Editor:

Chapter 40B adds deed-restricted affordable units, perhaps addressing the state’s 10 percent housing mandate rather than an immediate local problem. A portion of longtime residents continue to face rising housing costs, contributing to a growing affordability crisis in Harwich. There is no doubt that some of the households moving in through Chapter 40B help stabilize school enrollment in districts experiencing declines, provide part-time or seasonal workers needed for the town’s tourist economy, and support local businesses and community services. However, these benefits do not address the needs of the lowest-income residents who remain here.

The program also has unintended consequences. The broader community bears costs including increased traffic, environmental strain, and added pressure on infrastructure, while many local households see little direct benefit.

Household incomes in Harwich below $60,000 (out of about 6,000 households): Less than $20,000: 550 households; $20,000 to $39,999: 705 households: $40,000 to $59,999: 655 households These households represent roughly one-third of the town.

Additional indicators show the strain many residents are facing. The Family Pantry of Cape Cod in Harwich serves more than 800 individuals each week seeking food assistance. Housing costs exacerbate the problem: the median household earns about $88,000, yet the income needed to afford a median-priced home is roughly $221,000, more than double what most residents earn locally.

Harwich’s lowest-income households often cannot access Chapter 40B units because eligibility is based on statewide income limits rather than local housing costs. Additional credit and asset requirements further prevent many residents with the greatest need from obtaining affordable housing through this program.

Rather than primarily subsidizing new projects that many local residents cannot access, the town could shift resources toward rental assistance, home preservation, and other locally targeted programs. Focusing on residents already living here ensures that Harwich’s housing support directly benefits those most at risk of being priced out.

Gayle Carroll
Harwich Port

Editor:

I am writing this note to get the whole readership of The Chronicle to realize how important it is to go to town meeting.

Town meeting is where very important things get decided. Sadly, many people don't go. Town meetings normally take place on an early May night and last for 3 hours on one night or maybe two nights on uncomfortable chairs. The large percentage of the people of Harwich, and probably Brewster and Chatham, are gray-haired. I am one of those. We don't want to give up our cozy homes and venture forth at night. We are uncomfortable with night driving. And we don't like to stand up and vote in public, possibly against neighbors or our spouse when we know our vote would cause problems with them. Note: This year there are clickers for Harwich which we can use for certain votes.

Yet this year is more important than previous recent ones for Harwich. It is critical to show up for a number of enormously important issues that involve the whole town financially, and possibly to you and your family that you wish to leave a legacy to. Go to town meeting. I will. I don't like to sit for long, but I will get up and stretch. I need to support Harwich.

Anne Stewart
Harwich

Editor:

On March 4, friends gathered for a “Game Day” and silent auction with the intention of helping the families of the F/V Lily Jean. Several artists donated works of art and local merchants like The Black Dog, Candy Manor, Fisherman’s Daughter, Impudent Oyster, Larry’s PX, Barnhill Pottery, Mark August, New England Garden, Pain D’Avignon, Rock Harbor Grill, Yankee Ingenuity and the Yellow Umbrella Bookstore donated gift certificates or merchandise. The event raised $8,780 and every penny is being donated to the F/V Lily Jean Fund, Gloucester. 

I am so grateful for my team: Kim Rimolover, Lynn Bissonnette, Barbie Smith and Lynn Koch. A big thank you to Linda Kelley, Rachel McGrath of the Women of Fishing Families and Shareen Davis who monitored the silent auction tables. A very special thank you to Morgan Eldredge, director of community health of the Fishing Partnership Support Services. She eloquently and passionately shared her experience as she and others help the families of the F/V Lily Jean. I would be remiss if I did not thank my husband, Jack Collins, who sometimes thinks I am crazy but supported me every step of the way!

Vangie Collins
Chatham

Editor:

The following letter is addressed to Harwich taxpayers.

What is your level of participation in local government? Do you limit it to simply voting and expecting your elected and appointed representatives to take on all the burden of decision making? Or would you rather participate in the decision-making process and determine how your tax dollars are spent? At this year’s town meeting, three petitions are up for consideration that could allow you to do just that.

One petition concerns the waiver or reduction of municipal fees for development projects requesting subsidies. This petition proposes such waivers or reductions be put to a vote at town meetings, giving the taxpayers a more engaged opportunity in deciding how these monies are allocated.

