Three Seek Two Seats On Chatham Select Board

Chatham voters go to the polls May 16 in the annual town election. The only contested race is for two three-year terms on the select board. Vying for the positions are incumbents Cory Metters and Dean Nicastro and challenger Brian Phillips. Below are the candidates’ responses to questions posed by The Chronicle. The polls at the community center will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cory J Metters

Education: University of Massachusetts Amherst (BS)

Occupation: Retail shop owner (Chatham Penny Candy, Sweet Dreams Ice Cream and Candy)

Years in Chatham: 51 years

What is your position on adoption of a new airport approach map?

I have mixed opinions concerning the new airport approach map. Since the last update was in 1958 I do understand the need to update this map. I am certainly supportive of measures that would provide better safety to the facility. However, I am concerned about the potential impact to trees and vegetation that could occur with future expansion of the airport. I do believe efforts to update the facility master plan should continue, but with appropriate input from the public. It is important to understand our regional assets like the Barnstable Airport and what activities are best for the future of Chatham Airport.

Who should have control over development of two affordable housing projects now in process, the select board or affordable housing trust?

The control of the two current affordable housing projects is a unique discussion. Procedurally, the AHT has authority over the project on Meetinghouse Road. The select board and AHT both share authority on the Main Street project. There needs to be a level of collaboration and support to move these projects forward. Most importantly, public input needs to be included on both projects.

Where should the town be putting its attention and money into to improve resilience in the face of climate change?

The town should be putting its attention and money into education and outreach. The topic of climate change is nothing new. Fortunately the town has a variety of advisory boards and committees, such as the energy and climate action committee, that are focused on the topic. Outreach on our coastal resources, conservation and natural resources all play an important part in improving resiliency for the Town.

Do you support reopening the Monomoy Regional School District agreement to revise the funding formula, as Harwich is proposing?

Respectfully, I do not currently support reopening the MRSD agreement to revise the funding formula. The recent action of the town of Chatham to fund its own elementary school showed the level of support our taxpayers have in our local school program. Moving forward as Harwich is proposing is not likely going to receive full support from the Chatham voters. Although I certainly would be open to hold some general discussions on possible changes, I would not support reopening the MRSD agreement at this time.

What in your mind are the most pressing issues facing Chatham, and how will you attempt to solve them?

The only real pressing issue for the town is the preservation of our drinking water. There are many important issues, but to protect the quality and quantity of our drinking water is second to none. Understanding the full impacts of PFAS is critical. We also must assess the appropriate infrastructure projects (wells, treatment facilities, etc) that might be required to meet our needs. I would encourage focus on the issue along with planning for the funding needs that will be required.

Dean P. Nicastro

Age: 76

Education: Harvard Law School, J.D.; Harvard College, A.B. summa cum laude (classics); Boston College High School; St. Joseph School, Quincy (MA)

Occupation: Attorney (retired with active license); formerly Massachusetts Medical Society Vice President and General Counsel, Massachusetts Assistant Attorney General, Quincy City Solicitor, and private law firm practice.

Years in Chatham: 31-plus

What is your position on adoption of a new airport approach map?

The new airport approach map has been recommended unanimously by the select board, and I expect to vote in the affirmative at town meeting, but I will listen to the comments and questions from both the airport commission and members of the public at the upcoming public hearing. The purpose of Article 40 is to reconcile the town bylaw with FAA advisory circulars which address the required clearance area for the safe arrival and departure of aircraft. The old map needs to be revised to reflect the reality of current practice. It is a safety measure, and the glide slope for planes does not change. I also have confidence in both the Chatham Conservation Commission and the Cape Cod Commission to satisfactorily address conservation and environmental considerations of the airport’s vegetation management plan. Nonetheless, I believe in fairness and transparency; so it followed, upon my urging at the select board, that those property owners within the wider approach zone be notified of the upcoming article, that the airport commission has sent letters to all affected parties in time for the public hearing and town meeting, for which the commission should be commended.

The airport master plan is not being updated at the present time; it is a planning document that was put together in February 2021, and the airport commission draws from it to implement improvements to enhance the safety of both pilots and people on the ground. The airport is not expanding. The level of operations has been approximately level since 1965, though there has been a change in the distribution of types of aircraft. The short 3001-foot runway will always limit the size of planes that can come into Chatham Airport.

Who should have control over development of two affordable housing projects now in process, the select board or affordable housing trust?

Under the town bylaw and Massachusetts statute, the affordable housing trust has effective control over the Meetinghouse Road property because it was purchased solely with trust funds. The select board’s role is limited to advice and recommendation, which it should forthrightly exercise on behalf of Chatham’s residents and taxpayers.

The Main Street “Buckley” property is a different story. The town owns the larger lot, and the town’s control over that lot is exercisable by and through the select board (the same rule applies to the town-owned properties on Stepping Stones Road and 127 Old Harbor Rd.; the Affordable Housing Trust participates in the Buckley property development because of its contribution to the purchase price). Any development proposal to be recommended to the town will require ultimate sign-off from the select board on a land disposition agreement. The select board’s authority in this regard is absolute, and, assuming I am re-elected, I would vote to approve a recommendation only if I am satisfied that it is in the best interest of Chatham.

Of course, productive cooperation between the two boards should be the working model, so that good housing development, serving town needs and compatible with Chatham’s historical character, can be achieved. To this end, as one of the three select board members who are not on the trust board, I believe I can also serve as a constructive and responsible check on the trust, and would be happy to continue serving that function if re-elected.

Where should the town be putting its attention and money into to improve resilience in the face of climate change?

