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Photo by Tom Baratz
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
This issue of the WNRTA Newsletter will be the first to be published electronically. We hope that you enjoy following the events in Wellfleet in this new format. In addition to articles that we hope will keep you in touch with the ongoing events in our town, we can provide you with more information and with photos that we could not otherwise provide to you.
In this issue of the Newsletter we have included articles that address some of the major issues that confront Wellfleet as well as pieces that address some of the activities of our members even as most of us are many miles away from town. There are articles that consider affordable housing in Wellfleet, the proposed renovation of the town pier and a report on the State of the Harbor Conference, progress on Main Street and planning for potable water. In addition, WNRTA participated in the 2006 Oyster Festival. There is a story about our participation as well as a picture of our booth. As always we have a Letters to the Editor section. Finally, since we are now publishing electronically we are able to include a series of photos that will help to keep Wellfleet on your mind during those long and cold winter
months.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Note from the Editor ………………. 1
President’s Letter ……………………….1
Affordable Housing in Wellfleet ……...... 2
Proposed Renovation of Town Pier … 2-3
State of Wellfleet Harbor Conference ...3-4
Exciting Progress on Main Street ……. 4-5
WNRTA at 2006 Oyster Festival ……. 5-6
Planning for Potable Water …………… 6
Letters to the Editor …………………... 6
Some Summer Sights ………………...... 7
WELLFLEET NONRESIDENT TAXPAYER’S ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
Wellfleet, MA: Winter 2007
Vol. V, No. 1
President: Aida Donald
Vice Presidents: Sam Frank, Lila Croen
Secretary: Mary VonKaesborg
Treasurer: Curtis Lippincott
Administrative Assistant: Nellie DiPinto
Directors: Dorothy Altman, Dwight Estey, David Garrison, Alice Iacuessa, Margaret Landon, Diane Mangiaratti, Marian Lief Palley, Jerome Sadow, John Siegel, May Ruth Seidel, Marilyn Silver, William Toner, Elga Wasserman, Agnes Wolf
Newsletter Editor: Marian Lief Palley
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Dear Members
I write this as another year winds down and a new year is on the horizon.~ Your Association has had a busy and successful year~ in gathering information about Wellfleet affairs to report to you via the Newsletter and email.~ And we have tried to look into questions puzzling you.~ I am happy to report that our membership is growing; our booth at the Oyster Fest was well attended; the Special Town Meeting approved the three articles that advance the extension of the Municipal Water System, articles that the WNRTA supported in a public letter to town officials and published in local newspapers;~ and our various committees and study groups are at work researching and preparing reports for our 2007 general meetings.~ We welcome any input from you on any of the topics being investigated, and you can find the groups listed on our Web Site.
Especially, give some thought to the work of the Finance Study Group, and send on any concerns you have, or suggestions for research.~ It is important for all of us to know about Wellfleet's~ resources and how its monies are spent.~ I welcome hearing from any and all of you on any topic via our WNRTA~ email address.
Yours sincerely,
Aida Donald, President
AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN WELLFLEET
Many conversations in Wellfleet are about housing. Many conversations focus on the need for “affordable” housing in Wellfleet. The discussions include:
· The growing needs of the elderly as housing and service needs change;
· The growing needs of families to find affordable year-round housing for sale or rent;
· The need for affordable housing for employees of local establishments especially during the summer;
As the Wellfleet Non-Residents Taxpayers Association (WNRTA) members consider housing issues, we should start with the general understanding of the term “affordable”.
To the Wellfleet Housing Authority, the Wellfleet Housing Partnership, the Lower Cape Community Development Corporation (CDC), the Cape Cod Commission, the Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) in Barnstable, the Town of Wellfleet and other housing advocates, the goal is that Wellfleet offer “affordable” housing to its most financially needy residents.
There are 3 general groups of individuals and families who may need housing assistance. 1) Extremely low-income individuals with incomes of $15,050 or less for a single person household and up to $21,500 for a four-person household; 2) Very-low income individuals with incomes of $25,100 or less for a single person and up to $35,850 for a household of 4; 3) Low-income individuals with incomes of $40,150 for a single person and up to $57,350 for a household of 4. Currently, there are only 39 housing units in Wellfleet that are “affordable” for Wellfleet residents with the lowest levels of limited income without spending more than 30% of their income in rent.
