Having served four years as your representative to the Barnstable Town Council, we have accomplished a lot together. I would like to continue to do so; therefore, I am announcing my campaign for re-election.
I want to acknowledge every one of you who has joined in our work of improving our village and town as a whole, I have learned so much from you, working together to solve problems and diving deeply in critical issues. l have also learned much about how our town government works and I have built up relationships with the town staff and the Town Councilors.
There are less than two months between now and the election. I am asking, in any way you can, for your support and vote so I can continue to represent the residents of Barnstable Village and Cummaquid.
Introduce me to a neighbor Contribute financially Put up a sign in front of your house(let me know) Write a letter to the editor Share this newsletter and look at my website
I would like continue to build upon the accomplishments and the work we have done to date.
Reach out to me with with any questions, concerns, ideas by email, a text, a phone call or visit me during my office hours on Wednesdays, 3–5pm at Sturgis Library.
I look forward to seeing you around our wonderful community as we to continue to make things better, preserve what we love, improve what we can, and prepare for the future.
Sewer Detour Starts Today! Plan AheadBasically, Route 28 will be closed to westbound traffic only, from the tall red crane (pump station) at the end of Phinney’s Lane, east to the Greek Church/CVS corner.The Town of Barnstable Department of Public Works 382 Falmouth Road, Hyannis, MA 02601 508.790.6400 Daniel W. Santos, P.E. Robert R. Steen, P.E. Director Assistant Director Route 28 East Sewer Expansion Project Sewer Construction Resumes within Route 28 (HYANNIS, MA – September 7, 2023) Starting Monday, September 11, 2023 sewer installation will resume within the Route 28 roadway. Construction within Route 28 will occur during the hours of 8:15AM to 5:30PM, weather permitting, and a single-direction detour will be necessary to safely complete the work. Figure 1 depicts the anticipated single-direction detour of westbound traffic, with eastbound traffic being maintained on Route 28 (with necessary lane adjustments). Businesses on Route 28 will remain accessible during construction via posted detours along with traffic control. Motorists should expect delays. As always, please slow down and use extreme caution when traveling through the road construction areas, and follow posted safety and detour signs. To review current construction sequencing and real-time traffic advisories, please visit: Barnstable Water Resources at https://barnstablewaterresources.com/news-updates/ or Barnstable’s Waze Live Map at: https://www.waze.com/live-mapFigure 1: Anticipated Single-Direction Detour for Westbound Traffic If you have any questions or wish to receive project updates, please contact Kelly Collopy, Communications Manager, at the Department of Public Works at 508–790-6400 or Kelly.Collopy@town.barnstable.ma.us
How do I get these notices in my inbox? I do not write news updates often, but this detour may effect a number of residents. The town has multiple sources of information and you can sign up for timely updates on a number of issues. Here is a link to the front page of the Town’s website. https://town.barnstable.ma.us/index.asp Take some time to check it out. If you go to the box titled: Barnstable Water Resources, and click on Construction Updates, you can scroll down and sign up to have construction updates sent directly to you.
Here is a link to the Barnstable Town Calendar. Look in on meetings of interest and maybe someday you might consider joining a town committee. https://town.barnstable.ma.us/calendar.asp
Transfer Station Closed Monday: The Town of Barnstable Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division will be closed Monday, September 4, 2023 in observance of Labor Day. Trash and recycling services will resume on a normal schedule Tuesday, September 5, 2023. For questions, please call the Solid Waste Division at 508–420-2258. We have to remember that very few towns have a Transfer Station that is open all-day seven days a week. So please thank the crew.
Bottle and Can collection at the Transfer Station: The redemption of bottles and can will resume this month as the West Barnstable Whelden Library will be collecting bottles on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, all month.
Road Work: I met with the DPW this week about the intersection of Millway and Commerce Roads, as Joe Dugas pointed out, this corner has become more and more dangerous. The town will cut back the bayberry hedge for visibility, at least one new crosswalk sign will be installed and an old one replaced, and the faded crosswalk lines are on the schedule to be repainted in early September. The DOT (Department of Transportation) responded within 2 days and filled in a dangerous washout gully along the north side of 6A in front of the Crane’s house, (across from Colonial Way).
