CHATHAM — Having had limited luck with the stick, town officials are hoping to use a new carrot to keep developers from tearing down historic homes. The historical commission has drafted a historic preservation incentive bylaw that would allow property owners renovating certain historic buildings to construct larger additions closer to the property line, in exchange for a pledge to preserve the structure forev...

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to designate a portion of Pleasant Bay and most of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge as critical habitat for the threatened rufa red knot. The areas are among 120 being considered for the designation, covering some 646,000 acres in 13 states. The red knot migrates between the arctic, where it nests, and southern locations -- as far as Argentina -- wh...

CHATHAM — The Aunt Lydia’s Cove Committee is recommending that the town renew the Coast Guard’s lease of dock space at the fish pier's north jog, but only if the service commits to restoring surf-capable search and rescue service to Station Chatham. The group made its unanimous vote Monday, expressing deep concerns about the Coast Guard’s decision to remove Station Chatham’s surf rescue capability. Committee...

CHATHAM — Last New Year’s Eve, it wasn’t possible to ring in 2021 with the usual kind of revelry. But barring any resurgence of the pandemic, First Night Chatham is planning a special edition of its family-friendly New Year’s Eve bash with many favorite activities and with safety at the forefront. Naturally, at this stage in planning, most details are yet to be worked out, but in an update posted this week, ...

Unless you know it is there, you might never know that the Chatham Yacht Club is off Fox Hill Road in Chatham Port. Situated on a half-acre of land along Pleasant Bay leased from the Eastward Ho! Country Club, CYC sits on the eastern shore of the bay, just beyond Jackknife Cove, and is marking its 100th year of promoting sailing and developing sailors with a series of historic sailboat races. The yacht club wa...

Driven in part by a growing cluster of cases in Provincetown, the Cape’s COVID-19 case count has jumped exponentially, prompting more people to resume wearing masks and socially distancing. Since July 1, 765 cumulative cases were linked to the Provincetown outbreak, believed connected to July 4 gatherings. Most of those cases were Massachusetts residents, most had caused mild symptoms that did not require hosp...

Going back to school after summer break is stressful enough for kids. But if you’re a youngster whose family struggles to make ends meet, having to show up with a crummy backpack is another worry. Two local nonprofits are working to alleviate that stress by ensuring kids have new backpacks, fully stocked with school supplies, in time for the start of classes. This will be the 20 th year that the Orleans-based...

CHATHAM — Speaking at last week’s meeting, airport commission Chairman Huntley Harrison blasted critics whom he says are advancing a false narrative aimed at hobbling and ultimately closing the airport. Harrison read a statement, published as a guest editorial on Page 26 of this issue, that decries some critics’ campaign of “exaggeration, misinformation, innuendo,” and statements that border on harassment. ...

CHATHAM – The long tradition of summer residents gathering to hear about and discuss town issues will continue on Aug. 3. In fact, this will be the 75 th year of the annual summer town meeting, which was even held last summer during the pandemic, although it was virtual. “Meeting in person is much better for us,” said Joel Rottner, chair of the summer residents advisory committee, which sponsors the session. ...

CHATHAM — Housing advocates scored a number of key victories in last month’s annual town meeting. But an article reserving 19 acres of town-owned land off Middle Road for housing failed to get the needed votes, and town officials are pondering how they might try to advance the idea again. “The articles that passed, passed overwhelmingly,” Chatham Housing Partnership Chair Karolyn McClelland told her committe...

CHATHAM – Fred Crimins loved helping people and solving problems. He loved the outdoors, and found a way to combine his passions by volunteering for the Friends of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. When the pandemic struck and the refuge's visitors center on Morris Island closed, Mr. Crimins came up with the idea of erecting a tent near the parking lot so that Friends volunteers could still greet visitor. ...

Each Town Would Pay For Its Own Elementary School The Monomoy Regional School District is proposing changes to the regional school agreement that officials hope will address the growing cost disparity between the district's two elementary schools. The change to the agreement's funding formula would require that Harwich and Chatham each pay the entire operating cost of its own elementary school. If approved,...