Robbins Report

Septic systems, a thing of the past on Wellfleet Harbor

Get your bibs and lobster crackers out--things are looking up on the harbor just in time for tourist season

Photographs and Story by Peter Robbins

The Wellfleet Bookstore and Restaurant

   The raised lot to the right of the restaurant sits above the completed septic system.

After months and months of debate, meetings, legal issues and dancing around board of health compliance, the Wellfleet Bookstore and Restaurant's new septic system is installed and business is booming. Even the lunch crowd was plentiful on this weekday afternoon. 

Folks seemed a bit skiddish about parking on the new raised lot over the finished septic opting for a spot in the Mayo Beach lot across the street.  But it was pointed out that people have always seemed to prefer the paved town lot--most likely to catch a sunset or take a leisurely after lunch stroll along the shore. 

Everyone seemed happy with the improvements and glad to be back in business.

Pearl

   Busy work crews keep Pearl on schedule for a Memorial Day opening.

Progress at the old Capt. Higgins Restaurant is in full swing  and can only be described in one word, "wow".  Renovating the space has been an upward battle for some months now, but the Pearl is really taking shape.  The new owners have literally taken  it up a notch by adding a second floor (and great harbor views) at the location.

A sneak preview of Pearl's new logo.

Thursday, six tractor trailors and several 10-wheel dumps along with massive excavators were installing the new Septi-Tech septic system in the parking lot at Pearl.  Pearl's system was designed and engineered for 215 seats at an estimated cost of $300,000.  Inside painters were busy at work and it looks like everything is still on schedule for a Memorial Day opening.

On February 12, 2009, the Wellfleet Zoning Board of Appeals voted on a dual use for the property by granting approval for an art gallery in a separate building at the location. Formerly known as the "Spit & Chatter Club", it sure would be interesting if those walls could talk.

The gallery will feature the work of Steve Swain, a metal sculptor and artist whose unique pieces are on display internationally, as well as at many locations right here on Cape Cod. See more of what "Swainer" does by visiting his site here.

Good luck and best wishes to the owners of the Bookstore and Pearl for a successful 2009 and beyond.

Read more about the Bookstore:

• Aiming for compliance, the Bookstore begins work on a new septic system
• What's up in Wellfleet
• Licensing and water woes continue to plague Wellfleet's Bookstore

• Bookstore ordered to reduce seating to 95 seats
  
• Bookstore seeks a 90-day extension from the DEP
  
• Bookstore Restaurant Plan Denied by DEP
• Massachusetts DEP makes surprise visit
• The Bookstore finally gets the message
• The good graces of the Board of Health have expired

Read more about Pearl:

• What's up in Wellfleet
• Harwich and Wellfleet: Deconstruction and rebirth
• Wellfleet, the people have spoken