Septic Systems: Will I have to replace my Title 5 system with a more expensive Innovative/Alternative (I/A) system if my system fails? The short answer is no. On the north side of town Barnstable Harbor has clean water, assisted by a ten foot tide which helps flush the harbor. We also have less density than other parts of town. The areas around the courthouses, Commerce Fields, and Rendezvous Lane are sewered now. The only area that will have a nitrogen problem will be the Bragg’s Lane neighborhood. This area is slated to be sewered in 20 years, but remember, a lot can change between now and then. This begs for a longer conversation. Which reminds me that the BVA will hold some village issue sessions this winter. What would you like to talk about?
Barnstable Village Association Newsletter: I have been talking with the Barnstable Village Association and more specifically Sue Eleftherakis, who has taken over their newsletter. We have decided that their newsletter will be focused on local village events and keeping everyone up to date on what different village groups are offering. I would like to focus more on issues that concern Barnstable Village, Cummaquid and the wider town. Thanks to Sue for taking this on. If you have an event you would like to be in the BVA newsletter contact Sue. suekurz25@gmail.com Here is a link to the latest BVA Newsletter: https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?u=5b1742ca9d912fa155a73d768&id=58a1431ac4
Office Hours: I have restarted office hours at Sturgis Library, the first Wednesday of the month, 3:00–5:00. Come by with you questions and comments on any ideas or thoughts you’d like to discuss. My next date is: September 6th.
Town Council Meeting: The next Town Council Meeting is September 7th at 7:00.
Barnstable Tuscan Cuisine: So what is happening after the fire at the Old Barnstable Tavern site? I have talked with a few people, but if you have more info, let me know. The east or right hand side of the building is up and running, Booth Law is there and open as is the Salon 6A-Spa. CertaPro Painting is working out of the bottom of the building. The west section had the most damage and the Barnstable Tuscan Cuisine has been working hard to get reopened. Right now they are hoping for early December. Jitka and her Clean Green company have decided to find a new location, and Joe Berlandi has moved his law office across the street. The Village missed the restaurant this summer and we hope the renovations go smoothly and quickly.
Airport Noise: Many residents have asked about the increased noise from the airport. There seem to have been an inordinate amount of jet traffic this summer, but the end is in sight. The main reason has been that the North-South runway: 6–24, has been closed for resurfacing leaving only one runway, the east-west 15–33, open. Every 20–25 years the runways have to be ground down and resurfaced. This job has been going on since March and it will be finished by the end of October. This has left only one runway open all summer and one of the flight paths has been over Calves Pasture and the hill behind the old County Jail (Maushop Ave). The Hyannis Park neighborhood behind the Cape Cod Hospital has also been affected by this increased traffic and noise this summer. The end is in sight because the two Jet Blue flights a day to NYC will end Sept. 5th, and as summer winds down there should be fewer private aircraft coming and going. This runway is all set for 20–25 years. I was reminded that this runway, east-west, was closed during the summer of 2017 from March until October, but we don’t remember that because it was quiet for us.
There are plans to lengthen the takeoff and landing areas of the east west runway, but construction would not begin before 2028 and there will be a series of public involvement meetings long before then. There is more info about noise on the Airport’s website or contact: Security/Noise Abatement Coordinator Christina Lounsbury 508–775-2020 x106 clounsbury@flyhya.com
Willow Street Clearing: Some have asked about the clearing of these four acres and here is a clear answer from the CC Times:
Storm prep: Eversource Energy clears land in Yarmouth for line trucks, crews
Denise Coffey Cape Cod Times When another nor’easter or major storm hits Cape Cod, Eversource Energy plans to have equipment and manpower centralized in a new staging area on Willow Street.
The company is designating an approximately 4‑acre emergency staging lot for crews and equipment on their Yarmouth property, Eversource spokesman Christopher McKinnon said. It will supplement existing staging area agreements they have with other partners on Cape Cod.
“This new lot will give us the flexibility to stage approximately 100 line trucks and other equipment or to set up a temporary base camp where crews can eat, sleep, refuel, and continue their important restoration work,” McKinnon wrote in an email to the Times.
