EASTHAM — In an effort not to lose a Mass. School Building Authority (MSBA) grant of $35.6 million that’s contingent on voter approval of the proposed $131.8-million renovation of Nauset […]
News
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ZONING
Wellfleet Looks at Changing Its Accessory Dwelling Bylaw
Could dropping ‘affordable’ ease the year-round housing shortage?
WELLFLEET — The planning board is discussing a new zoning bylaw that would loosen the rules governing accessory dwelling units by removing the requirement that they be “affordable.” The town’s […]
SCIENCE
‘Docs for Safe Water’ Claim to Be Their Own ‘Peer-Reviewers’
But authors of report attack the town’s peer-review process
TRURO — The 40-page “Report on Private Wells and Truro Safe Water” released in September by a group calling themselves Docs for Truro Safe Water has been promoted by critics […]
MILLION-YEAR PICNIC
It’s a Marvelous Month for a Moondance
Keep an eye on the near side for maria, terrae, craters, and ray systems
Beginning around mid-month, Earth’s one and only natural satellite will appear in the evening sky. Then, as the days run down to the end of the year, the Moon will […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, Dec. 15, included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
PERSPECTIVE
Community Fund Takes Off in Wellfleet
Help with unexpected financial emergencies is the goal
WELLFLEET — Dan Silverman’s years of responding to local emergencies with Wellfleet’s Fire and Rescue Dept. gave him a unique perspective on the town’s population, which barely tops 3,000. “You’re […]
This Week In Provincetown
Meetings Ahead
Meetings are held remotely. Go to provincetown-ma.gov and click on the meeting you want to watch. Thursday, Dec. 17 Public Pier Corp., 4 p.m. Zoning Board of Appeals, 6 p.m. Conversation Starters […]
This Week In Truro
Meetings Ahead
Meetings are held remotely. To watch live, go to truro-ma.gov and follow the “helpful link” to Truro Channel 18. Thursday, Dec. 17 Zoning Board of Appeals, 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 Board […]
This Week In Wellfleet
Meetings Ahead
Meetings are held remotely. From wellfleet-ma.gov, hover over a date on the calendar on the right of the screen and click on the meeting you’re interested in to open its agenda. […]
This Week In Eastham
Meetings Ahead
Meetings are held remotely. Go to eastham-ma.gov/calendar-by-event-type/16 and click on the meeting you’re interested in. The agenda provides information about how to view and take part remotely. Thursday, Dec. 17 […]
BREWING: COFFEE AND PLANS
Dunkin’ Owners Eye Drive-Through Again
A plan that failed to win approval twice before will be seen differently now, they hope
WELLFLEET — The owners of the Route 6 doughnut emporium called Dunkin’ (“Donuts” was dropped from the name in January 2019) say they will revive a plan to add a […]
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Cloverleaf OK Could Happen by Christmas
Opposition remains strong, but ZBA approval seems assured
TRURO — Approval of a comprehensive permit for the 39-unit rental housing development known as the Cloverleaf on Highland Road in North Truro seems almost guaranteed. Counsel for the zoning […]
ECONOMY
Disaster Loans a Quiet Lifeline for Outer Cape
$32 million for small businesses came in nick of time
PROVINCETOWN — The Covid-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program was so bedraggled in its rollout and early execution, it’s hard to pick which sadsack metaphor to use for it. […]
TOWN HALL
Resident Tax Exemption Causes Friction on Eastham Select Board
Seeking ways to increase revenue and keep town affordable
EASTHAM — The select board began its annual deliberations on whether to adopt a residential tax exemption for the next fiscal year at its Monday, Dec. 7 meeting, and division […]
THE GAP
Funds for Child Care Are in the Works, but Where to Spend Them?
Outer Cape struggles with the ‘single biggest barrier to reopening’
PROVINCETOWN — Jennifer Cortes is just the type of person policymakers have been trying to get to live in town for years: she’s a 2003 Provincetown High School graduate who […]