I do think the town is currently being attentive to such resilience, particularly in the area of coastal protection. Witness the annual dredging programs and the studies and design projects associated with Chatham and Stage Harbors, funded by both tax revenues and grant monies. The fish pier south jog project and the upcoming bulkhead work at 90 Bridge St. will literally help shore up those areas to serve commercial and recreational interests. Protecting Chatham’s coastline is critical to the local economy and quality of life in our lovely town.

We also need to continue to make sure the town is emergency-ready to protect our residents in the face of nature’s weather-borne challenges. Chatham is fortunate to have a first-rate emergency team, consisting of administrative and public safety personnel and CERT volunteers, to help keep the town functioning and its people safe during bitter storms and other natural hardships. We should always make sure these initiatives are continually updated and financially supported.

Finally, I would like to revive a small effort I initiated a few years back (but halted by COVID) to try to attract a small academic research facility to Chatham, to work on issues of climate change and coastal resiliency. We are perfectly situated for such an endeavor, which would help guide our further work on those issues, so as to protect our valuable environmental assets. Such a facility could also add a small number of jobs to Chatham’s workforce. A number of colleges and universities have opened such facilities in recent years, and we should take advantage of the opportunity for Chatham to participate in this arena.

Do you support reopening the Monomoy Regional School District agreement to revise the funding formula, as Harwich is proposing?

No. I’m always willing to talk with our Harwich colleagues about school district fiscal issues, but the existing funding formula fairly reflects comparative student enrollment between both towns, as well as Chatham’s commitment to maintaining its own elementary school. Extraneous considerations, such as the comparative property valuations of the two towns, should not enter into the calculation.

What in your mind are the most pressing issues facing Chatham, and how will you attempt to solve them?

1. Water quality and availability – Work with the water and sewer advisory committee and town staff/consultants to ensure an adequate supply of potable water for Chatham’s residents, including sufficient infrastructure for pumping/storage and distribution, as well as reasonable water conservation measures.

2. Housing – Collaboratively working with the select board and the affordable housing trust to identify appropriate location and development of opportunities for affordable and attainable housing (including workforce housing) that are considerate of Chatham’s neighborhoods and character.

3. Center for Active Living – Create a path forward in fiscal 2025 to resolving the needed upgrade to town facilit(ies) for our programs and services for Chatham’s seniors. For a start, we need to explore further the recent feasibility study for rehabbing the current CFAL at 193 Stony Hill Rd.

4. Fiscal responsibility – Work with select board/town manager/finance committee and town meeting to maintain fiscal discipline and responsible spending policies; this includes the will to say “NO” when called for.

Brian Phillips

Age: 37

Education: Chatham High School, Hebron Academy, University of Northern Colorado

Occupation: My current vocations include Certified PPR Pickleball Instructor, Personal Trainer, Landscaping and moving furniture. Work experience includes Automobile Retail, Wholesale and Export Extensive experience in the restaurant industry (dish washer, busser, expo/ food runner, line cook and Kitchen Manager.) Almost a decade as a full time poker player (No Limit Texas Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, Pot Lim-t Omaha Hi/Lo, Pineapple, Crazy Pineapple, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo and many other Riverboat Gambler variations); security guard; Cryptocurrency mining equipment operation and sales.

Years in Chatham: 32

What is your position on adoption of a new airport approach map?

My little brother is a commercial pilot for Cape Air so I understand that the changes to the airport are safety issues and will not be expanding the airport. Extending the runway is the only way to expand the airport and that is not being done. One approach off the airport uses GPS and the other approach uses AM radio, which is obsolete. By changing both approaches to GPS, it will allow straight-in approaches on both runways and prevent planes from having to do a circle to land approach, which will cut down on noise over Chatham and will be safer. The tree trimming, not outright removal, is also imperative for safety. I’m against the expansion of the airport, but I support the benefits that the current airport provides, like job creation, Medevac flights, scientific research of whale, shark and fish spotting, Coast Guard rescue missions, and if there ever was a real emergency like a serious hurricane, that air strip would be a lifeline to Chatham so the National Guard could bring supplies.

Who should have control over development of two affordable housing projects now in process, the select board or affordable housing trust?

The affordable housing projects are of great importance, and without the plans having to go through town meeting, there needs to be checks and balances. The affordable housing trust and the select board need to work together, so Chatham gets the housing we need and want.

Where should the town be putting its attention and money into to improve resilience in the face of climate change?

The best way to reduce Chatham’s carbon footprint is to work on sidewalk and bike trail infrastructure, so Chatham can be navigated without an automobile. The rise of the electric-assist bikes allows almost anyone to travel great distances. A trolley should be paired with improved pedestrian infrastructure.

Do you support reopening the Monomoy Regional School District agreement to revise the funding formula, as Harwich is proposing?

I am not in favor of reopening the Monomoy Regional School District agreement. The fiscal responsibility should reflect how many students in each town use the schools.

What in your mind are the most pressing issues facing Chatham, and how will you attempt to solve them?

One of the most pressing issues Chatham is facing is our drinking water. This is a subject that has been swept under the rug for far too long. Chatham has to be proactive before we have a drinking water crisis.

A feasible plan for adequate COA facilities that Chatham can agree on is necessary. I was raised by the Chatham community and the people I care about that were my parental figures are approaching the age of needing those programs and facilities, as well as the seniors we are currently letting down.

Chatham is the only town on Cape Cod that doesn’t have a lunch program, which is one of, if not the most important programs a COA can offer. A lunch program would combat social isolation by promoting a social atmosphere and ensure our seniors would have at least one good meal a day. If I am elected to the select board, I will get donations from local restaurants and cook the meals myself to get a pilot program going, until there is enough money in the revolving fund to hire a full time chef. This program will not cost the taxpayers anything to start and will be run fiscally responsible.