis. Also in attendance was Don Poyant, President of Eastward Homes. At that meeting, Mr. Marsh noted his recommitment to the gift first offered in January 2020 and provided an updated and signed 2023 Land Donation Agreement. The Donation Agreement will be considered by the entire Select Board on Tuesday January 31, 2023.
SD
Shareen Davis <sdavis@chatham-ma.gov>
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 01/29/2023 - 17:49:48

Several of my close friends (Barry and Ross) in Chatham have owned planes, built their own, or have landed there at the Chatham Airport. Some have done all. They were pretty much non intrusive pilots. That doesn't seem to be the case now.
Brother John Ryder just told me of a flight in a Piper Cub that Wilfred Berube gave him and Dad in payment for a gift of fish from Dave Ryder.
I missed out on that!
If I had had a bucket list, learning to fly a small plane would have been on it.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 01/29/2023 - 17:43:17

Interestingly enough - not all the Select Board were privy to the big meeting with Mr. Marsh, Jill, and Shareen. I met several months ago with the new head of the Board of Directors of the COA. At that time she told me she did not like that location for a COA and she definitely did not want a two story building. I left that meeting feeling pretty good. She really liked the layout of the Orleans COA . These discussions have been going on for months with other people behind everyone's back. I find it absolutely despicable that these individuals would go this route again. One of my friends said they act like spoiled children that will just not accept "NO" from Town Meeting and keep trying until they get their way. I agree. I urge anyone that reads this Chatroom to drive by the current COA and see the number of cars there on different days. Until they can increase their membership and include younger seniors they will never get my vote along with many of my friends. What figure do you think the previous 8 million will rise to now? I hope this is voted down again at Town Meeting. These folks work for us - not against us. I also believe Mr Dykens needs to recuse himself from any discussion since Mr Marsh is a landlord to his wife's business.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Sat 01/28/2023 - 17:53:04

Looks like we have gone full circle back to West Chatham for the senior center. Good grief, as they want to raise property taxes almost 3x 2/12.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 01/28/2023 - 16:18:48

Bill, Apparently it drained as of 7:00 p.m. last night I was told. The huge puddle will be on the agenda for the Select Board on February 7th .
JudyP
West Chatham, MA USA - Tue 01/24/2023 - 15:50:50

Judy, I went through today and there is no water. The lake on the other side is always there.
Bill P
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 01/24/2023 - 14:28:14

I tried to go through Commerce Park yesterday to get to Body Strong. Now there is a puddle on the other side with a BMW stuck in the middle of it right before Kent Landscaping. The businesses from that point around the corner to the other puddle are inaccessible . I've been told it's a private road - yet no one will do anything about this. The Guest Column in the Chronicle last week was spot on. In addition it's an issue for the Board of Health with the fish processing business there. I hope an elderly person doesn't try to drive through there, get stuck, and get out and potentially drown. This is an awful situation with no resolution in sight . The Select Board had this ad a "tentative agenda item" for tonight but it was removed. Like this and the airport mess they sit back and choose not to get involved.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Tue 01/24/2023 - 08:03:11

I Googled it and it was for the shooting victims in California.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Mon 01/23/2023 - 18:16:57

Noticed the flags at half-mast downtown today. Anyone know what made that happen?
BobR <zut444@verizon.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 01/23/2023 - 18:02:14

There was a time recently when all of us on the Outer Cape were desperate for rain. Now, just look at the NOAA forecasts. Cape Cod has always been blessed with enough rain to bring in the crops and sustain basic lives here. Pools and irrigation systems excluded.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 01/19/2023 - 17:44:19

Jared: There was a time when there was no LifeSaving Service station on North Beach. The Chatham LS Station was physically moved to the newly extending North Beach in the mid 1880s, and then back to the lower beach of Morris Island. Old Harbor Station was deemed necessary after the loss of a large sailing vessel with all hands on the tip of North Beach. Remains of that vessel have recently been exposed near Minister's Point.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Tue 01/17/2023 - 18:02:05

Also, Tuesday, 2-4 p.m. at the Senior Center is the maiden run of the Chatham Remember When group. I am trying to make it in time and if so, will be bringing a few pieces of the Town that may be of interest to some of you.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 01/16/2023 - 20:52:45

Jared, that is a great description of what transpired. I have much more confidence in the 45's than perhaps many in Chatham do. The boat was NEVER officially tested on the West Coast, although it was operated out there and was deemed to be much more of a boat than the loser 42 footers. Higher bow, good platform, wider intakes for the jet drives, (reduced velocliy, same volume) less sand etc.) I would go with the assessments of the operators of both boats, who I have talked with privately .
Not one who has limited surf boat experience.
Perhaps the role of the Chatham Harbormasters boat should be relegated to summer time work. only.
And, why was there a need for the Barnstable County Sherriff to buy and staff a boat? There are many Coast Guard assets that can readily do what their mission requires.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 01/16/2023 - 18:08:44

