CapeCodToday Blog Chowder

The hypocrisy of power

Mihos blows in the wind - both ways
NO to where I can see them, but YES where you can

I once coined the phrase, "hypocrisy is the gift from the Gods which allows man to creep from the cradle to the grave with a degree of sanity."

Andre Gide said,“The true hypocrite is the one who ceases to perceive his deception, the one who lies with sincerity.”

Both these thoughts should occur to former candidate for governor and Great Island Yarmouth waterfront home-owner Christy Mihos as he spins in the wind.  Here's the story in the Barnstable Patriot's Wind Sock column this week;

More power to Christy

Convenience store king Christy Mihos said no to the Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound, but he’s saying yes to small-scale commercial wind power.

The former gubernatorial candidate’s Christy’s Realty Limited Partnership was due before the site plan review committee this morning to get reaction to a proposal to plop three “wind energy conversion units” on top of the fuel dispenser canopy at the Christy’s overlooking Aselton Park and Hyannis inner harbor.

Christy’s filing says the units will be 31 feet high and have a 7-foot diameter. The company will be looking for a special permit from the planning board.

8 New England Hooters close; How a poor man can have a waterview; Middleborough School Board endorses casino

Eight Hooters close their doors
The Main Street Hyannis location closed June 21

SALEM - The Hooters restaurant here closed abruptly last week, on the heels of a bankruptcy that shut down restaurants in four states.  Eight Hooters scattered across New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York closed. New England Wings Inc., which ran the independent stores, didn't find a buyer to suit Hooters of America.


Three possible buyers ...all three were rejected by the national chain. 
"It completely mystified us, shocked us, because they were the ones who were insisting that we find a buyer"
- Melvin HoffmanThe Salem restaurant closed June 21, along with restaurants in Boston and on Cape Cod. Hooters restaurants in Manchester and Nashua, N.H., also closed.

Many other Hooters restaurants, owned by other franchise operators, remain open - including one in Springfield, Mass.  But the abrupt closure of eight restaurants in this region means massive layoffs, according to a lawyer representing New England Wings.

"They're going to get liquidated. And we had 300 full- and part-time employees who've lost their jobs," said attorney Melvin Hoffman, of Looney and Grossman in Boston, who represented the restaurants. 

The closure came at the end of bankruptcy proceedings, but it also came as an abrupt shock to owners - who expected to sell the stores to one of three possible buyers...  Read the rest of this Eagle-Tribune story here.  

Hooters' workers to get paid
Foster's Democrat (Dover NH) reported that New Hampshire Labor Commissioner George Copadis said Friday that workers at three New Hampshire Hooters that closed their doors will get paid next week.

Copadis said the bankruptcy trustee in Massachusetts will write checks to the workers on Tuesday. He said they will be mailed to their last known address and should get them by July 6.
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School board endorses proposal to build casino
Schools in dire straits, 34 positions ended this year


“This is yet another department rushing to judgment without doing any serious consideration about the effect the casino will have on the town, the services it provides and it's quality of life,” said Mark Belanger, director of the opposition, CasinoFacts.orgMIDDLEBORO — The School Committee has joined the police and firefighter's unions in support of the Mashpee Wampanoag's proposed casino.  The unanimous vote was taken on Thursday night after two committee members and the superintendent visited Uncasville Connecticut, host town to the Mohegan Sun casino.

The endorsement came the same night the board instituted fees for sports, cut all middle school teams including cheerleading and heard grades K-8 are facing increased class sizes of up to 28 students. 

“Here's my concern,” said School Superintendent Robert M. Sullivan. “I just spent the last three months eliminating 34 positions. Class sizes have increased to numbers no one should accept. That's where my concern really is, it's not with a casino.”  Sullivan said the school system is in “deep trouble” due to the lack of financial support from the town. “How much worse can it get than what we've already done?” he said

“I support the concept of having any industry that can come into Middleboro and be a good neighbor. If the results bring a financial benefit, even better.”  Read the rest of this Brockton Enterprise story here.
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On the waterfront, real estate economics become bizarre
How a poor man can afford to own his own waterview

BAYSIDE, Maine — The midday sky darkens as the Surprise slides toward its mooring. We drop the sails. We have everything tied down just as the rain shifts from drops to downpour. The radio announces thunderstorms along the entire midcoast of Maine, an area that might be the most beautiful place to sail in the world...