Town Elections: Here is a comprehensive article I am passing on from today’s Cape Cod Times about the upcoming elections in Barnstable. Barnstable Nov. 7 election: Who is already running for town council, school committee?Susan Vaughn Special to Cape Cod Times
Four incumbent Barnstable town councilors and two new candidates have been certified as candidates to be in the Nov. 7 town election, Town Clerk Ann Quirk said. They received the required 50 signatures to be certified as of Monday.None of those who took out nomination papers to run for the School Committee and the Housing Authority have been certified yet, Quirk said in an email. Those two boards require 150 signatures to be certified. All signatures for certification are due on Sept. 15 for all three boards.Twenty-one residents have taken nomination papers for 13 town council seats, and eight seats are being contested. The four certified incumbent town councilors are Gordon Starr, precinct 1; Betty Ludtke, precinct 3; Kris Clark, precinct 11; and Paula Schnepp, precinct 12. Craig Tamash also has been certified to run against incumbent Nikolas Atsalis in precinct 4. Felicia Penn has been certified for the precinct 13 seat currently held by Jennifer Cullum, who has taken out papers for the School Committee.Cullum and longtime Precinct 7 Councilor Jessica Rapp Grassetti have termed out of their positions after 12 years, Grassetti said Monday.“I’ve enjoyed my time and the great people. All in all I think it was good,” Grassetti said, adding that she feels it is also good to have challengers.The even-numbered precinct candidates run for two years during the first two years of an election cycle after the latest census (2020) and the odd-numbered precinct candidates run for four years. In the next election in two years, the even-numbered candidates can then run for four years.The town council challengers who have taken out papers, but have not been certified include: Frank Frederickson against Starr, precinct 1; John Crow against incumbent Paul Cusack in precinct 5; Seth Burdick and Wendy Solomon, precinct 7, currently held by Grassetti; Louis Parke against Jeffrey Mendes, precinct 8; Charlie Bloom against Tracy Shaughnessy, precinct 9; Toby Leary against Clark, precinct 11; and Kyle Condinho against Schnepp, precinct 12. Three incumbent councilors who are not being contested so far are Eric Steinhilber, precinct 2; Paul Neary, precinct 6; and council president Matthew Levesque, precinct 10.Five people have taken out nomination papers for the School Committee and not been certified. They are incumbents Michael Judge and Kathleen Bent as well as Cullum, Chanda Beaty, Louis Parke. None have been certified and Joe Nystrom, the third committee incumbent up for re-election, has not taken out papers.Three candidates for the Housing Authority have taken out papers, but not been certified. They are incumbent Deborah Converse, and Ronald Beaty and Louis Parke.
Barnstable Village Association Newsletter: I have been talking with the Barnstable Village Association and more specifically Sue Eleftherakis, who has taken over their newsletter. We have decided that their newsletter will be focused on local village events and keeping everyone up to date on what different groups are offering. I would like to focus more on issues that concern Barnstable Village, Cummaquid and the wider town, along with town events and meetings that are of interest to residents. Thanks to Sue for taking this on. If you have an event you would like to be in the BVA newsletter contact Sue in the next week for her September 1 newsletter. http://suekurz25@gmail.com
Office Hours: I have restarted office hours at Sturgis Library, the first Wednesday of the month, 3:00–5:00. Come by with you questions and comments on any ideas or thoughts you’d like to discuss. The next day is: September 6th. Five residents showed up to talk about issues including burying electric lines, jet noise, water supply and firetruck access.
Town Council Meeting: The next Town Council Meeting is August 17th at 7:00.
Surveying: The two survey crews working on 6A west of the Village have finished their work. I will set up a meeting with the Mass. Department of Transportation before they begin sidewalk design, so we can learn what their guidelines are for width, ramps and granite curbing.….
Wilkens Lane Housing: The Fire Department has been doing inspections and walk-throughs during construction and the water has been turned on in building #1. As for other buildings on adjacent land, there have been no official filings or inquiries that I am aware of.
The Barnstable Fire District Water Department I try to get to every Water District meeting (the second Tuesday the month at 2:30 at the water District offices.) The fire hydrant was replaced in front of the Cape Cod Organic Farm. The plans for the new water treatment plant are being finished and reviewed. The contract for construction should be awarded by the end of October. With some major redesigns, Superintendent, Sean Anderson, has kept this process moving quickly so we do not lose our place for low interest loans from the State. One reminder is to keep an eye and ear on your toilets as leaks can run up your water bill. For some this has cost hundreds of dollars. Kim checks for meter readings that are anomalies but the meters are only read every three months.
