CHATHAM – For many local businesses, especially larger ones, the biggest problem these days isn't finding employees, it's finding housing for employees. Workforce housing – not means-tested affordable housing, but “attainable” housing for those with good jobs and salaries – is at the root of many of the issues local towns are struggling with, particularly attracting and retaining young people and families. Bro...

CHATHAM — On Monday, a crowd of April Fools will make a splash at Harding’s Beach, renewing a rite of spring and raising money for a worthy cause. Led by an intrepid pack of Chatham firefighters, the group will take a brisk swim at 4:30 p.m., and swimmers and spectators are encouraged to make donations. This year, the proceeds will benefit the family of Michele St. Aubin of Brewster, who is fighting advanced...

CHATHAM — In the latest effort to fix the sticky Mitchell River drawbridge, crews will begin major repairs on April 8 which could take nearly two months to complete. During that time, Bridge Street will be closed to through traffic. On Monday, MassDOT officials notified the town that the bridge contractor, SPS New England, will be on site starting April 1, installing detour signs and informational message boar...

CHATHAM – The task force appointed by the board of selectmen to identify ways to build a more sustainable, vibrant and diverse community will hold two public forums next month to ask residents for their ideas on meeting that goal. The Chatham 365 task force will host the forums on Saturday, April 6 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, April 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Both take place in the large meeting room at ...

CHATHAM  —  With fishing boats and Coast Guard surfboats now frequently bottled up in Chatham Harbor because of severe shoaling – and with peak commercial fishing season less than three months away – mariners are demanding answers. Town officials have very few. “June is coming very close for us,” commercial fisherman and Aunt Lydia’s Cove Committee Chairman Doug Feeney told selectmen Monday. “We’re in need rig...

CHATHAM  —  More than an open space purchase, the proposed acquisition of more than four acres of undeveloped land on the shore of Goose Pond is being described as a chance to freeze in time one of the town’s last unspoiled freshwater shorelines. With support from the Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, the town’s Land Bank open space committee is recommending that town spend $1,275,000 to buy three adjoi...

CHATHAM  —  Growing up in South Chatham, Dorothy Bassett and her siblings used to play in the woods and swing down into a nearby pond to swim. When the land was suddenly cleared for house lots, Bassett felt a real sense of loss, a feeling that would eventually fuel her decision to study environmental science in college. Her goal was to return to her home town to work in land conservation – a goal she’s just achie...

CHATHAM  —  In a special meeting last Thursday, selectmen officially threw their support behind a plan to build a new senior center at a town-owned site on Middle Road.  Following a presentation by architect Joel Bargmann, the board voted unanimously to recommend passage of the town meeting article that would authorize the project, which is estimated to cost between $6.2 and $6.5 million. Responding to more...

CHATHAM – Crews began prep work for the West Chatham Roadway Project this week, and right in the middle of the section of Route 28 that's being upgraded, another crew was working on a different kind of upgrading project. A half dozen members of the Barnstable County AmeriCorps group were assisting town conservation staff in creating a meadow at the Captain George Harding Conservation Area, directly across the ...

CHATHAM – The lights are on at the historic Monomoy Point Lighthouse.  That may not sound like a big deal, but thanks to a new solar array, for the first time in its 170-year history, the light and keeper's house has electricity year-round. “For the first time ever, there's overhead lights, outlets in every room, and most importantly heat, which will keep it dry and reduce mold,” said Monomoy National Wildl...

CHATHAM — Calling it a new approach to create housing for year-round residents, selectmen this week threw their support behind a zoning bylaw amendment that allows the creation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the amendment, which will be put before voters at the May 13 annual town meeting. The bylaw is designed to allow no more than 20 property owners ...

CHATHAM – The number of new homes as well as additions and renovations to existing houses increased in 2018, but last year also saw a decrease in the number of demolition permits issued by the town. The estimated value of both new homes and additions and renovations also increased substantially last year. According to the community development department, 1,060 building permits were issued in 2018, a 16.6 p...