I know there's a few of us still unhappy about the Coast Guard's decision to downgrade Chatham from a surf station to a heavy weather station, and wondering how long until the decision has serious consequences. Last summer, I heard across the scanner that a boat was taking on water off of Marconi Beach in South Wellfleet. The position is within Station Chatham's area of responsibility. Being in Wellfleet at the time, I drove out to Marconi and saw a pleasure craft adrift about a quarter mile off the beach, slowly taking on water. Wellfleet FD responded, the Park Service responded to the beach in case they were needed from the shore, and both the Orleans and Chatham Harbormasters responded boats. Noticeably absent was a response from the Coast Guard in Chatham, which would have had a presumed 20 mile trip if using the old cut. However, Station Provincetown responded to the scene, making excellent time in a roughly 32 mile trip, and nearly four miles into Chatham's district. My guess is that the bar was breaking at that time and the new 45 footer was legally restricted from leaving the harbor. Luckily TowBoat US was near the disabled vessel and stood by until the Provincetown CG boat arrived. No casualties this time, but who knows what the next incident will bring.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 01/16/2023 - 17:35:58

Jim, you are correct about the Mayflower Shop number. Fine print is my nemesis.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 01/16/2023 - 10:32:05

And interestingly, Richard, some of those phone numbers still exist. For example, Pilgrim Village was 41 and is now 945-0041. CBI was 96 and is now 945-0096. You thought Mayflower was 63, but today it is 945-0065.

When my parents built here in 1958, their phone number was "Chatham 913" and is now 945-0913. It was once a New England Telephone party line, but is now a Voice-over-IP line.
James J Dempsey
W.Chatham+Boxborough, MA USA - Mon 01/16/2023 - 09:10:30

Here are some early 1950's Chatham telephone numbers for you:
Doane and Beal Funeral Home, 1; E.J. Myers, Builder, 2-J; Charles H. Adams, 10; Stage Harbor freezer, 16; Acme Laundry, 20; Chatham Trust Co., 32; Pilgrim Village, 41; The Epicure, 47; Old Harbor Fish Co., 54; Roscoe Gould, 58 (he was the night telephone operator - slept on a cot between calls); WCC Radio, 60; .Mayflower Shop, 63; and the CBI, 96.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 01/15/2023 - 15:38:40

Wonderful to read that Town Meeting voting procedures might be modernized. So much an important part of my ancestry and tradition, I always move heaven and earth to participate in this ritual. But times have changed and people have changed. We need to have accurate counts. Cost concerns? For Chatham that is "chump change"! Let's all insist on transparency in all aspects of government. We are a small fishing village that needs to respect our roots, but protect our heritage, by not allowing outsiders to bring the wrong ideas to our ways. That being said, I believe Town Meeting is vital but counting should be more technical.
Emily Cunningham <dayonown@yahoo.com>
Rancho Mirage, CA USA - Sat 01/14/2023 - 18:37:18

Great question, but another one that lives in my mind is the. Fog horn at night when I slept in the attic during the fifties and waitressed at the Queen Anne Inn.....such a comforting sound!
Emily Cunningham <dayonown@yahoo.com>
Rancho Mirage, CA USA - Sat 01/14/2023 - 18:36:51

Richard was kind enough to send me some photos of his excellent model. You can see them here along with a little background on the 40-foot Utility Boat.

Thank you Richard!

https://serenity.jjd.com/cg40534/
James J Dempsey
W.Chatham+Boxborough, MA USA - Sat 01/14/2023 - 16:37:53

That sounds very cool, Richard. I'd love to see a photo of your model. If you don't have a way to put it on the internet, you could email it to me and I'd post it.

I'm going to email you my email address.

I've seen other descriptions of the 40' boat that also said it was pretty useless. Faster than the 44, but wouldn't necessarily get you there.

