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Letters To The Editor: Oct. 10, 2024
Reasons To Back Pine Oaks Housing
Editor:
I completely support Pine Oaks Housing Phase 4 for the following reasons:
We have a major housing issue. A year or so ago at a housing forum, the fire chief, superintendent of schools, town administrator and a few businesses talked about the difficulty of filling open, fully funded positions because top candidates (including doctors!) can't afford to live here. Some of the larger businesses have bought properties to provide housing for their employees. Not all business owners can afford to do this. The latest example is that our library had to close one day a week due to staffing.
The price we are going to have to pay is an increase in traffic. However, our real traffic problem is six to eight weeks in the summer when the visitors who are a huge part of our economy are here. During the rest of the year there is no traffic problem. Whatever traffic increase there is will be a small price to pay.
The school population has been declining each year for the past several years so the potential additional children will easily be absorbed into our schools which were built for greater capacity.
The Pine Oaks developers are our friends and neighbors. They have done an excellent job with the three previous projects. They take pride in their work and live here so they are ever vigilant.
We are still a long way from having 10 percent of our housing affordable and face the very real possibility of an "unfriendly" 40B project that we would have little recourse to stop. I suggest we work with our friends and neighbors and approve this project or eligibility letter or whatever the first step is.
Mary Anderson
Harwich
I completely support Pine Oaks Housing Phase 4 for the following reasons:
We have a major housing issue. A year or so ago at a housing forum, the fire chief, superintendent of schools, town administrator and a few businesses talked about the difficulty of filling open, fully funded positions because top candidates (including doctors!) can't afford to live here. Some of the larger businesses have bought properties to provide housing for their employees. Not all business owners can afford to do this. The latest example is that our library had to close one day a week due to staffing.
The price we are going to have to pay is an increase in traffic. However, our real traffic problem is six to eight weeks in the summer when the visitors who are a huge part of our economy are here. During the rest of the year there is no traffic problem. Whatever traffic increase there is will be a small price to pay.
The school population has been declining each year for the past several years so the potential additional children will easily be absorbed into our schools which were built for greater capacity.
The Pine Oaks developers are our friends and neighbors. They have done an excellent job with the three previous projects. They take pride in their work and live here so they are ever vigilant.
We are still a long way from having 10 percent of our housing affordable and face the very real possibility of an "unfriendly" 40B project that we would have little recourse to stop. I suggest we work with our friends and neighbors and approve this project or eligibility letter or whatever the first step is.
Mary Anderson
Harwich
COA Anniversary Something To See
Editor:
You had to be there, at the 50th anniversary celebration for the Orleans Senior Center. It was a marvelous event. The parking lot was full. The activity room was set up with bridge tables and decorated tastefully. There were stations around the room where volunteers were serving clam chowder from our local restaurants. Everyone who attended had the chance to enjoy the delicious chowders and to vote their choice of the best. A fun lunch with burgers and dogs was also offered.
The weather cooperated perfectly and permitted the children’s activities, with a bounce house and face painting, to be enjoyed outside. This also served as a joyful and colorful announcement as you approached the building entrance.
There were fitness demos and there was line dancing and a few local artists shared their music: the Sarah Burrill Band and the Bart Weisman Jazz Ensemble, while local artist Karen North Wells shared her painting.
The atmosphere was joyful as a party should be. There were beautiful minglings and joyful encounters. Old friends reconnected. New connections were made. I kept enjoying all the smiles. People were so happy. It was a very happy time.
We all have the director and staff to thank for pulling off a super event. Those town employees needed to do all their regular work for the past week all while they were coordinating this huge project. I am proud to live in Orleans. I am super grateful to have the best senior center with the whole world available to me.
The maintenance crew, the chef and kitchen help, the social workers, the director, everybody along with the board members and Friends of the COA all helped and made this day a memorable, great success. Kudos to you all.
Sandy Chernick
Orleans
You had to be there, at the 50th anniversary celebration for the Orleans Senior Center. It was a marvelous event. The parking lot was full. The activity room was set up with bridge tables and decorated tastefully. There were stations around the room where volunteers were serving clam chowder from our local restaurants. Everyone who attended had the chance to enjoy the delicious chowders and to vote their choice of the best. A fun lunch with burgers and dogs was also offered.
The weather cooperated perfectly and permitted the children’s activities, with a bounce house and face painting, to be enjoyed outside. This also served as a joyful and colorful announcement as you approached the building entrance.