Does Wellfleet need “affordable” housing units? The answer is almost certainly yes. In 2000, the US Census counted 42 families, 17 single female heads of households, 58 individuals 18 or older and 35 individuals 65 or older who met the definition of Poverty Status. Poverty Status for one person was about $9000 for one person; about $11,500 for 2 persons; $13,700 for 3 persons-- up to $23,500 for 6 persons (Wellfleet, MA Housing Needs Assessment June 1206). Poverty Status has been adjusted upward slightly annually since then.
Another measure of whether an individual or family needs housing assistance is the percent of income the individual/family spends on housing. The 2000 US Census counted 172 owners paying 35% or more of their income in the equivalent of rent and 74 renters paying 35% or more of their income rent. (Wellfleet, MA Housing Needs Assessment June 1206)
During the summer of ’07, WNRTA will hold a membership meeting to introduce the issues of “affordable” housing. If you are interested in the issues and want to help plan for the meeting, please contact me at dmaltman@earthlink.net.
Submitted by Dorothy Altman
PROPOSED RENOVATION OF WELLFLEET TOWN PIER
The Harbormaster’s Office has developed a plan for the renovation of Wellfleet’s Town pier. The plan has the support of the town’s Marina Advisory Committee. Wellfleet needs and wants to create a safer, more attractive, more welcoming atmosphere at the marina which is at the heart of the town. In order to do this Mike Flanagan, Harbormaster, has detailed work that is required at the pier.
This work includes:
· Demolition of the quay wharf
· Expansion of the revetment to cover the area of the quay wharf
· Reconstruction of the revetment around the remainder of the pier
· Installation of drainage improvements to mitigate storm water pollution
· Installation of a subsurface water line with services to each new gangway
· Upgrade and replace the electrical system to address safety issues and bring the system up to code; include replacement of the exterior lighting
· Regarding and repaving the parking areas consistent with the proposed drainage system
· Construction of a concrete walkway around the perimeter of the pier
· Reconstruction of the bathrooms
· Construction of the approved public boat wash
The timetable for this work can vary depending on the Town’s priorities and the money available. It is felt, however, that to address important safety issues and to avoid damage to new facilities it is recommended that the following sequence be considered.
1. Upgrade the electrical system to address safety concerns and develop a plan for temporary electrical feeds for use during the construction process.
2. Demolition of the Quay wharf; construction of the new revetment and reconstruction of existing revetment.
3. Installation of drainage and underground utilities including water, electric and lighting; provide underground utility services for new bathrooms and boatwash facility
4. Pavement demolition; regrade and repave the site; installation of perimeter walkway and new rail guard
5. Construction of new bathrooms and boat wash.
The cost of this work is estimated to be $5,000,000. To pay for this work the Harbormaster’s office is seeking various funding options. Recently WNRTA members took part in a successful letter writing campaign which resulted in a $1,530,000 grant from the State Department of Conservation and Recreation. This grant will be used to repair the seawall at the marina, which is considered an important step in establishing a solid foundation for the rest of the renovation project. Mr. Flanagan was appreciative of the support given him by WNRTA members. He stated, “I personally want to thank all the members for their support and letter writing campaign. I'm sure that the input from the WNRTA was a great help in obtaining this grant.”
As we all know Wellfleet's pier is a hub of activity. It serves commercial fisherman and recreational boaters. People come to enjoy the natural beauty of the harbor, swim at adjacent Mayo Beach, eat at the nearby restaurants, and enjoy weekly square dancing in the summer. The Harbormaster hopes that the renovations will make the pier even more attractive to all visitors.
Submitted by Alice Iacuessa
for Study Group: Wellfleet Harbor
STATE OF WELLFLEET HARBOR CONFERENCE
An overflow crowd of about 200 attended the November 6, 2006 “State of Wellfleet Harbor Conference” in the Senior Center. Co-sponsored by 11 civic and conservation organizations, including the Town of Wellfleet, the Non-Resident Taxpayers Association and the Community Forum, the program consisted of two panels and question periods in the morning, and an afternoon presentation and question period about the Herring River Restoration.