Indian Trail Road. Working with residents and the DPW, signs will be installed soon to limit parking to one side of the road down near the beach. There are concerns with public safety and the inability of emergency vehicles accessing the end of the road.
Scudder’s Lane Ramp This plan is close to being finished but it is presently at the state level for review of the placement of the ADA ramp. As soon as we can we will set up a public meeting to review the plans.
One Cape Conference: July 31 and August 1 This yearly, two day, conference sponsored by the Cape Cod Commission brings together town planners, municipal leaders, State policy makers and those interested on learning more about the planning efforts by different towns. The C. C. Commission also brought in speakers from different parts of the country to share their different perspectives on housing development, transportation, water infrastructure and climate change.
The Vineyard Wind substation along with it’s construction ship Wind Farm Boat Tour I was invited, along with about 100 municipal leaders, State legislators, union workers and press to tour the progress of the Vineyard Wind, wind farm, 14 miles south of the Vineyard. This trip was sponsored by the Environmental League of Mass. and Avangrid. The construction project is now in full forward mode as most of the components are ready at the dock in New Bedford. We saw 6 windmill bases already constructed and the rest of the 62 in total will be done by the middle of September. We also saw the large substation, about 7 stories high, that will be the conduit for all of the cables as they connect to the mainland. Soon a special ship will begin installing the vanes, finishing one windmill a day! The plan is to have power generated by the end of October. This project is one of the integral parts of the State’s goal of reducing our use of greenhouse gases. Commonwealth Wind (Craigville Beach) and Park City Wind(Osterville), are the two remaining wind proposals, There are many questions and concerns still to be worked out with these two projects. Stay tuned.
New Police Officers I recently got to join in a celebration for three new Barnstable Police officers as they were sworn in by Town Clerk, Ann Quirk at the Police Station. I got to meet the three, experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic new recruits. We should all thank them for being willing to serve and strengthening our public safety.
Town Council: Strategic Plan Meeting, August 10. I will mention a few important issues brought up, but it was not the best forum for revisiting and rewriting a strategic plan for the next two years. I brought up a number of items that will need more time and discussion. Hopefully the Town Council can hold some “workshops”, i.e. sections of a a regular meeting to discuss them in more depth.
# Since the Barnstable Town Council passed a policy to “Reduce Net Greenhouse Gas Emissions” in November of 2020, adaption and mitigation should be the lens through which we make all decisions. # We need to have clear zoning regulations in place before we start hooking up to the sewers. We also need to have specific numbers as to how much effluent can be put in to the ground and where. # I suggested a Water Quality Advisory Committee be developed to include Town Councilors and residents to learn about and get periodic updates on construction and planning. The Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP), was developed to be and should be an iterative, evolving process. # The Town should prioritize the completion of the Housing Production Plan. # The town Water Districts should meet regularly and look for ways to plan together and share resources as water supply and quality are town-wide concerns. # Modern building codes should be adopted now to assure that our future and existing housing stocks are energy efficient long into the future.
More? I know this is long, but there is a lot going on. I am liaison to the Board of Health and they are working to finalize their regulations including: the amount of time residents have to hook up to the sewer when the pipe in front of their house is ready. Residents need to know this soon as residents may have to start hooking up in March of 2024.
Unity Day, August 4th was a fun, friendly gathering on the Hyannis Village Green! Cape Cod Gateway Airport sponsored a meeting at Town Hall about their efforts to clean up PFOS. The topic is fairly technical as there are a number of underground plumes headed southeast toward the Maher wells in Hyannis. Who has what responsibilities is still to be worked out. Here is a link to this presentation. https://streaming85.townofbarnstable.us/CablecastPublicSite/show/10669?channel=1
These flags are on the courthouse lawn i the Village.
Fourth of July Parade: It seems like weeks ago, but thanks to everyone who helped out with the Village Parade. And thanks to those who participated and watched. We were lucky to get our parade in between the rain. And Thanks to Kate Armstrong for this photo.
Office Hours: I am restarting office hours at Sturgis Library, the first Wednesday of the month, 3:00–5:00. Come by with you questions and comments on any ideas or thoughts you have.
