Editor:
There has been growing discussion in Harwich about whether voters should have a say when local tax dollars are used to support housing projects, including affordable housing developed under Chapter 40B. The reasoning behind this is straightforward and deserves a clear explanation.
Chapter 40B already grants developers broad authority to move forward with projects by overriding local zoning and community regulations, provided state affordability requirements are met. Under this law, developers may build using private funds even when residents raise concerns about environmental impacts, traffic or neighborhood character. That authority is built into the statute.
The situation changes when a developer seeks public funding or other financial participation from the town. At that point, the project is no longer solely a private endeavor — it becomes a public investment. Taxpayer dollars may be required for environmental mitigation, road and traffic improvements, public safety services, and long-term maintenance. These costs affect the entire community, giving residents a legitimate interest in deciding whether public funds should be committed.
Allowing voters to weigh in does not prevent housing from being built. A “no” vote does not block a project under Chapter 40B; it simply means the development must proceed without public subsidy. That distinction is important, particularly when projects raise concerns about congestion, environmental strain or changes to neighborhood character.
Requiring voter approval for the use of tax dollars promotes transparency, accountability and informed decision making. Supporting affordable housing and respecting local taxpayers are not opposing goals. Giving voters a voice when public money is involved is reasonable, responsible and consistent with democratic principles.

Louis Urbano
West Harwich

Editor:
I wish to acknowledge and express my sincere gratitude for the outpouring of good wishes and final condolences regarding the recent illness and consequent passing of Mark Prall of Orleans.
Mark would be overwhelmed, as am I, at the number of friends and colleagues that have noted his passing and I am extremely grateful for the thoughts and prayers of so many. I would like to thank the doctors and nurses that attended Mark and especially the nurses and aides at the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich for the dignity with which they treated Mark.
I would be remiss if I did not thank, in particular, his friends who supported us, and me in particular, with many rides back and forth from the hospital and testing sites. The help was invaluable.
Thank you all for your love and support. It meant more to us than you will ever know.

Ruth Prall
East Orleans

Editor:
At a time in our lives when turning on the evening news is like ingesting a dose of poison, I knew I had to share this story. I was checking my e-mails after four days of being hunkered down in my cozy home as the snow continued to accumulate. I happened upon a posting on Nextdoor Neighbors. Recognizing that some of the elderly community population might be experiencing difficulty with mobility issues because of the storm, Nextdoor Neighbors created a place to post any needs one might have. How nice was that?
 I had finally gotten out of my front door and spent a couple hours removing the five-inch slabs of ice from my car parked at a nearby neighbor close to the road and looked over at my mailbox. The mailbox was now behind a wall of plowed ice sending reminders of how terrified I was of slipping on these treacherous surfaces. The last slip several years ago resulted in back surgery. I approached the mailbox and one step up onto the slippery mound was enough to send me back to that e-mail. I posted that I was a bit terrified to approach my mailbox and would be so grateful for someone to help me shovel an approachable path. Meanwhile, I left in preparation for the next storm and stopped at the post office and filled out the card to stop further mail deliveries and proceeded to stock up on groceries. Returning home, I was on my way down Stony Hill Road and spotted something going on near my mailbox. As I got closer, I spotted a pickup truck in my driveway and a young man with a snow blower attacking that mound of ice blocking my mail box. He was there in response to my post. If I were two minutes later I would have missed him completely.
Robert, you have restored my faith in mankind. I had just finished reading a book with the message that we are all connected and that being of service to others is our real purpose in being here! This act of genuine kindness restored my faith in mankind and made my day. Thank you, Robert. 

Gail Tilton
North Chatham

Editor:
Your article last week regarding the Chatham board of health resignations was a fair and accurate account of events, but I do have one small correction: the staff meeting that I convened to discuss Mr. Milley’s letter to the select board did not include Mr. Milley; nor did I meet, speak or otherwise communicate with him separately. The meeting did include, at my request, Dr. Hansen, the chair of the board of health. My purpose in convening that meeting was to see if we could come to a mutually satisfactory resolution, as we were approaching the Jan. 1 date by which all trash haulers would need a permit, not just to deposit trash at the transfer station but also even to transport, on the streets of Chatham, trash collected from Chatham customers. I believe in trying to solve problems, not walking away from them.