Topics covered by the first panel were Sea Level Rise and Coastal Change, Understanding Salt Marsh Dieback, and Tracking Marine Invaders. Speakers represented the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, the Cape Cod National Seashore and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management. Among the points made were that over time Cape Cod’s sea level rise has been approximately one foot per century. Coupled with the passive erosion of upland areas along the bay, this rise in sea level increases the potential for storm flooding. Wellfleet was described as the current epicenter of salt marsh dieback. Although this problem is being studied carefully, its cause has so far proved elusive. There is some evidence, however, that an invasive species of crabs may be a contributing factor. Marine
invasive species also threaten our shellfish and pose a serious threat to the Cape’s ecology, economy and public health. A State plan has been developed to monitor these marine invaders and to address the problems they create.
The second panel included presentations about Diamondback Terrapins, and ecological and historical presentations about the decline of river herring in coastal Massachusetts. Over harvesting has severely reduced the population of diamondback terrapins, which were once abundant. A study co-sponsored by The Department of Biology at Wheaton College and the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary has increased our understanding of their habitat and developed a conservation manual. River herring has declined for a variety of reasons, including the building of dikes that impede the herrings’ ability to reach fresh water, where they spawn; the increase of predators such as cormorants, striped bass and seals; and the use of fishing nets.
The final presentation by Gordon Peabody, chair of the Herring River Technical Committee, and Peter Watts, chair of the Stakeholder Committee, covered the history and process of these committees. This material is covered in considerable detail in the minutes of our August 13, 2006 meeting, which is on the association’s website.
Submitted by Lila Croen
EXCITING PROGRESS ON MAIN STREET
We can start calling the old Catholic Church by its new name, Wellfleet Preservation Hall. The naming was made official at a recent meeting of the Board of Selectmen.
The other components of the project, which will consist of commercial space and potentially five units of affordable housing, will ultimately be put out to bid by the town. A Request For Proposal is being completed. This project represents an opportunity to not only increase our affordable housing stock but to close the “gap” on Main St. and increase the pedestrian flow to that end of the street.
The centerpiece of the project is Wellfleet Preservation Hall. This beloved historic icon will be renovated and transformed into a multicultural center and will provide year round activities that will enhance the vitality of our downtown. As our fundraising handout says, “The Hall will provide space for music, art, lectures, classes, performances, meetings, events, and much more….Imagine a place where you can challenge your mind, invigorate your body and nurture your soul. Imagine now that this place already exists in the heart of Wellfleet.”
To raise funds to renovate the building and develop programming for the new center some of the members of the 335 Main St. Committee along with other town residents are in the process of forming a non-profit group referred to as a 501 (c) (3). Fundraising began at this year’s Oyster fest. Ellen LeBow, a Wellfleet artist, created renderings of the famous doors. The prints were sold and the originals were auctioned off. The kickoff was a rousing success. Passersby were able to look inside beyond the usually locked doors. The excitement about the possibilities was contagious and positive.
Before any additional progress can be made, one more hurdle has to be overcome. The project needs municipal water. More about water from May Ruth Seidel in this issue, except to say that with May Ruth’s help, in speaking as our representative at Town Meeting, three articles were passed that will help put us on the road to having an expanded municipal water system.
If we are able to stay on the expected time line we will begin construction in about two years. We will be spending those two years raising funds and developing programs. Serious fund raising will begin shortly and the committee looks forward to communicating with WNRTA members at that time. We urge anyone interested to take this as an opportunity to get involved in what may prove to be Wellfleet’s most exciting project in many, many years. The address to send fundraising ideas and offers of involvement is Wellfleet Preservation Hall, PO Box 3024, Wellfleet, MA 02667 or wellfleetpreservationhall@yahoo.com. The web site is still in the process of being developed but can be viewed at www.wellfleetpreservationhall.org.
Submitted by Moe Barocas
WNRTA AT THE 2006 OYSTER FESTIVAL
The Wellfleet Non-Resident Taxpayers Association successfully participated in this year’s Wellfleet Oyster Fest October 14-15 at a display booth we rented for the occasion. When first discussed at a WRNTA Board Meeting, it was debated if the $75 Festival entry fee was worth the effort. Would Oyster Fest-goers take the time to chat with us part time citizens of the other seasons? How would we display? How would we play in downtown Wellfleet on an off season weekend?
