CHATHAM – In a step toward covering the town's $17 million other post-employment benefit liability, Gov. Charlie Baker last week signed legislation authorizing a property tax surcharge to help address the financial obligation. The legislation allows the town to levy a 1.5 percent surcharge on property tax bills beginning in 2020, when the current 3 percent Cape Cod Land Bank excise tax ends. The new surcharge ...

CHATHAM — It’s not exactly business as usual at Coast Guard Station Chatham, but when it comes to their core missions – search and rescue, maritime security, law enforcement and environmental response – they are, as always, ready to respond during the partial government shutdown. While the funding lapse does not affect most branches of the military, the Coast Guard is under the Department of Homeland Securit...

CHATHAM – For more than six decades, local theater enthusiasts have flocked to the Monomoy Theatre to see shows evoking a sense of Broadway in their backyard. Now, the future of the landmark is in jeopardy after recent health and safety violations prompted the University of Hartford to terminate its lease, which in turn has motivated the property owners to put the property up for sale in the coming weeks. The ...

CHATHAM — Saying they favor a regional approach based on sound science, selectmen Monday signed on to a study of ways to control the risks posed to swimmers and beachgoers by great white sharks. To be conducted by the Woods Hole Group, the study is expected to yield a report by the early summer. While some of the recommendations may take years to implement, others might be put in place in time for the 2019 b...

CHATHAM – For more than 60 years, the Chatham Candy Manor has been an anchor on the east end of Main Street, a sweet spot that keeps the iconic chocolate shop bustling year-round. For that entire time, the business has been owned and operated by the same family. Now new owners are taking over, but the shop will remain within the family – the Candy Manor family. Owners Naomi Turner and David Veach announced ...

CHATHAM – Seven environmental groups that signed a letter opposing federal legislation to change the western boundary of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge have been invited to meet with town officials next month to try to resolve their differences. Given the new Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, some of the concerns expressed in a March 2017 letter from environmental organizations regardi...

CHATHAM — From new bike path crossing lights to an affordable housing consultant, Community Preservation Act funds are being eyed for a variety of projects. And more applications are likely to trickle in as the Jan. 15 deadline approaches. The community preservation committee reviewed some of the applications this week, and will hold a second session on Jan. 14 at 4 p.m. at the community center. As of this w...

CHATHAM – For more than six decades, local theater enthusiasts have flocked to the Monomoy Theatre to see shows evoking a sense of Broadway in their backyard. Now, the future of the landmark is in jeopardy after recent health and safety violations prompted the University of Hartford to terminate its lease, which in turn has motivated the property owners to put the property up for sale in the coming weeks. The ...

CHATHAM – A waterfront estate on Morris Island was the highest-selling real estate property in town during 2018. The two-acre parcel at 97 Tilipi Run sold for $14,750,000, according to the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds. The property contains a 10,915-square-foot, six-bedroom house as well as a 1,197-square-foot, two-bedroom guest house. The property was sold by Mary Holmes of Longboat Key, Fla,, trustee ...

CHATHAM – A third historic home on Stage Harbor Road appears headed for the wrecking ball. Despite pleas from Historical Commission Chairman Frank Messina, the zoning board of appeals last week approved a special permit allowing the demolition of a nearly 160-year-old house at 356 Stage Harbor Rd. so that a new dwelling can be built. “We're down two strikes on Stage Harbor Road,” Messina told zoning board m...

CHATHAM – The home of the most famous surfboat crew in the history of the Coast Guard is no longer a surf station. As of Dec. 10, Coast Guard Station Chatham's designation was changed from a surf station to a heavy weather station. That means crews can only respond if surf on the bar is under eight feet, said Senior Chief Petty Officer Carlos Hessler, the officer in charge of the station. “That's the only c...

CHATHAM – In recent weeks, crews have repaved sidewalks along Main Street in the Old Village and in a few other locations in town, replacing uneven, sometimes narrow walkways with facilities that comply with federal and state access laws. “This is part of the whole comprehensive sidewalk plan,” said Department of Public Works Director Tom Temple. Crews began work just past the Chatham Lighthouse and worked ...