HARWICH — Town officials have been focusing on preservation of the historic character of the community over the past couple of years. The approval of the West Harwich Special District zoning amendment in the annual town meeting on Saturday was one step, and the historic district and historical commission is considering additional protective measures. The commission is working on extending the period of the his...

HARWICH —The chamber of commerce has issued its annual series of awards to local businesses and community members making outstanding contributions to the town and the chamber. The awards were announced during the chamber’s annual meeting, which was held virtually this year. Executive Director Cyndi Williams said after the announcements that the awards were presented in person following social distancing protoc...

HARWICH - At Saturday's annual town meeting, voters joined other Cape towns in approving a ban on the sale of single-use plastic bottles under one gallon. The assembly also approved a zoning amendment that puts in place regulations for the West Harwich District of Critical Planning Concern. The article drew limited debate, but another zoning amendment expanding and relaxing some provisions for multifamily dwel...

HARWICH — The public safety facilities on Sisson Road may be the new location for the Barnstable County live burn training facility. Selectmen on Monday night endorsed Fire Chief David LeBlanc collaborating with the county in establishing the training center at the rear of the fire department headquarters. In a memorandum to selectmen, LeBlanc said the county’s center for public safety training is in a stat...

HARWICH — The public will have greater access to Brooks Free Library beginning next week. Changes underway include the ability for patrons to browse inside the historic library as well as several physical changes. Alcoves have been turned into more secure offices for staff and Plexiglas shields installed to separate workers from the public in compliance with COVID-19 protective measures. The COVID-19 pandem...

HARWICH — The nearly seven-acre Cedar Spring Herb Farm off Long Pond Drive has been sold to a nonprofit organization that provides breast feeding education. For the past 23 years the farm has served as an herbal sanctuary dedicated to connecting people and plants with wellness. Donna Wood Eaton has been the sanctuary steward and overseen the operation of the farm she owns with her husband, Brad, consisting of ...

HARWICH — After rejecting the Monomoy Regional School District budget two weeks ago, selectmen approved an adjusted budget presented Monday night by Superintendent Scott Carpenter. The adjusted budget of $41,261,134, with Harwich’s contribution of $26,820,046 reduced by $140,000, still has to be approved by the Monomoy Regional School Committee, which is scheduled to meet on Thursday evening. The finance commi...

Annual Town Meeting Starts At 10 a.m. At Monomoy High Field HARWICH — Three petitioned articles focusing on the environment are likely to generate debate when voters gather on Saturday morning to act on the annual town meeting warrant. The annual town meeting was rescheduled from last spring to Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. and moved outside to the stadium field at Monomoy Regional High School because of the COVID-19...

WEST HARWICH — The historic West Harwich Baptist Church is for sale. The church is considered a centerpiece of the West Harwich village. Next week, voters will be asked to put in place a zoning amendment to preserve the historic character of the stretch of Route 28 called Captain’s Row as part of a Barnstable County-designated District Of Critical Planning Concern. Pastor Jonathan Allen Cobb confirmed that ...

HARWICH — A final decision on the proposal for a miniature golf course at Route 28 and Sisson Road was postponed by the planning board last week to allow time to develop specific language and conditions to apply to the project. “I think there needs to be more work done by the staff to get a final decision put together,” planning board member Joseph McParland said, adding that the board was likely to approve th...

Quarter Of Rental Units Will Be Affordable EAST HARWICH — Developer Chris Wise received the preliminary endorsement of the town’s housing committee Monday for a housing project containing 100-units, a quarter of which will be affordable. Earlier this year, Wise received planning board approval for a 10-lot subdivision for the 12.27-acre parcel along Route 137 between Hall’s Path and Sherwood Road. His inten...

PLEASANT LAKE — When students return to Cape Cod Tech this week, it’ll be anything but normal. They’re in a new building, but some of the classrooms aren’t completely finished. Parking is limited because the old school building has yet to be demolished. And, of course, there’s a pandemic that will limit the school to 50 percent capacity for the time being. This week will be an orientation period, with students...