Another answer: Rent a waterfront house. Though it might cost $500k or more to buy one of those properties, a great many cottages are available by the week for about $1k. That's less than $150 a day, well under the actual or imputed costs to the owner. The gap between the cost of owning waterfront vacation property and the cost of renting it has been enormous for decadesToday, boats are one of the few ways people who aren't rich get to enjoy magnificent water views. Along this part of the Maine coast, a very rustic waterfront cottage is likely to sell for $500,000 or more. In the more posh areas, such as Castine and Blue Hill, the cost of entry is well over $1 million.

The math is oppressive. A $1 million mortgage (at 6 percent) costs $6,000 a month for all 12 months. But prime season is less than three months, so the real cost is $24,000 a month, or about $800 a day. And that's before you consider taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities.

This is not unique to Maine. Check the prices of waterfront houses on Cape Cod or Long Island, in Annapolis, Md., or anywhere along the Florida Coast, and waterfront is priced in multiples of $1 million. The same is true, in spades, on the West Coast. Anything on the water, anywhere, is the stuff of trophies — and priced accordingly...

One answer: Buy a boat. It is possible to get on the water in a habitable boat for less than $30,000...   Read or lsten to the rest of this Commentary by Scott Burns here. 

Fire damages Falmouth Ballymeade home

     ^{Residents look on as firefighters work on a house fire in Falmouth}
FALMOUTH - Fire caused extensive damage to a house in the gated Ballymeade development in Falmouth Saturday afternoon. The fire started sometime around 1 PM at the home on Summit Lane off Falmouth Woods Road. Mutual aid from Bourne was called to help out.

The fire burned throught the roof over the garage portion of the home. One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion. The cause of the fire is under investigation.  Photos by R. Copley.

Accident closes Route 6, two taken to hospital

Suicide Alley redux; What a mess  Saturday morning
HARWICH - Two people were transported to Cape Cod Hospital Saturday morning after a three vehicle crash on Route 6 at exit 10 eastbound in Harwich.

The bottom photo is another of the blue Blazer showing the cracked windshield on the passenger side where someone's head hit.

Chatham doesn't want new businesses, Plymouth does want customers

Business attitudes matter, and Cape Cod is remiss
Why "Box Stores" knock out "Mom & Pops"

By Teresa Martin 

Last week I was Out & About to Suffolk University's breakfast, featuring Sen. Therese Murray. The group was surprisingly subdued with question time left unfilled. But there was one moment that crystallized a view held by one segment on the Cape, a view that is seldom spoken directly, bluntly, and publicly - but on that is worth doing some serious self-examination over, because it is not unique to one town and is echoed in various ways across the entire Cape and SE Mass region.

Chatham is not looking for jobs or businesses because it doesn't need those who can't already afford to live thereThe topic was business growth. A gentleman who identified himself as being from Chatham stood up and noted that Chatham was certainly not looking for jobs or businesses of course, so why not develop them in some place like New Bedford?

Chatham is not looking for jobs or businesses. The explicit statement caused a stir from some, but also a nodding of heads from others.

The implication of the statement was clear to everyone in the room: Chatham is not looking for jobs or businesses because it doesn't need those who can't already afford to live there.

Chatham is not looking for jobs of businesses.

Stop and think about that for a moment.

Is this the message our region sends? That not only are we NOT open and ready for business, but we don't want to be either?

It isn't just Chatham. Downtown Plymouth sends a similar message loud and clear too.

Yes, in Plymouth, "Development" apparently equals parking tickets on empty April weekends. Does that say "go to the mall" or what?!?!?One Saturday last April I convinced a friend to meet up in Plymouth's downtown, that the Indian restaurant there was very good and a perfect lunch location. Something different from the Kingston Mall. Indeed, it was good food, there were little shops to poke around in - but when I meandered back to my car, one of just a small handful scattered on the street, I was greeted with a $20 parking ticked from - and I am not making this up - The Plymouth Development Corporation.

Yes, in Plymouth, "Development" apparently equals parking tickets on empty April weekends. Does that say "go to the mall" or what?!?!?

But it actually gets worse. I paid it right at the end of its due date so it didn't get to the Development Corporation on time, and I was hit with yet an additional $20 fee. The lady on the phone at the Development Corporation was incredibly rude and unpleasant and announced that if I wanted to communicate I should fill out an online form. BTW, there is Economic Development Corporation in Plymouth too and the phone number associated with it rings to - and I am not making this up either - the DPW and the landfill.

