Jay Briggs

The Planning Board held meetings to discuss and recommend amendments to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw. The board voted to support specific changes, including the deletion of the word satisfactory from Section VII.B.19.C.4 and the removal of footnote 7 from the Schedule of Use Regulations in Appendix I. These actions were taken as part of the formal recommendation for Article 51 of the Zoning Ordinances or Bylaws.

The strategic plan outlines the Select Board's goals and objectives for the Town of Chatham, aiming to establish a forward-looking, engaged, and inclusive community of demographically diverse year-round citizens by 2030. Key focus areas include increasing year-round housing, supporting educational excellence, fostering a vibrant and sustainable local economy, ensuring environmental conservation, coastal resiliency, and natural resources protection, optimizing water management, and effectively responding to the needs of a diverse, welcoming, safe, healthy, and livable community.

The meeting discussed a bench donation at seaside links, a special one-day wine and malt beverage permit for Mahi Gold, and the Comcast cable TV license renewal for the town. Updates were provided on coronavirus cases and upcoming flu clinics. The board also discussed protocols for public participation in hybrid and in-person meetings and voted to close the special town meeting warrant.

The committee discussed airport capital articles, focusing on a design permit bid for main apron rehabilitation, drainage improvements, paving the parking lot, and navigation aid replacements. The projects are part of a five-year airport improvement plan agreed upon with the FAA and MassDOT, with the town covering 5% of the costs and the state contributing another 5%. The committee also touched on green infrastructure, storm water management, and lighting.

The meeting included discussion of the meeting minutes from March 10th, 2021. The public raised questions about the availability of the environmental assessment. Commissioner Burke provided a report on the revolving fund, detailing lease proceeds, personal services payments, and purchase of services. Commissioner Owens discussed efforts to clear the perimeter fence line, identify ownership of gear, and repurpose the area for non-aeronautical use. The removal of an osprey nest on the police station tower was also discussed, along with a grant notification from MassDOT for survey work. Commissioner Galen provided an update on public relations efforts and the town's website revamp. The board also discussed the area outlined by the Runway Protection Zone.