When we were kids hanging out at the West End Racing Club in Provincetown or walking the flats in front of our summer digs on Capt. Jack’s Wharf, our ears […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
NOAA Finds Flaws in Its Surveys
Recreational fishermen tend to overestimate the catch
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been looking at the way it gathers information from recreational fishermen for its Fishing Effort Survey (or FES). The idea involves testing […]
STATE HOUSE
Gov. Healey Endorses Real Estate Transfer Fee
A $4 billion housing bill has a new tax Outer Cape towns have been waiting for
BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announced a $4 billion housing bill called the Affordable Homes Act on Oct. 18. In addition to new funding for […]
ELDER AFFAIRS
Seashore Point Residents Sue Owner, Claiming Fraud and Abuse
Pointe Group Care is accused of exploiting residents and charging unreasonable fees
This article was updated on Oct. 26. PROVINCETOWN — When Robert Compton purchased his condominium at the Residences at Seashore Point four years ago, he imagined an ideal retirement. Seashore […]
REDEVELOPMENT
Developer Scales Back Plan for ‘Underground Mall’ Apartments
Breaking the ‘housing monoculture’ to build ‘workforce housing with a small w’
ORLEANS — The developer who purchased the former Bayberry Plaza on Route 6A, also known as the “underground mall,” has downsized his plans for housing on the site. Last fall […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Facing a Drop in Numbers of Juvenile Lobsters
Cape Cod's lobstermen may be more ready than Maine’s for tighter rules
If we want to imagine the future, it’s a good idea to take a close look at the young. Last week I wrote about five years of declining striped bass […]
TOWN MEETING
Monday’s Provincetown Warrant: Heavy on Housing
A land purchase and two short-term rental regulations lead the agenda
PROVINCETOWN — There will be 14 articles in the town meeting booklet on Monday, Oct. 23, but only a few of them are likely to provoke much discussion at town […]
ZONING
ZBA Again Denies Permit for Wellfleet Contractor’s Yard
The board’s decision sends the case back to Land Court
WELLFLEET — The well-groomed entryway to the GFM Enterprises contractor’s yard on Route 6 may score high for good looks, but the zoning board of appeals wasn’t interested in those aesthetics […]
AQUACULTURE
Future Clam Diggers Seed Provincetown’s West End Flats
Volunteers spread tiny hatchery clams for a recreational harvest
PROVINCETOWN — About 20 recreational clammers gathered on Oct. 6 to experience a clamming day in reverse. Instead of walking out to the flats empty-handed and gathering up a dinner’s […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Wishing for a Snow-Covered Winter
Young-of-year study shows 2023 was another poor spawning year for stripers
There has been much trepidation among fishermen about what the National Marine Fisheries Service will do next regarding the rules and regulations for recreational and commercial harvesting of striped bass […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
The Southern Migrations Begin, With One Exception
A good season and a call for keeping an eye on changes in the northern end of the bay
We’re nearing the end of our season in the sun. As fall strengthens its grip on us, the leaves are showing off their colors and the winds coming more from […]
LOSSES
The Song’s Over as Fox & Crow Closes for Good
After complaints, an eviction notice, and a fire, owner says, ‘I’m done’
WELLFLEET — Trudy Vermehren wasn’t opposed to a photo accompanying a news story about her decision to permanently close the Fox & Crow Café, but she didn’t want the photo […]
PERMISSIONS
Zoning Board Denies Foxberry Inn’s Proposed Expansion
Support for small business comes up against concerns about a building’s size
PROVINCETOWN — The zoning board of appeals has denied a proposal from the owners of the Foxberry Inn to add a third story with six guest rooms. At a public […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Happy Days, Tuna-Wise
What’s not so fine is a weaker Gulf Stream
Happy days are here again: the commercial bluefin tuna season has reopened as of Oct. 1. The quota, at 117 metric tons, is set pretty low, so if the bite […]
THE HOUSING CRISIS
Short-Term Rental Rules Won’t Dent Vacation Home Market, Study Finds
But some limits and deed restrictions could protect the community
PROVINCETOWN — A year after the select board first discussed the need for a study on potential short-term rental regulations, researchers at the UMass Donohue Institute turned in its 60-page […]