--Jim--
James J Dempsey
W.Chatham+Boxborough, MA USA - Sat 01/14/2023 - 11:42:55

I have finally completed a scale model of a 40 foot Coast Guard boat that would have been in Chatham in 1956. I plan to turn it over to the Crew at Chatham Station, to add to their collections of model vessels they have had to deal with, or to be proud of , like the 366500. I am not sure this vessel was ever that useful.
When the Chatham Coast Guard Station was on Morris Island before 1939 ,my grandfather , Warrant Boatswain USCG Richard E. Ryder was OIC from 1925 until 1930. He had previously served as OIC of the CG Station at Gloucester. An identical Station to Old Harbor, except there was a railway in to the station boatroom.
Does anyone out there have a photo or postcard of a 40 footer at Chatham.?
I do have an almost complete list of men who served at Chatham Station from 1872 until 1942.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 01/12/2023 - 18:02:56

To add to Jim P's message: When I had a small 16 foot Penn Yan skiff out of Niantic Bay, CT, I too ran the times and compass bearings ahead of time from my lobster traps to the railroad bridge, just in case. Sure enough, one afternoon it shut in thick fog near the Millstone Power Plant. I ran the time and the compass bearing, and got in safely. The first thing I saw was a neon sign that read LOBSTERS, across the railroad tracks , when we were maybe 20 feet off the shore.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 01/11/2023 - 16:45:16

Richard, I have told this story before but I was deep sea fishing with my Dad and Capt. Claflin about 1956 when I was SO seasick they off loaded me to the Pollock Rip Lightship for the day! They caught fish at the Pendleton wreck and gave it to the crew as thanks......It is one of my most cherished, Mayflower, Stage Harbor, Chatham memories! I still get sea sick, I have some kwirky inner ear thing and I do not swim. Good thing I sold my third boat last summer!
Emily Cunningham <dayonown@yahoo.com>
Rancho Mirage, CA USA - Tue 01/10/2023 - 18:35:58

Richard, navigation is a lost art. One of the things I do with every boat I've brought up there was to take a day and run the buoys, log the engine RPM's, compass heading, and time between all the bouys, and then mark them on the chart. GPS is an incredible invention but all electronics can fail. Have a back up for when things go south. Just need to remember the tides and drift and you can get back to port safety.

Did that diving as well. Can't tell you how many times I've taken an azimuth to the beach before submerging, and upon surfacing in a complete fog, just follow your compass. As you know, sound gets screwy in dense fog and the water is an incredibly unforgiving environment.
JimP
USA - Tue 01/10/2023 - 18:21:28

Sorry to hear today the Chatham Branch of Rockland Trust will be closing. Very unfortunate for many folks.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Tue 01/10/2023 - 16:25:22

(Some program changed my entry from assignment to alignment) .
The Chatham fishermen relied on these vessels almost daily, as they would head to the Pollock station, then off to their fishing grounds. Navigating with a watch, their compass, and intuition.
GPS has taken over.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 01/09/2023 - 17:53:39

Emily:
Those sounds would have come from either the Pollock Lightship or the Stonehorse Lightship. They had distinctive tones, which were reassuring and familiar to us living in Chatham. They are long gone, replaced by buoys, perhaps.
Lightship duty was not a preferable assignment in the Coast Guard. The isolation, the fog horn noise and the fact that they never got underway except to Boston for maintenance was reason enough to turn down an alignment to a lightship. But not all were able to have influence on where they would serve.
Good side? Good fishing off the stern.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 01/09/2023 - 17:47:19

Does anyone remember the year (or approximate year) that the noon whistle at Vet's Field was retired? I sifted through the Chronicle archives and couldn't find much mention of it. As a kid I do remember when it was being taken down, skeleton tower and all.
Jared Fulcher
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 01/09/2023 - 12:58:14

Bring on some real Winter weather! When the boats at Aunt Lydias Cove are frozen in. When men and women could get eels by using eel spears in Ryder's Cove.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 01/08/2023 - 18:03:15

Hi Richard - Yes - Cynthia is my aunt.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Sat 01/07/2023 - 19:40:41

Judy P: Is your Aunt Cynthia? She and I are of the same age, but she might have some insight that I don't have. Being from West Chatham as she was.
Until I read Dana Eldredges columns in the the Cape Codder, I was not aware of the disparity of income levels between those of us kids who grew up in Chatham, and those that grew up in either South or West Chatham.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Sat 01/07/2023 - 19:03:11

Jim - I remember my mom telling me about a football player that died or was hurt really badly. I'll have to ask my aunt - she remembers a lot of that stuff.
Tommy - check out Chatham News/Cool Photos on Facebook. They're dredging and an explanation is there.
Speaking of CBI - does anyone else think it was insane that they weren't allowed to convert a building to house their workers? Chatham does a great job of complaining about lack of housing for folks and here's a company trying to do the right thing and provide housing and they're shot down. This is what happens when folks with no knowledge of the town are appointed to boards and the Select Board.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Fri 01/06/2023 - 09:45:25

Tommy, As I said, I do appreciate all your volunteering - that takes dedication, time,and a real interest in all things Chatham. Just wish more people would follow your example! Thanks for all you and other Chatham volunteers do. Truly believe that the volunteers are what keep the Town running relatively smmothly!!
Susie <susiefishback@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 01/06/2023 - 09:14:22

Tommy Doane was also a respected member of the Chatham Traffic Safety Committee. He contributed many volunteer hours attending meetings and site visits. It was an honor to work with him on the committee. He has served on other boards and committees in town and currently serves on the Finance Commitee. Tommy's comments on town events are based on his direct experience and vast knowledge of the town.
J.D. Cauble
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 01/06/2023 - 08:00:25

Richard Ryder - I did a quick search of the Chronicle's archives and found a story from 27 Sept 1928 saying that a football team had been organized at the high school. I couldn't find a story about a serious injury or that the team has been disbanded. (This doesn't mean there wasn't one, just that I didn't find it.)