There were fitness demos and there was line dancing and a few local artists shared their music: the Sarah Burrill Band and the Bart Weisman Jazz Ensemble, while local artist Karen North Wells shared her painting.
The atmosphere was joyful as a party should be. There were beautiful minglings and joyful encounters. Old friends reconnected. New connections were made. I kept enjoying all the smiles. People were so happy. It was a very happy time.
We all have the director and staff to thank for pulling off a super event. Those town employees needed to do all their regular work for the past week all while they were coordinating this huge project. I am proud to live in Orleans. I am super grateful to have the best senior center with the whole world available to me.
The maintenance crew, the chef and kitchen help, the social workers, the director, everybody along with the board members and Friends of the COA all helped and made this day a memorable, great success. Kudos to you all.
Sandy Chernick
Orleans
Festive Senior Center Celebration
Editor:
On behalf of the Orleans Council on Aging and Senior Center, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the community for your generosity and support. Our 50th anniversary programming was an opportunity to provide special programming which fostered socialization and celebration, healthy aging, and community spirit. It was a festive commemoration of where we’ve been as we begin to plan for the future of supporting those aging in Orleans for the next half century. I have worked in human services most of my adult life, and I have always said that one of the blessings of serving the community of Orleans is the incredible culture of community support here.
Many thanks to the restaurants who participated in the “Chowda Fest” — The Barley Neck, The Beacon Room, Cooke’s Seafood, Land Ho, Mahoney’s Atlantic Bar and Grill, and Sir Cricket’s Fish and Chips — and special congratulations to the Land Ho for taking the honors of “2024 Orleans Best Chowder.” Our grateful appreciation to the Friends of the Orleans COA, Homeport, Nauset Farms, the many volunteers who helped us this past week, the community members young and older who celebrated with us, and the incredible staff of the Senior Center who went above and beyond to make it all come together.
Judi Wilson, director
Orleans Council on Aging and Senior Center
Excluded From STR Discussion
Editor:
Recently I applied for a position on the Brewster short-term rental taskforce. This past year, after conducting extensive research into short-term rentals on the Cape and Islands and spending time speaking with representatives from the different towns in the region, I proposed two bylaws for Brewster — one to register short-term rentals as all our neighbors, bar Wellfleet and Sandwich, do, and one to limit how many short-term rentals one owner can operate, as Provincetown, Eastham, and West Tisbury all do.
I also created a publicly available spreadsheet (which can be viewed on the Cape Cod Housing Facebook page, pinned to the top) that lists what each town is doing regarding short-term rentals. I felt that this information was important and should be easily accessible, as the exponential increase in short-term rentals has had a detrimental impact on housing availability in the area.
I felt that my experience researching STRs, coupled with my own personal experiences in the housing crisis, would bring a perspective to the short-term rental taskforce that would be much needed — the voice of those who are most impacted by STRs.
However, the Brewster Select Board did not choose to put me on the taskforce. While the select board seems to value the voices of realtors who are making money off the housing crisis (so much so that they reserved a spot on the task force specifically for one), and they seem to want those interests further represented by the select board member they put on the task force (Amanda Bebrin, who worked in real estate and specialized in STRs at Chatelain Real Estate), they seem less keen in representing the interests of renters and working class individuals who are most impacted by the pervasive and on-going housing crisis.
I wrote this letter because I think it is important to see that despite the lip service that is paid toward protecting the interests of the working class, more often than not we are barred from participating in discussions about matters that impact us the most. How can any discussion about the housing crisis be considered complete if it excludes the voices of those who are most impacted?
Matilda Delano
Brewster
Recently I applied for a position on the Brewster short-term rental taskforce. This past year, after conducting extensive research into short-term rentals on the Cape and Islands and spending time speaking with representatives from the different towns in the region, I proposed two bylaws for Brewster — one to register short-term rentals as all our neighbors, bar Wellfleet and Sandwich, do, and one to limit how many short-term rentals one owner can operate, as Provincetown, Eastham, and West Tisbury all do.
I also created a publicly available spreadsheet (which can be viewed on the Cape Cod Housing Facebook page, pinned to the top) that lists what each town is doing regarding short-term rentals. I felt that this information was important and should be easily accessible, as the exponential increase in short-term rentals has had a detrimental impact on housing availability in the area.
I felt that my experience researching STRs, coupled with my own personal experiences in the housing crisis, would bring a perspective to the short-term rental taskforce that would be much needed — the voice of those who are most impacted by STRs.
