Strangers see me standing next to my telescope on the street in New York or on First Encounter Beach in Eastham and think I might know the answers to any […]
News
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SWAMP THINGS
The Red Maple Helicopters In
On the Outer Cape, the swamp maple (Acer rubrum) can often be found with its feet wet, growing vigorously in low spots like the Atlantic white cedar swamp in Wellfleet. […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, April 16 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
PROVINCETOWN: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Napiville Hearing
Meetings Ahead Most meetings in Provincetown are held in person, typically with an online-attendance option. Click on the meeting you want to attend on the calendar at provincetown-ma.gov for a […]
TRURO: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Town Meeting Parking
Meetings Ahead Meetings in Truro are often held remotely. Go to Truro-ma.gov and click on the meeting you are interested in for an agenda and details on how to join. Thursday, April […]
WELLFLEET: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Spilt Oil
Meetings Ahead Most meetings in Wellfleet are remote only, but some are held in person. Go to www.wellfleet-ma.gov/calendar and click on the meeting you want to watch, then follow the […]
EASTHAM: THIS WEEK'S CURRENTS
Once Upon a Time
Meetings Ahead Most meetings in Eastham are in person, typically with an online-attendance option. Click on the meeting you want to attend on the calendar at eastham-ma.gov for a link […]
DEVELOPMENT
Barker’s Plans for Old Reliable Hit Rough Waters
Harborfront complex and expanded pier plans face environmental impact scrutiny
PROVINCETOWN — Christine Barker’s proposed pier and floating marina, recently redesigned and enlarged to extend 1,270 feet into Provincetown Harbor from the site of the derelict Old Reliable Fish House, […]
BUDGET CRUNCH
Eastham Faces $1M in Unexpected School Costs
Officials attribute need for budget override to faulty communication
EASTHAM — Voters at the May 4 annual town meeting will be asked to approve two Proposition 2½ overrides totaling $1.32 million to fund the town’s fiscal 2025 budget — […]
TOWN MEETING
Truro Will Vote on Taking Motor Inn for Housing
Select board also approves a housing coordinator position
TRURO — Voters at annual town meeting on May 4 will be asked to authorize the town’s taking of the Truro Motor Inn at 296 Route 6 by eminent domain. […]
REAL ESTATE BUSINESS
Antitrust Lawsuit May Have Little Impact Here
More transparency about agents’ commissions, but no change in house prices
PROVINCETOWN — A proposed settlement in antitrust lawsuits against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) grabbed headlines across the country in March and spurred speculation of a significant drop in […]
THE SHORT VIEW
Court Says Nantucket Can’t Ignore Zoning Laws on Vacation Rentals
Outer Cape zoning laws may need to take up ‘principal use’ question
A ruling in state Land Court last month will likely force towns across the Cape and Islands to vote on new zoning bylaws for short-term rentals — a complex proposition […]
ON THE BALLOT
Two Candidates Are Unopposed for Eastham Select Board
Demetri seeks reelection, while Bruns is running for an open seat
EASTHAM — There are two separate races for select board this year: a three-year seat, for which incumbent Jamie Demetri has filed for re-election, and a two-year seat to complete the […]
BACKSIDE
Wi-Fi May Come to Wellfleet Beaches This Summer
Cable advisory committee’s plan is on town meeting agenda
WELLFLEET — A group of town residents has been working for the last year to bring Wi-Fi to three beaches on Wellfleet’s backshore. And it looks as if beachgoers may […]
NATIONAL SEASHORE
After Five-Year Hiatus, Advisory Commission Reconvenes
A forum for speaking directly to Seashore management is restored
EASTHAM — The 309th meeting of the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission began like many others at the Salt Pond Visitor Center and was even called to order by […]