Another petition recognizes there currently is no clear mechanism for the taxpayers present at town meeting to weigh in on the specific development projects requesting subsidies. Often, those decisions are made by a majority vote of an appointed five-member board. This petition proposes such projects be subject to public review and approval at town meeting. Because these projects typically go through multi-year planning and permitting processes, this review should not cause delays. This petition preserves the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust’s ability to act quickly on time-sensitive matters, such as purchasing or selling property, and continuing programs that assist residents who live or work in Harwich.

The last petition proposes to allow town boards, within their existing authority, to review and document potential impacts of development projects, including neighborhood context, environmental considerations, and possible costs to the town. When a review identifies costs requiring town funds, these expenditures must be brought to town meeting for approval, in order to promote greater transparency.

These petitions aim to protect town resources, maintain public trust, and enable taxpayers to be more engaged in how their money is spent. Please consider attending this year’s town meeting.

Ed Trembicki-Guy
Harwich

Editor:

Someone who hasn't gotten much attention as a Democratic possibility for the presidency:

Senator Mark Kelly. Who would be held to a higher standard by the military? Who is admired more for his standing up to Trump and not being silenced by him? Who can put together coherent thoughts that translate to the common person? 

Edward Fried 
West Chatham 

Editor:

As a community, we in Chatham have weathered many storms (quite literally as well as figuratively) whether it be a blizzard, health issues, or loss of friends and family. Most recently our weather challenge made it so apparent the value of living in a caring community where our police and firefighters as well as friends and neighbors helped us be comfortable and find safety. 

As a country we also face many challenges at this unprecedented time in our history, a time when 250 years of traditions are being challenged and can no longer be taken for granted. We have enjoyed the privilege of living in a democracy with freedoms spelled out in our Constitution. 

On March 28, this country will be participating in nationwide peaceful gatherings to express concerns regarding threats to these values to which we have become accustomed. 

In Chatham and surrounding communities, a group of concerned citizens called What Now have been assembling to determine how Chatham can have their voices heard to clearly show and celebrate appreciation for the values and freedoms we have cherished and wish to preserve for our grandchildren, voices that speak loud and clear, “Let’s build a better world.”

It is time for us to gather as a community and celebrate together and create the intention for the world we wish to leave to our grandchildren, a time to identify those cherished democratic freedoms we wish to protect.

What Now invites the community to join their next meeting at 3 p.m. at the Chatham Community Center on March 14. The group thanks the UU Meeting House of Chatham for the use of their prominent front lawn on March 28 for participation in the National No Kings Rally. This event is an opportunity for the Chatham and surrounding communities to celebrate together and plant our intention for world peace, compassion and caring for our neighbors, freedom of speech, health care and affordable housing and protection of our planet. A “Pro-fest” of positive celebration, a time to plant seeds together of what we value and wish to protect.

Mark your calendars for the March 14 meeting and the national gathering on March 28 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on the lawn of the UU Meeting House. Dig out your musical instruments and posters to send positive vibrations for building that better world with liberty and justice for all. 

Hope to see you in community on March 14 for additional planning.

Gail Tilton
Evan Howard
Chatham

Editor:

During the recent blizzard, Monomoy Regional High School (MRHS) maintained both power and WiFi while thousands on Cape Cod were without either/both. 

Monomoy Regional School District (MRSD) Superintendent Dr. Scott Carpenter determined that many residents could benefit from the use of the school and its facilities on these unique "snow days." Monomoy Assistant Superintendent Dr. Robin Millen, MRSD Community Engagement Coordinator Joy Jordan and members of the district food service team adjusted their plans and priorities and teamed up with Dr. Carpenter to personally staff and operate a daytime "warming center" at MRHS. They welcomed the community to take advantage of all/any of the benefits the center provided.

Hundreds of Cape Cod residents of all ages were able to experience the comfort of the MRHS library, take warm showers, enjoy hot meals, charge their devices, and/or use the gym. Individuals who work remotely were able to take advantage of the school's WiFi. For so many Cape residents, the facility served as a "lifeline" during a week of storm-inflicted major challenges.

We feel proud and fortunate to be residents of a top-quality school district with a marvelous high school facility. Most especially, we are extremely grateful to have a deeply caring, visionary superintendent and administrative team and dedicated support personnel who have proven that their caring extends well beyond the students and families they directly serve. They truly went "beyond the call of duty" providing an invaluable service to the entire Cape Cod community!

Charles and Kathleen Gruszka
Harwich