However, the Brewster Select Board did not choose to put me on the taskforce. While the select board seems to value the voices of realtors who are making money off the housing crisis (so much so that they reserved a spot on the task force specifically for one), and they seem to want those interests further represented by the select board member they put on the task force (Amanda Bebrin, who worked in real estate and specialized in STRs at Chatelain Real Estate), they seem less keen in representing the interests of renters and working class individuals who are most impacted by the pervasive and on-going housing crisis.
I wrote this letter because I think it is important to see that despite the lip service that is paid toward protecting the interests of the working class, more often than not we are barred from participating in discussions about matters that impact us the most. How can any discussion about the housing crisis be considered complete if it excludes the voices of those who are most impacted?
Matilda Delano
Brewster
Support Question 6
Editor:
As we stand at a pivotal moment for Barnstable County, Ballot Question 6 presents us not just with a choice, but an opportunity. This ballot measure is not merely about streamlining government; it's a beacon for progress, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility.
For too long, our county has operated under procedures that, while familiar, are undeniably cumbersome. The costs are not just financial; they're measured in delayed responses to our community's needs, from environmental conservation to emergency services. A "yes" on Question 6 is a vote for a government that adapts, learns, and evolves.
Consider the endorsements from our local delegates, individuals who've devoted their careers to understanding and improving our community fabric. Their support for this measure stems not from political expediency but from a genuine belief in its potential to enhance our county's functionality. This isn't about changing for change's sake; it's about optimizing our resources for better service delivery, transparency, and accountability.
By voting "Yes," we're not just cutting costs; we're investing in a smarter, more responsive governance model. This is about ensuring that every tax dollar is utilized with precision, benefiting projects like housing and water quality that directly impact our quality of life.
Let's not anchor ourselves to the past out of mere comfort. Instead, let's sail towards a future where Barnstable County leads by example, showing that with unity, foresight, and a bit of courage, we can indeed achieve more with less. Vote "yes" on Ballot Question 6 for a more efficient, transparent, and dynamic county government.
Ronald Beaty
West Barnstable
Editor’s note: Ronald Beaty is a candidate for Barnstable County Commissioner.
As we stand at a pivotal moment for Barnstable County, Ballot Question 6 presents us not just with a choice, but an opportunity. This ballot measure is not merely about streamlining government; it's a beacon for progress, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility.
For too long, our county has operated under procedures that, while familiar, are undeniably cumbersome. The costs are not just financial; they're measured in delayed responses to our community's needs, from environmental conservation to emergency services. A "yes" on Question 6 is a vote for a government that adapts, learns, and evolves.
Consider the endorsements from our local delegates, individuals who've devoted their careers to understanding and improving our community fabric. Their support for this measure stems not from political expediency but from a genuine belief in its potential to enhance our county's functionality. This isn't about changing for change's sake; it's about optimizing our resources for better service delivery, transparency, and accountability.
By voting "Yes," we're not just cutting costs; we're investing in a smarter, more responsive governance model. This is about ensuring that every tax dollar is utilized with precision, benefiting projects like housing and water quality that directly impact our quality of life.
Let's not anchor ourselves to the past out of mere comfort. Instead, let's sail towards a future where Barnstable County leads by example, showing that with unity, foresight, and a bit of courage, we can indeed achieve more with less. Vote "yes" on Ballot Question 6 for a more efficient, transparent, and dynamic county government.
Ronald Beaty
West Barnstable
Editor’s note: Ronald Beaty is a candidate for Barnstable County Commissioner.
Spare The Trees
Editor:
In the past, Harwich has been good to Pine Oaks/Mid Cape Church Homes as they pursued their agenda. To the extent that their past three projects have provided housing for elderly and financially challenged Harwich residents, Pine Oaks/MCCHomes has been good to Harwich.
So why is Pine Oaks/MCCHomes now shoving a massive 40B down the town’s throat? Is pushing a timeline that does not give adequate review by town boards part of the 40B mystique? And are there not other towns that might prefer, by Cape standards, such a massive project? Presently the town has other low/moderate income projects underway. As an alternative approach, the town could adjust zoning, adding second-story rental units on single-story homes, creating denser habitation in already developed areas which will soon be serviced by sewers. And there is the big question of what the Marceline property will become.
Some townspeople are waking up to car congestion. It should follow that at some point they will want to focus on reconstruction rather than on new development, thereby ensuring that density will not be spread out all over town. Let’s preserve what open space we can, and make the necessary zoning adjustments to encourage repurposing and redevelopment in Harwich. Let’s plan to drive down the road and still see some trees!