Town Council Meeting: Thursday the 20th the Town Council meeting lasted from 6:00 to 11:20. The room was packed as there was a policy change proposed that would have changed the level of vote needed to approve zoning changes for housing in a Regulatory Agreement area. The effort was to bring the town’s voting into alignment with the State Housing Choice policy. Instead of a 2/3 vote to approve a regulatory agreement, it would have been lowered to a majority vote. Many residents came to show their dislike of the change. In the end, the Council voted to withdraw the item. This change was not mandated by the State and I did not see any reason to change our level of voting. If a project cannot convince 2/3 of the Council, then maybe it needs to be be redesigned. As in a similar case in Falmouth, the developer may come back with a 40B proposal, which is a State program where a developerecan include 25% affordable housing and bypass most town review and zoning regulations. Stay tuned. The next Town Council Meeting is August 17th. Surveying: You may have also noticed two survey crews working on 6A west of the Village. They are doing preliminary work for design of new sidewalks. The hope is to keep DOT moving forward and to survey, design and permit this section of State road so it is shovel-ready for construction when funds are available. Having had conversations with the workers, they have to mark every tree and obstacle 25′ from the center line and they still have a lot of work to do. They have also assured me that the pink spray paint they are using is not permanent. Sewer work: The work by Robt. B. Our continues on the pump station at the Old Barnstable House. There have been a few work delays waiting for parts to be delivered, but work is now proceeding. The Freezer Road Pump station at the harbor is also beginning a complete overhaul due to age. The first step is to dig a hole in the parking lot to install bypass pumps. This is necessary so the station building can be shut down as there is a lot of electrical work that has to be done inside the building. The timing is not great, but contractor schedules are not always flexible. Harris Meadows Pedestrian Crossing: Last newsletter, the curbs were rebuilt and the road was wired for new signs. The flashing beacons are on order, but they are at least a month out.
Wilkens Lane Housing: The Fire Department has been doing inspections and walk-throughs during construction and the water has been turned on in building #1. As for other buildings on adjacent land, there have been no official filings or inquiries that I am aware of.
The Barnstable Fire District Water Department is planning to replace a Fire Hydrant near 3667 Main Street. To safely perform this work, we need to shut off the water main from Commerce Road to Mary Dunn Way. This will affect residents off Main Street including County Farm Road, Captain Murphy’s Way, and Adrian Way. This work is scheduled for August 2 nd or 3 rd . The District is calling all the residents that will be affected by this shut down. The shutdown should last 6–8 hours from 9 am to 5 pm. Please call the Water Department if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you.
This is a new Bridge on the Trayser Trail, behind the Coast Guard Museum and the Blacksmith Shop. This bridge spans a sensitive wetland area and it has been a long-time dream for Doug Payson. With the help of many people and groups including, the New England Mountain Biking Association, the town’s Land Acquisition and Preservation Committee and the Town of Barnstable. Thanks to all.
This rainy Saturday gives me a chance to put off outdoor work and get this out to you. And if you know me at all, I would rather be outside. 6A There has been a flurry of work on the sidewalks along Route 6A. This seems to take up a lot of my time, but it is worth it. The new crossing at Harris Meadows Rd. is mostly done, with just the addition of signs and electrical connections left to finish. The three small sidewalk repairs have been finished. One was to alleviate a section that collects rain water and the other two were to address tripping hazards. You may have also noticed a survey crew working on the 2 miles of road west of the Village. They are doing preliminary work for design of new sidewalks. The hope is to keep DOT moving forward and to survey, design and permit this section of State road so it is shovel-ready for construction when funds are available. Commerce Rd. At the Barnstable Village Water District meeting this week our new water superintendent, Sean Anderson, shared that he has been able to hire the same surveying/design company the Town is using for Commerce Road. This town project includes widening the culvert, raising the road height, and building sidewalks from George Street to 6A. There are water pipes that need to be replaced under Commerce Road, and they will need to be designed to span the culvert crossing at Marispan Creek. The synergy of using the same company as the town means we will able to piggyback on the engineering work they have already done, which is a cost savings and, it makes common sense.
