CHATHAM — Addressing concerns that the deteriorating observation deck at the fish pier might collapse under the weight of summer visitors, selectmen Tuesday approved a conceptual plan to rebuild the structure with one that is stronger, more durable, and handicap-accessible. The plan, prepared by Marion-based CLE Engineering, calls for a $1.2 million deck that is self-supporting, rather than supported by the ...

CHATHAM — Thanks to the generosity of complete strangers, 14 needy families will soon be enjoying a holiday feast, delivered by a trio of Chatham firefighters. Firefighter Scott Long said he was approached by a year-round Chatham family interested in helping out some neighbors. “They had an idea about delivering meals for the less fortunate for Christmas,” Long said. Initially, the family planned to do th...

CHATHAM – A Federal Aviation Administration skydiving safety risk assessment released Tuesday concludes that with some minor mitigation efforts, Chatham Municipal Airport is safe for skydiving. The four-page report dated Dec. 18 comes at a time when the town is engaged in two lawsuits over skydiving at the airport. Based on the report's findings, selectmen said in a statement issued Tuesday that it was tim...

CHATHAM — At just seven years of age, having battled a rare form of cancer since he was four, Jesse Nash has earned his badge of courage. And Sunday, surrounded by friends, parents and members of the Chatham Fire Department, he literally received that badge, becoming the department’s honorary chief. “When people think of firefighters, they think of strength, bravery and courage,” Fire Chief Peter Connick...

CHATHAM – A Federal Aviation Administration skydiving safety risk assessment released Tuesday concludes that with some minor mitigation efforts, Chatham Municipal Airport is safe for skydiving. The four-page report dated Dec. 18 comes at a time when the town is engaged in two ongoing lawsuits over skydiving at the airport. In a statement, selectmen said it was time to “close the book on the debate regarding th...

CHATHAM – The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources approved legislation Wednesday to restore the western boundary of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge to mean low tide. In last year's comprehensive conservation plan for Monomoy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared as the western boundary an administrative line in Nantucket Sound that essentially added nearly 4,000 acres of wa...

CHATHAM — A well-known resident and longtime fixture at the Chatham Senior Center, Nancy Olson died Saturday, several days after she suffered accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in her home. Mrs. Olson’s death is renewing calls for seniors to take advantage of various programs designed to help elders live at home safely. “This is a terrible tragedy and it’s shocking, and it hits close to home for people,” C...

CHATHAM – Letters have gone out to Stage Harbor Road property owners to gauge support for declaring the neighborhood a National Historic Register District. The straw poll was sent Dec. 4 to 47 property owners within the proposed district, which would run from Cross Street to Bridge Street. The approximately 29-acre area includes 34 structures determined to contribute to a potential National Register District, ...

CHATHAM – Until about 15 years ago, the Friends of the Eldredge Library held an annual book sale, usually in July, on the front lawn of the historic Main Street building. Books would be stored all year long in the attic, recalls Library Director Irene Gillies. To get the books to the sale area, a “bucket brigade” of volunteers hefted heavy boxes from the third floor storage area and sent them down a slide to grou...

CHATHAM — Town officials have not yet decided on long-term uses for the former Eldredge Garage property at 365 Main St., or even intermediate uses next summer. But they’ve got a plan for the short term: secure the property with a split-rail fence, and prohibit overnight parking there until at least the spring. There’s a key exception: the property will be available for parking during First Night Chatham, whi...

CHATHAM – The June 2016 crash of a helicopter into Crow's Pond was the result of inadequate maintenance, exacerbated by an error in a maintenance log entry that delayed an overhaul beyond its mandatory timeframe, according to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board. Had the error not been made, timely maintenance would likely have led to the overhaul of sections of the engine that failed. Pilot...

Assessors See Drop In Sales Prices In Stage Harbor Road Area   by Tim Wood CHATHAM – The sale of homes in the Stage Harbor Road area for considerably less than the assessed value has caught the attention of the town's assessing department. Homeowners in the neighborhood are being polled on how they feel about a National Historic Register District nomination. The Massachusetts Historical Commission has...