Eastham’s Master Plan
To the editor:
Re “In Eastham, Housing Plan Must Wait Until 2035” [Aug. 1, page A7]:
This article did not accurately reflect the presentation given to the select board on the North Eastham Village Master Plan on July 22 (available to view on demand) or the town’s overall housing plan.
The select board, zoning task force, affordable housing trust, and professional staff have taken measurable, steady steps to increase opportunities for housing in Eastham in the last five years. They include 65 new units of rental housing, with three smaller projects in development, 22 new accessory dwelling units, and zoning changes to allow ADUs by right and limit the growth of short-term rentals.
The master plan timetable shows additional new housing scheduled to begin construction in 2028 and continuing through 2035. Simultaneously, we are working on major infrastructure projects such as completing the water system and implementing the community wastewater plan.
Contrary to your statement that “the town has no near-term strategy,” Eastham is actively working on housing initiatives. Those interested can watch the housing update at the select board’s meeting on Oct. 7. Highlights will include a discussion of how zoning changes have created new units, updates on the small projects under development, and information on programs to assist and encourage the growth of year-round rentals.
We won’t apologize for setting a realistic timeline or for progressing steadily at a pace sustainable for our community.
Jacqueline W. Beebe
Eastham
The writer is Eastham’s town manager.
The State of Civility
To the editor:
Thank you for Candace Hammond’s “Rules for Living” column about the current state of civility and kindness on the Cape and in the world today [“Be Kind, Say Thank You, and Hold the Door, Please,” Aug. 8, page A3].
I’ve been thinking the same thing lately. At first, I wondered if it was just me. Was I aging out of all the things I used to love about living here? But I realized that the increase in aggressive bumper-to-bumper traffic, drivers never signaling when turning, general impatience, and the need to be first in line, including getting bananas or a head of lettuce, have become rampant. There is a blatant lack of respect that has become the norm no matter how young or old people are.
I’m not sure where this is all heading, but I appreciate Hammond’s calling this out and speaking for all of us who feel the same way.
Ken Silvia
Eastham
Letters to the Editor
The Provincetown Independent welcomes letters from readers on all subjects. They must be signed with the writer’s name, home address, and telephone number (for verification). Letters will be published only if they have been sent exclusively to the Independent. They should be no more than 300 words and may be edited for clarity, accuracy, conciseness, and good taste. Longer pieces (up to 600 words) may be submitted for consideration as op-ed commentary. Send letters to [email protected] or by mail to P.O. Box 1034, Provincetown, MA 02657. The deadline for letters is Monday at noon for each week’s edition.