I attended the Barnstable Water District meeting and the Barnstable Fire District Prudential committee meetings this week. Dave Mason was voted in as the new chair of the Water District Committee, congratulations. The redesign of the new water treatment plant is almost at 50% complete and the bids for construction will go out in the early fall. An interesting note is that we are able to keep the costs of chemicals for water treatment down as we are part of a County-wide bulk purchasing program. The Fire Department landscaping improvements will begin after July 4th. Many of the plants are being donated while most of the labor will be donated by our fire fighters. Thanks to Chief Beale and his crew.
On Wednesday the 14th, I was able to join many in the community as we celebrated Amanda Converse on her well-deserved recognition as the recipient of the 22nd Annual Mercy Otis Warren Cape Cod Woman of the Year Award. The distinguished award ceremony, held at the historic 1717 Meetinghouse in West Barnstable, was a testament to Amanda’s outstanding achievements and contributions to the Cape Cod community. To learn more about the award, visit https://www.capecod.gov/MOWAward.
At the Town Council meeting this week we passed the School Operating Budget. Barnstable Land Trust was recognized for reaching the milestone of protecting land in Barnstable for 40 years. Present were Jackie Barton, the first Executive Director and Janet Milkman who presently heads BLT. Thanks to you both and the many other residents who have worked so hard over the years. The final vote was given to accept Conservation Restrictions on the last 3 parcels in the Brazelton property along Commerce Road. This culminates over ten years of work between BLT and the Brazelton, Magruder and Lowell families to protect almost 40 acres of land. Thanks to all involved for your effort and perseverance.
Finally, on to some local events:
June 19th, Monday: Juneteenth
Monday June 19th is a State and Federal holiday, and consequentially Town facilities and offices will be closed, including Town Hall and the Transfer Station. “Juneteenth is a day of profound importance that celebrates both the freedom of African Americans from enslavement and the beginning of the journey to Equality for all Americans It was proclaimed a federal holiday on 2021. On June 19. 1865, state level enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation (1863) finally reached the last state, Texas.” (Zion Union Heritage Museum)
June 19th is a holiday and therefore a legal shellfishing day. Good early morning tides!
June 22nd, Thursday: Sandy Neck Design Review Meeting
Review of Preliminary Designs for Sandy Neck Beach Facility Coastal Resiliency Project The Town of Barnstable invites interested individuals to join us for an informational meeting to review an updated conceptual design for the Sandy Neck Beach Facility Coastal Resiliency Project.
The informational session will be held: IN-PERSON on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 6:00 PM Location: Harborview Conference Room, 3195 Main Street, Barnstable, MA 02630
For those unable to attend, the meeting will be recorded and later posted on Barnstable Channel 18 at: https://www.youtube.com/@BarnstableChannel18, for anyone to view. This meeting is a follow-up to the April 5, 2023 presentation, where conceptual designs for long term coastal resiliency at the Sandy Neck Public Beach Facility were reviewed with the public. The April 5, 2023 meeting can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5d_gPd1Fd0&feature=youtu.be If you have any questions or wish to receive project updates, please contact Amber Unruh, Senior Project Manager – Special Projects, at the Department of Public Works at 508–790-6400 or Amber.Unruh@town.barnstable.ma.us.
June 21st, Wednesday: Barnstable Gateway Airport
Invites you to a Public Information Meeting for the Cape Cod Gateway Airport Environmental Review for Improvement Projects Wednesday, June 21, 2023
2:00 PM (virtual – Zoom) and 6:00 PM (in-person) In-Person: Jim Crocker Hearing Room, 2nd Floor, Barnstable Town Hall,
The purpose of this public meeting is to provide members of the community with an update on the Cape Cod Gateway Airport environmental review process for airport improvement projects. The meeting will provide an update of the ongoing and future environmental review phases of the 2022 Master Plan projects and allow attendees to offer comments or questions. To learn more about the project, review related materials, or find contact information, please visit the project website at https://flyhya.com/environmental- assessment/
Wow, Saturday was some cold. The wind blowing out of the north, no sun, who would have predicted that, especially with the ocean temperature in the mid 50’s. I visited the EV Expo at the Transportation Center and it was wicked cold. I did get to ride an electric assist bike for the first time and enjoyed it.
Sidewalks
Just before I was to send this out, the Town got word that a crew will be making some sidewalk repairs along 6A next week. The work will take place between 6/7 and 6/13. Three small sections will be improved. The addresses are 2110 Main Street, 2390 Main Street, and 2875–2895 Main Street. These may seem like minor work, but it is progress and we are now on the MA Department of Transportation: DOT, radar. DOT is in the process of hiring a designer for the whole sidewalk project.