All our small actions and statements send a message. And all these little actions add up. As a region, we like to complain bitterly that we don't have enough tax funds for essential services and that we don't have enough jobs with good wages and that our landscape is filled with half-empty glasses.

Chatham doesn't want jobs or businesses. Plymouth doesn't want anyone shopping downtownBut you know what? Maybe that's partly because this is how we present ourselves.

Chatham doesn't want jobs or businesses. Plymouth doesn't want anyone shopping downtown (and by extension doesn't support its retail base).

This week also featured many trips for home improvement items and in that mix I was reminded that businesses themselves can share this anti-business attitude, presenting an image that suggests businesses don't really want to be here either.

A not-to-be-named locally owned home improvement store was repeatedly a disaster. Bored sales staff. Floor folks who acted dismayed that a customer has appeared. Lack of selection. This is one of the reasons bricks & mortar retail, in general, has been a hurting puppy over the past decade.

A not-to-be-named locally owned home improvement store was repeatedly a disasterLast week the New York Times ran an article which reported that online sales growth was expected to reach $116 Billion this year, or about five percent of all retail sales. But that this rapid growth was leveling off, that category sales will still rise but by 10-20 percent, not the 40-60 percent rates we've been seeing.

The article further suggested that brick and mortar stores have improved customer service and interaction, and this has helped bring people back into traditional stores.

Attitude matters.
After leaving the local store, I went to the Home Depot in Hyannis. And returned repeatedly, making a decision to choose it over local-unpleasant-store

After leaving the local store, I went to the Home Depot in Hyannis. And returned repeatedly, making a decision to choose it over local-unpleasant-store. Maybe the New York Times nailed it. A year or so ago, Home Depot was a miserable retail experience, but this year people working there are helpful. There isn't enough sales staff, but those that are there try to meet needs with a smile. The same is true in the Wareham Home Depot.

Attitude matters.

If we are serious about supporting sustainable business, as a region we need to have policies and practices that tell new and existing businesses that they are welcome. To have actions, words, and attitudes that encourage and support growth. This isn't about lip service that "jobs are good" -- and it isn't about giving away our core values either.

A healthy human ecosystem includes business activity. That means businesses that sell to other business, businesses that export product, businesses that sell to off the street consumers, businesses that conduct commerce online ... Business is not the enemy!

But we can be our own worst enemy. We do this by projecting an image and sending a general message that businesses can't thrive here, that businesses shouldn't be here, and that there just isn't enough people/resources/money to support a diverse and vibrant economy.

Did I mention that attitude matters?

By this attitude and the actions that fall out from it, we create that reality. But we can change that reality too.

A business climate that works is a good thing. People who work for a living right here on the Cape and SE MA are a good thing. We aren't a museum or a gated community ... are we?
Teresa Martin is the Exectutive Secretary of the Cape Cod Technology Council. This piece was in the current edition of  The Packet: Newsletter of the Cape Cod Technology Council. Your may email her here.

Cartoonist Howie Schneider dies; Wellfleet Drive-in turns 50; WHAT opens new theater with a ?Clean House?; Galleries open for season

   Howie Schneider who dies this week, was the editorial cartoonist for The Banner as well as a country-wide cartoonist of considerable fame. He also published some cartoon books, like 'Howie Schneider Unshucked', 'The World is no Place for Children' and 'Mom's the Word'. In 2003, he launched a new daily strip, 'The Sunshine Club'. Other creations that Schneider has created throughout the years are 'Percy's World' and 'Bimbo's Circus' like the toon above.

Headlines from the Outer Cape, June 29, 2007

Cartoonist Howie Schneider dies
He made us laugh, each week, time and again. At ourselves and at the rest of the world. He had a quirky and comical lens through which he observed life’s events, both national and local, and an incredible talent for sharing that humor with the rest of us through his cartoons and comic strips.

The newspaper trade magazine Editor & Publisher eulogized Howie today saying; 

Schneider, born in 1930, was also known for the long-running "Eek and Meek" comic he did for United from 1965 to 2000. Schneider began "The Sunshine Club," which focused on a group of older characters, in 2003. He also did editorial cartoons for the Provincetown Banner.

The cartoonist was the subject of an April 15, 2004, profile by Dave Astor.  Howie Schneider feels that the many newspapers looking for younger readers shouldn't ignore their older audience. That's one reason why he created "The Sunshine Club -- Life in Generation Rx," a humor strip which entered syndication last fall with United Media.