I couldn't include the article text here because this forum's check for "bad words" decided I said something bad. Instead you can read the text of the article here:
https://serenity.jjd.com/1928-football-story.html
James J Dempsey
W.Chatham+Boxborough, MA USA - Fri 01/06/2023 - 07:56:17

Does anyone know what is with all the sand movement in front of CBI/
Thomas Doane <tommydoane@comcast.net>
WEST CHATHAM, MA USA - Thu 01/05/2023 - 23:43:11

Susie. Just so you know, I have stepped up and have been volunteering for years.
I have been signing up participants for the Carnival Caper since its inception.
I have been the water stop for the Turkey Trot. Chatham Harbor Run and The Chatham Harbor Run in the Fall, since their inception. Just saying.
Thomas Doane <tommydoane@comcast.net>
WEST CHATHAM, MA USA - Thu 01/05/2023 - 23:40:56

Electronic voting seems to work very well here in Eastham, and has for several years.. It allows a vote to be tallied almost instantaneously, and accurately. I once was a teller, and some of my co tellers had a tough time counting the votes without having to do a recount.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 01/05/2023 - 16:04:12

Tommy, think it might have been a bit of financial concern - First Night would have to pay for additional police detail -- also might have been a bit of volunteer fatigue - by mid-afternoon on a very rainy New Year's Eve day, pretty sure, after all the hours they have put into it in the last year, must have been exhausted making choices.
Having been in similar situations with having to cancel Scout events, have learned that you can't please everyone. My answer has been, then step up and volunteer.
That is not aimed at you, Tommy, as I know how much that you and Linda support all things Chatham!!
Just venting!
Susie <susiefishback@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 01/05/2023 - 08:48:40

I upset that the Carnival Caper was not postponed until Sunday like the fireworks. Maybe a little more thought should have gone into it.
Thomas Doane <tommydoane@comcast.net>
WEST CHATHAM, MA USA - Wed 01/04/2023 - 22:53:36

I was happy to read in the Chronicle today progress has been made on electronic voting. Hopefully this will be in time for the May Town Meeting - barring any ridiculous studies, consultants, and other wastes of our money.
JudyP
WChatham, MA USA - Wed 01/04/2023 - 19:25:23

Thanks Peter for that update. Perhaps the local paper at the time would have a story.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 01/04/2023 - 16:49:07

I was told today by a father of a young football player that flag football is even more dangerous to the younger kids, as they don't have much experience and they crash into each other, unprotected.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Wed 01/04/2023 - 16:46:56

My father was on the Chatham High football team. He was born in 1913 and would have graduated around 1931. I believe my brother has a picture of the team.
Peter Taylor <Denise. Taylor1@comcast.net>
Chatham , MA USA - Tue 01/03/2023 - 20:42:30

My Dad told me that there had been a Football team in Chatham High School, back before he graduated in 1933. However, the team was disbanded due to the death of one of the players.
Probably due to a head injury.
I have seen a tag football league operate in Guantanamo, which seemed to me to make sense. Just grab the flag., and run with it. Not much physical violence.
Is there any documentation of what he told me in the Historical Society records? He was not one to make up stories.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Tue 01/03/2023 - 17:49:21

First Night is pretty much funded by the sale of the buttons - that includes police details. And it is run by all volunteers. It is unfortunate that so many purchase buttons and then share them with friends and families, resulting in lost revenue. Individuals and a few business also donate money. Any one of the performances is worth the price of the button alone. There are many non-button events available to everyone -- including the noise parade and fireworks. Kudos to all the First Night people who do it for their love of Chatham!!
Susie <susiefishback@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 01/03/2023 - 09:25:47

Who pays for the First Night Fireworks? And the police details? And the extra fire department crews that must be available to supplement the regular crew?
This event is open to the world, with no charge to attend many of the events.
Richard R. <dickryder413@gmail.com>
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 01/02/2023 - 17:34:30

Visit Pleasant Forest Shores Website	CHAT-M-Room (TC) history for prior months

Chatham Historical Society