The other news about the sidewalks is that the DOT has contracted for electronic crossing signs at Harris Meadows. At the same time they are reworking the curb and then they will paint the road. This has been a long time coming and I had to push to get them to do it before summer as they were worried about working on 6A in June. I assured them that the improved safety of the crossing would outweigh any inconvenience for village residents and visitors.
You may have noticed the repaving on Hyannis Road. This was necessary as the Town DPW did so much drainage work along this section that they decided to repave from 6A south to the railroad tracks. There is no more planned work here for now.. The rest of Hyannis Road and Phinney’s Lane still keeps us all awake, but it is minor compared the section of Phinney’s Lane south of Route 132. Construction fatigue is a real thing in the active sewering areas.
I love this time of year as I can work outside without bugs. But that will change soon as I found mosquito larvae swimming in some standing water. So now is the time to empty any buckets or any cranny where water can accumulate. I do not try to be a comprehensive calendar of events, but if I am sent news I will try and get it out. Thanks to everyone who voted in the Barnstable Fire District Election and also thanks to those of you were able to attend the District Annual Meeting. Stay in Touch.
Route 6A Sidewalks May 16, 2023This is a compilation of the progress made along route 6A and the work proposed by the Mass Department of Transportation (DOT). Improvements are happening, the long process necessary for all transportation projects, is moving forward.First, you may not have noticed, but the center and edge lines along the roadway have been repainted and some reflectors have been added, mostly along curves in the road. This should make it easier for many of us driving at night. This is an example of maintenance undertaken by a government entity, which mostly goes unnoticed and unappreciated.Second, and I quote DOT, “…we are planning to install a crosswalk and RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon) across Route 6A at Harris Meadow Lane. We have the final design ready and will prioritize with our contractor for installation hopefully before school gets out in June. One potential issue could be obtaining the RRFB itself, as we are experiencing supply chain issues with equipment of that type. We should have a better idea on a timeline for installation shortly. I have talked to the District 5 Operations Engineer and they are still working hard to get this done by June 1, or early summer.Also anticipated is a crew to scrape and clean the existing sidewalks this spring. I pointed out that there must be wider sidewalks underneath the present path and they should instruct their contractor to find the edges of the sidewalk that exists under the overgrown sections.I have been in contact with Kip Diggs, and Mr. Santos (DPW) who support the construction project, and the administrators at the DOT District 5 office in Taunton. Everyone is working hard to move this forward. Here is the latest report from Bill Travers at DOT: “With respect to the sidewalks along Route 6A, as I’m sure you are aware we are moving forward with the design of the sidewalk between Old Jail Lane and Route 132. We are in the process of securing a consultant to do the design, and the first step will be for them to obtain the field survey. This should begin later this summer. Once a survey is obtained, the designer will then develop concepts for the sidewalk along the corridor. We will be meeting with the town and other key stakeholders in the development of the design, and we will also be doing public outreach meetings. The project will likely have impacts to trees, walls, shrubs, fences, etc. along the road in order to build a compliant sidewalk. The support of local officials will be crucial to obtain funding and advance the project for advertising and construction.”Bill said he was around when the section of the sidewalk east of the village was rebuilt and that section was much less complex in terms of layout and obstructions. Once this project is shovel-ready we will need everyone to add their voices to the urgency of this rebuild. If you want to express your concern and relay your stories now you can do so. Email Bill Travers at DOT mailto:bill.travers@state.ma.us
I hope everyone is feeling well and enjoying this spring. I especially appreciate that there are no mosquitoes, at our house …yet. There is a Town Council meeting next Thursday April 27th starting at 6:00. Most items will be related to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) so look at the agenda and watch. You may join in at any meeting through Zoom or in person to talk about any topic you are passionate about, for three minutes. This participation is highly encouraged.
Earth Day There are many ways to participate in Earth Day. Join a group for a clean-up, do your own clean-up or find your own way to connect to the living earth that supports and nourishes us. We must respect and preserve(ever day) that which keeps all life alive and thriving.