"Seniors represent an enormous and growing group in this country" -- and many are loyal newspaper readers, said Schneider, who did the "Eek and Meek" comic from 1965 to 2000. The "over-65" cartoonist added that the oldest baby boomers will reach retirement age in just a few years, making the senior category even bigger.

Older characters appear in a number of comics, but usually as part of a cast that includes younger characters, noted Schneider. "The thing that makes mine different is that it's focused just on a community of seniors," he said.

Silver screen turns golden as Wellfleet Drive-In turns 50
400 left in US, 4 left in Bay State
Roughly 50 years ago, two high school friends from Newark, N.J. became “the laugh of the town” when they bought 25 acres of old asparagus farm land on Route 6 for $1,000 an acre.

WHAT opens new theater with a ‘Clean House’
Theater Review
Jeff Zinn, artistic director of the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, made an interesting choice when he picked Sarah Ruhl’s “The Clean House” to open the new WHAT theater on Route 6. Interesting, because it manages to be two very different things at once — a play that’s fairly light on the surface but that deals with life’s strongest emotional challenges, like loss, death, illness, infidelity and fear

Groux picked to find new Wellfleet town administrator
In a special meeting Wednesday, the board of selectmen voted 3–0 to hire Thomas Groux, of Groux and Associates, to serve as a consultant during the hiring of the new town administrator.

Gallery season swings into gear
Last Friday featured openings at ArtStrand, the Schoolhouse Gallery, Kobalt Gallery, Poli Gallery, the Gail Browne Gallery, Tao Water Gallery and the Julie Heller Gallery

Read the rest of the Provincetown Banner here.

Fishman airlifted; CPN meets to eat & greet book author

Sailing sailor airlifted by Coast Guard
Helicopter picks him off vessel 45 miles southeast of Nantucket

A Coast Guard helicopter crew airlifted a man complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath from a fishing vessel about 45 miles southeast of Nantucket, Friday.

Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England received a radio call around 8:09 a.m. requesting that the ailing crewmember be medically evacuated from the fishing vessel Captain Lyman.

An HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Cape Cod launched about 9:25 a.m. The helicopter arrived on scene about 10:28 a.m. and hoisted the patient from the 70-foot fishing vessel. The crew safely transferred him to an awaiting ambulance at Hyannis airport about 11:20 a.m. where he was further transported to Cape Cod Hospital.
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Citizens for Clean Renewable Energy hold Wellfleet Shindig
Author Wendy Williams will answer questions about her book

Learn more about the benefits of wind energy and what you can do to help secure local benefits here on Cape Cod. CPN has over 6,000 members and hopes they and others interested in the environment will take this opportunity to find out more about CPN. 

This grassroots organization is the area's main advocate for renewable energy and clean power for Cape Cod. 

The event open to everyone and is at the Flying Fish Café in Wellfleet  on Wednesday, July 11 from 4:30 to 7pm.

The event highlights include a book signing by Wendy Williams, co-author of the new best-seller Cape Wind.

Light appetizers an a cash bar will be served at 26 Briar Path, Wellfleet, MA 02667, 508-349-7292 or contact Clean Power Now call Barbara J. Hill 508-775-7796 or email.  

To read more about MS. Williams book see these reviews.
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Is wind the East Coast's energy future?
Senate bill calls for finding best offshore farm sites

REHOBOTH BEACH Delaware - The shallow water just miles from the Rehoboth Beach shoreline could be the site of the country's first offshore wind farm -- but it will not be the only one, as similar projects are racing forward in Massachusetts and New York, experts say.

Wind represents less than 1 percent of energy consumption in the United States, lagging far behind the rest of the world. The Energy Department wants to up that amount to 20 percent by 2030With more Americans focused on green energy and concerned about dependence on foreign oil, it's just a matter of time before hundreds of turbines harnessing the wind could line the shore from Massachusetts to North Carolina.   The energy bill the U.S. Senate approved last week authorized $5 million to study where offshore wind farms would be best located on the East Coast. Such an assessment could spur further interest from wind-energy businesses. The House still must approve the measure.

East Coast wind energy got another boost this week when the U.S. Department of Energy selected Massachusetts as the home for one of two new wind turbine blade-testing facilities. Massachusetts and Texas each will receive $2 million grants to build research centers...  Read the rest of this Daily Times story here.

Land for $29,000? New conservation administrator; Museum getting facelift

Headlines for Lower Cape, June 29, 2007
 
A piece of Cape Cod selling for $29k
It’s the asking price for two parking spaces in Ptown's East End. For that price you get 0.293 acres of parkingScanning the real estate listings a property priced at $29,000 would catch anyone’s attention... In a town where a small studio condo can be priced well over $100,000, and the median home is marked at more than $500,000, what could possibly be priced at only $29,000?