Dean P. Nicastro, chair
Chatham Select Board

Editor:
I regret to hear of the passing of Chatham’s Bernie Werschler, a devoted husband and head of his family, an avid gardener, and a warm friend.
We first met years ago when he was chairman of the Chatham Men’s Club Program Committee, on which I also served. Bernie was always refreshingly open to recommendations for interesting speakers and performers.
My wife and I used to winter on the lower Florida Keys, and it came as a total surprise to learn that Bernie did, too! We rented a comfortable house three keys down from Bahia Honda Beach, which is above Big Pine Key.
But Bernie and his wife Babs bravely camped right on the same beach in one of Florida’s most beloved parks, where visitors like them put up tents or pulled in vans beside the clear, turquoise water.
I trust Bernie continues to rest beside still waters.

J. Denis Glover
Chatham

Editor:
In response to the Jan. 29 letter “Immigration Compromise Possible,” the writer states that “common sense and backing off partisan views is called for.”
Would he be willing to fly to Minnesota and discuss these “compromises" with the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti? If yes, I will pay his airfare.

Mark Phillips
Grand Junction, Colo.

Editor:
There are individuals who singlehandedly make an impact, creating a legacy for an institution. Kevin McLain is that person. As the executive director of the Chatham Orpheum since its inception 13 years ago, Kevin embraced the theater for our town like it was his own. His leadership and vision turned this building into a home where countless stories were told, unknown nonprofits were recognized and new artists were born. Kevin’s commitment to excellence shaped this theater in ways that will last a lifetime. 
Sadly, Kevin is stepping down from the theater. However, he will still be focusing and serving the world of the arts on the Cape. He is leaving us stronger, inspired and excited for the future thanks to the foundation he so carefully crafted. Thank you, Kevin, for believing in artists, welcoming audiences, and guiding this beloved nonprofit theater with such care. We are better because of you.

Kim Roderiques
Chatham

Editor:
The Pope is the most powerful moral and political catalyst of our times. He is the moral source of indirect legal change.
The Pope is involved in diplomatic and moral engagement on human rights. He speaks freely on moral and social issues, including immigration and state-sanctioned violence.
A papal visit and appearance at a protest rally, in the United States, denouncing the killings in Minneapolis and Portland, would amplify criticism of ICE's use of force and deadly violence.
This will reinforce interfaith protest and accountability.
This is in keeping with the tradition, whereby religious leaders used highly-visible events to initiate changes in policing and in civil rights enforcement.
Moreover, it may result in expanding the much-needed civil rights investigation into the ICE shootings.

Mark I. Berson
Orleans

Editor:
The Chatham Marconi Maritime Center recently concluded its fourth quarter annual appeal, which both exceeded its stretch goal and capped the Center's most successful year of fundraising. The directors and staff of the Center wish to express our sincere appreciation to the donors and members who so enthusiastically supported our mission. We especially wish to thank the anonymous donors who extended an annual appeal challenge of $25,000, prompting a response of over $40,000 in matching donations. Wonderful community support such as this enables the Center to continue to preserve Chatham's unique maritime radio history and to provide STEM education programs for the Cape's children.

Bob Fishback, president
Chatham Marconi Maritime Center Board of Directors

Editor:
The Chatham Select Board’s recent hearing regarding tree cutting at the Chatham Airport highlighted community concern about oversight of the tree removal process. During eight separate hearings, the conservation commission delved deeply into this issue, among many others. The resulting order of conditions issued by the commission on July 24, 2024 is not a vague permit; it contains specific, mandatory requirements on how trees will be identified and how the cutting process will be conducted, monitored and reported on, among many other requirements.
To ensure accountability, an environmental monitor will be appointed to report regularly to the conservation commission.
The order of conditions is a public document and anyone can review all the requirements on the MyTownGov website under the conservation commission’s July 24, 2024 hearing page. I urge all concerned residents to access and read the order to see exactly how this important and difficult project will be conducted, monitored and reported on. 

Janet Williams
Chatham Conservation Commission