We think we are on to something good. Thanks to perfect weather, (65-70 Degrees), crowds exceeding 10,000 both days, a jovial, festive atmosphere and WNRTA members graciously giving of their time, we attracted more than our share of the crowd. Two new permanent additions to our inventory helped: A new WRNTA 7’ x 2’ banner and a 40” x 30” poster sign outlining the mission and functions of our Association was featured. We purchased the banner from a local printer; a friend (Jim Sadowsky of Williams Distributing Co.) created and furnished our poster sign gratis. As a carnival attraction, we filled a large glass container with oyster shells and played a guessing game. The contestant that guessed the correct number won two gift certificates to VanResaelear’s and Catch of The Day restaurants, courtesy of
restaurateur, Peter Hall. From the contestants’ entry blanks, we now have the name, address, phone number, e-mail address of another several hundred people-- fodder for our database.
Located in the back of the former Our Lady of Lourdes parking lot on Main St., we felt our booth was not on prime real estate. Wrong again. We estimate that of the 20,000 people attending the festival, at least 75% walked by our booth. Many took serious interest and graciously thanked us for our presence. If our literature on display was any indication, the 100 plus WNRTA brochure/applications on hand early Saturday were depleted by mid afternoon. A quick trip to the printer Saturday evening and we were prepared for Sunday’s demand with another 250 brochures. The second day brought another sea of Fest-goers, more guessing game contestants, and more brochures in circulation. The oyster shell game was won by a Yarmouth man, the winner drawn from 7 entrants who guessed the number of shells correctly.
We are grateful to Association members who helped make our presence at the Oyster Fest a success: Bill & Alice Iacuessa, Dwight and Arlene Estey, Mae Ruth & Henry Seidel, Sam Frank and Caroline Toner. Jean Fisher donated their gazebo tent cover for our table; Estey’s brought flowers. It looked like your living room, al fresco. Our WNRTA Festival committee did an outstanding job of carnival salesmanship, signing on several new members.
We believe the Festival effort was a great success. If nothing else, people now know that WRNTA is not a local radio station. Membership should grow; we should definitely continue our presence and be prominently represented at the Festival. For anyone who thinks the season is over Columbus Day weekend, mark your calendar to be in Wellfleet that mid October weekend next year to participate in the Oyster Fest. You will not be disappointed.
Submitted by Bill Toner
PLANNING FOR POTABLE WATER
My observation of the Water Commissioners this fall convinced me that they are committed citizens eager to facilitate steps to provide potable drinking water to as many more residents and businesses in Wellfleet as is possible. They met weekly this fall to plan the best strategy for success at the Special Town Meeting. They had recommended 3 Articles for the Warrant related to advancing the Master Plan for the Wellfleet Municipal Water System to be voted upon on November 13, 2006.
They are:
Article 2 – To transfer or borrow $125,000 for site evaluation, engineering services and design of a water storage tank. A 500,000 gallon tower would expand the Water System allowing 54 additional residential hook ups and supply fire protection along the transmission main.
Article 3 – To transfer or borrow $195,000 to design the Boy Scout well field to be able to connect to the Wellfleet Municipal Water System. This could expand the capacity to 183 residential hook ups.
Article 4 – To transfer or borrow $106,000 to design water transmission mains to expand allowing 496 residential hook ups.
Happily, by voice vote, each Article was approved. This approval will allow for necessary planning. Based on a property assessed at $400,000 it is estimated that $5.20 per year will be added to the individual tax bill. If future Town Meetings approve construction of an expanded water system the maximum cost in added taxes will be $52.00 for a property assessed at $400,000. As property owners connect to the Municipal system their payment of user fees will lower the cost to taxpayers.
The Water Commissioners, with the enthusiastic leadership of Mark Berry and the hard work of all the Commissioners, were able to achieve approval of crucial planning dollars. They are to be commended!
Submitted by May Ruth Seidel, Chair of the WNRTA Drinking Water Study Group
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear WNRTA Members,
Recently some members of WNRTA joined in a letter writing campaign to various Massachusetts state officials asking them to support a Department of Conservation and Recreation grant to replace the seawall at the marina.~~ I am sure you will be pleased to receive the following message from Mike Flanagan, harbormaster:
We have received the $1,530,000 grant from DCR. I personally want to thank all the members for their support and letter writing campaign. I'm sure that the input from the WNRTA was a great help in obtaining this grant.
Thanks for everything.
Sincerely,
Mike
MEMBERSHIP INFOMRATION
Annual Dues are $ 15 for individuals and $25 for families. Dues paid now run through Summer 2007. Send your check to WNRTA, PO Box 1323, Wellfleet, MA 02667.
SOME SUMMER SIGHTS
Photos by Tom Baratz
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