Eastham Museum work continues
Heavy equipment Tuesday grades the grounds of the Schoolhouse Museum in Eastham so that grass seed can be planted.

Town pursuing ‘owner-unknown’ land parcels
Harwich is moving forward with a plan to take possession of 13 parcels – more than 60 acres in all – of “owner-unknown,” potentially buildable land in town.

Agencies spotlight ‘smart transit’ options
In an ongoing bid to ease summer traffic woes, the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority and other entities teamed up to promote car pooling, bicycle riding, walking or using mass transit to get to work or to recreational pursuits.

Brewster's New conservation administrator takes helm
Residents stopping by town hall will find a new face in the Conservation Department with Lori Macdonald who started about two weeks ago as Brewster’s new Conservation Administrator. 

Read the rest of The Cape Codder here. 

Bourne MC crash; Hyannis, Yarmouth crashes, New fire chief in Harwich

Motorcyclist critically injured in Bourne crash
BOURNE - A motorcycle operator was critically injured in a crash late Friday night. The crash happened about 11:30 PM on County Road near Scraggy Neck Road. The victim 43-year old Steven Desharnais of Bourne was rushed to Falmouth Hospital aafter rescuers reportedly found him unconscious under his motorcycle. A medical helicopter was reportedly called to the hospital which flew him to Boston Medical Center in Boston. Bourne Police are investigating. 

Two arrested on drug offenses
BARNSTABLE - Two Hyannis men were arrested on drug charges as part of an ongoing investigation. The Times reports 34-year old Steven Green and 37-year old Scott Travers were arrested on Friday. Police say they are major players in the drug trafficking from Providence to the Cape. Green was charged with four counts of distributing heroin and one count of distributing cocaine. Travers was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute subsequent offense. The arrest came as part of a two month investigation by Barnstable, Falmouth and Yarmouth detectives.

Barnstable Police investigate head on crash in Hyannis

     ^{Two vehicles collided head on on Craigville Beach Road in Hyannis.}
HYANNIS - Barnstable Police are investigating a head on crash on Craigville Beach Road about 1:45 PM.

A Cadillac Escolade collided with a Nissan Altima. A family in the SUV escaped uninjured but at least one person in the car was taken to Cape Cod Hospital.

Further details were not immediately available.

Photos by Frank Paparo.

Crash snarls Route 6A traffic

     ^{The scene of a two car crash on Route 6A in Yarmouthport.}
YARMOUTH - A two car crash in Yarmouthport this afternoon cut traffic on Route 6A to one lane for about a half hour.

One crash victim is seen to right being treated by a Yarmouth paramedic. Yarmouth Police are investigating the crash.

In a related story two people were injured in a two vehicle crash on Route 28 near West Yarmouth Road around 6 PM. That crash is also under investigation by Yarmouth Police. Further details were not immediately available.

Photos by R. Copley.

Harwich gets new fire chief

     ^{Family and Friends look on as William L. Flynn Jr. is sworn in as Harwich Fire Chief.}
HARWICH - The town of Harwich has a new fire chief. Town clerk Anita Doucette swore in William L. Flynn Jr. in a ceremony Friday.

Flynn is taking over for outgoing Chief William Remilliard.

At the same ceremony Captain Norman Clarke (right) was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief.  

Photos by Jake O'Callaghan.

Fishing trawler burns in Provincetown

     ^{Smoke and flames pour from the fishing vessel Ancora Praia at Macmillan Wharf in Ptown.}
PROVINCETOWN - Fire heavily damaged one of the last remaining wooden fishing trawlers in Provincetown Friday morning. The Harbormaster noticed the smoke coming fr0m the cabin and called in the alarm about 8:35 AM. Firefighters arrived to find the scene above. Everyone made it off the vessel okay. It was a difficult fire taking about two hours to get under control as tremendous heat built up below decks and fire extended along the railing of the ship. Four firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion all are expected to be fine.

U. S. Coast Guard vessels and personnel were also on scene assisting. They also deployed booms to contain any pollution. A pump kept the vessel afloat.

Fire investigators believe workers using a torch to make repairs on the boat may have accidentally sparked the blaze. A mutual aid engine from Truro covered the Provincetown station.

Photos by Tim Caldwell.