Matt Sutphin
Harwich
In the past, Harwich has been good to Pine Oaks/Mid Cape Church Homes as they pursued their agenda. To the extent that their past three projects have provided housing for elderly and financially challenged Harwich residents, Pine Oaks/MCCHomes has been good to Harwich.
So why is Pine Oaks/MCCHomes now shoving a massive 40B down the town’s throat? Is pushing a timeline that does not give adequate review by town boards part of the 40B mystique? And are there not other towns that might prefer, by Cape standards, such a massive project? Presently the town has other low/moderate income projects underway. As an alternative approach, the town could adjust zoning, adding second-story rental units on single-story homes, creating denser habitation in already developed areas which will soon be serviced by sewers. And there is the big question of what the Marceline property will become.
Some townspeople are waking up to car congestion. It should follow that at some point they will want to focus on reconstruction rather than on new development, thereby ensuring that density will not be spread out all over town. Let’s preserve what open space we can, and make the necessary zoning adjustments to encourage repurposing and redevelopment in Harwich. Let’s plan to drive down the road and still see some trees!
Matt Sutphin
Harwich
Aviation Is Important
Editor:
This note was received by the Airport Commission from, Robert LeValley, a former Chatham resident who now lives near Charlotte, North Carolina and was peripherally affected by Hurricane Helene. Though his family was safe, what particularly impressed him was the immediate response of general aviation pilots to deliver supplies and of helicopter pilots for search and rescue operations. This is his note:
“Quick note on how the importance of private aviation is being a major asset in the disaster recovery efforts in North Carolina. Hundreds of fixed wing and rotorcraft pilots are volunteering their equipment and skill sets to support the massive recovery efforts. Several local airports are key with support particularly into Asheville. Amazing efforts. The Chatham airport is such a community asset in a time of disaster (hurricane). The support being provided by private aviation is immense. Please pass this on as a note to your airport colleagues and the Chatham community.”
We tend to get complacent about disasters, especially hurricanes, here on Cape Cod. Given the changes in climate and warmer ocean waters, it’s probable that in the foreseeable future we will have to deal with a damaging storm. Preparedness and having the airport as an emergency site will definitely help in relief efforts. In addition, this week we were reminded of the significance Chatham Municipal Airport can play in emergency situations beyond natural disasters. On Saturday a man injured in an accident needing rapid medical treatment was airlifted to an off-Cape trauma center from CQX.
It is for this reason that I ask you to support general aviation airports no matter where you live, especially the one here in Chatham. Thank you.
Huntley Harrison
Chatham Airport Commission
This note was received by the Airport Commission from, Robert LeValley, a former Chatham resident who now lives near Charlotte, North Carolina and was peripherally affected by Hurricane Helene. Though his family was safe, what particularly impressed him was the immediate response of general aviation pilots to deliver supplies and of helicopter pilots for search and rescue operations. This is his note:
“Quick note on how the importance of private aviation is being a major asset in the disaster recovery efforts in North Carolina. Hundreds of fixed wing and rotorcraft pilots are volunteering their equipment and skill sets to support the massive recovery efforts. Several local airports are key with support particularly into Asheville. Amazing efforts. The Chatham airport is such a community asset in a time of disaster (hurricane). The support being provided by private aviation is immense. Please pass this on as a note to your airport colleagues and the Chatham community.”
We tend to get complacent about disasters, especially hurricanes, here on Cape Cod. Given the changes in climate and warmer ocean waters, it’s probable that in the foreseeable future we will have to deal with a damaging storm. Preparedness and having the airport as an emergency site will definitely help in relief efforts. In addition, this week we were reminded of the significance Chatham Municipal Airport can play in emergency situations beyond natural disasters. On Saturday a man injured in an accident needing rapid medical treatment was airlifted to an off-Cape trauma center from CQX.
It is for this reason that I ask you to support general aviation airports no matter where you live, especially the one here in Chatham. Thank you.
Huntley Harrison
Chatham Airport Commission
Dem Bones
Editor:
I have a question. Is the ridiculous Trump skeleton on the corner of Route 28 and Crowell Rd. supposed to be promoting Trump, or a good image of a dying Republican party?
Anne McCusker Peirce
North Chatham
I have a question. Is the ridiculous Trump skeleton on the corner of Route 28 and Crowell Rd. supposed to be promoting Trump, or a good image of a dying Republican party?
Anne McCusker Peirce
North Chatham
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