Last Tuesday night about 30 residents of Cummaquid and Barnstable Village met at St.Mary’s Church. We had a lively, and informative discussion about all sorts of topics. I recommend you come join in for the next community discussion with your ideas, comments and questions. I will do my best to summarize the highlights. Agenda: # Annual Board of Director elections # Fire Chief, Chris Beale # Precinct 1 Updates from Town Counselor Gordon Starr # Introduction of the new Water Department Superintendent, Sean Anderson, and update of the PFAS water filtration plant design and construct process. # Cynthis Cole @ Composting food waste
Water District: I have to start with the last item, as some might not read to the end and this is important. Sean Anderson is the new Superintendent at the Barnstable Water District. Sean came to us from The Scituate Water Department and he lives with his family in Centerville. We all know that we need a new water filtration system to assure that the PFOs are removed from our water supply and the District has been designing this plant. Sean looked over the plans and thought that the filtration plant might be larger than it needed to be so he requested a peer review from an engineering firm. Basically they reported that the plant was over designed and that the job could be done with a smaller building. Who ever gets to introduce yourself to the village and say, :“I am Sean, your new Water Superintendent, and am going to save you about 10 million dollars.“ Thank you Sean, Fantastic news. There will be a special meeting of the Water District on March 22 where residents will decide whether or not to vote money for the plant redesign. (Spending money to save money) Here is the meeting info and warrant: http://www.barnstablefiredistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/WARRANT-FOR-THE-WATER-TREATMENT-SPECIAL-DISTRICT-MEETING.pdf
Fire Chief: Chris Beale, our new Fire Chief, introduced himself to the 2–3 people in the room who did not know him. He explained the 911 system and how those calls are routed. The plan in the future is to develop a county regional dispatch center. Chris also mentioned that his crew will help residents put in lock boxes on the side of their house. This box would be available for fire and rescue personnel during emergencies (wellness checks and 911 calls) so they can enter your house without having to break in. Outdoor burning ends on May first.
Councilor Starr:
Blish Point Ramp: Last month the Town Council accepted a grant from the Mass. Department of Fish and Game: Division of Marine Fisheries in the amount of $25,000 for repairs to the ramp. These will take place early in the spring. The state owns the ramp, but the town maintains it. There are plans to rebuild the ramp in five years. Scudders Lane Ramp: The Town DPW has held a number of meetings with stakeholders and they are working on the 90% design. As soon as this is done there will be another meeting to bring it to residents. Commerce Road Sidewalks: The Town has hired engineers to survey, design and permit the sidewalk from George Street to Route 6A. The sidewalks will be done at the same time as the road is raised at the eastern end and the culvert widened. Raising the road is necessary to allow residents access during extremely high tides and storms. Doing these together is necessary, but it makes the whole project more expensive. By getting it up to the shovel-ready stage we can look to grants to make this happen. 6A Sidewalks: A crosswalk is being designed and the Department of Transportation(MA) hopes to have it installed prior to the shut down of construction work for the summer on Cape Cod. Also, I got this report in late January from DOT: “a project was approved for the installation of a sidewalk on Route 6A from Old Jail Lane to Route 132. The next step will be for the project to advance to preliminary design. Funding will also need to be identified and the project programmed for advertising. MassDOT will be reaching out to the Town, Cape Cod Commission and Old Kings Highway to coordinate as the project progresses.“ This does not mean it is a done deal. If you want to make a comment to the state, you can email: http://Bill.Travers@dot.state.ma.us>
Barnstable Village Association: The BVA voted in a strong Board of Directors, but that being said, there are many opportunities and needs for volunteers for the summer concerts, village clean-ups and the Fourth of July Parade. Think about joining in for an hour or two. Check in and join this group as it ties us all together. https://www.barnstablevillage.org/
Food Waste: Cynthia Cole talked about the importance of recycling food waste. It is a heavy component of household waste and therefore raises the cost of waste disposal. If it ends up in a landfill, it produces lots of methane gas. Ecologically it should be treated as a resource and reused in our gardens or dropped off at the Transfer Station so that it can be commercially composted. Cynthia gave out countertop composting bins that are available for free at the Transfer Station office. You can also leave your food waste at the Transfer Station and it is picked up by Watts Family Farm and composted.
If you have any questions or wish to receive project updates, please contact Kelly Collopy, Communications Manager, at the Department of Public Works at 508–790-6400 or 
