Robbins Report

No More Delays in Blasch Project

  Wellfleet - No More Delays in Blasch Project - Deconstruction Has Begun

  This photo shows the perimeter protection provided for construction with insets of the present Billboard House and an architect's rendition of its Colonial-style replacement. Both views are from the street.

Story & Photographs by Peter Robbins

Monday morning was cold and damp in Wellfleet. However, it was acceptably warmed during a meeting with Emily Beebe at the site of the ongoing controversy. Her explanation of the project was not only educational to this writer, but is worthy of a presentation to those voicing so much concern. Emily, the Blasch's project representative, has been given carte blanch to ensure the project is as eco-friendly as can be. From geothermal heating to eco-friendly septic systems to a water run off system way beyond requirements.

Weather "permitting", deconstruction moves forward

With permits in hand, the Blasch project is proceeding. The weather has slowed the arrival of the cranes, but the deconstruction of the Billboard House is under way. Not demolition, deconstruction.

Plumbing fixtures, wood, decking and other building materials have been recycled and given to local people in need of them. The process of removing the building will happen over a two week period at a great deal of expense. The house will be taken apart in sections and removed by crane. What a novel approach! An eco-friendly removal of a passé building.

Delays cost more than money. Of concern presently are the 4 nurseries being maintained on the property under Beebe's watchful eye. To maintain the integrity of the fragile native plantings , a nursery was created for the bearberry, beach grass, beach plum, and bayberry plants. The replanting process is of concern not only to Beebe but those in conservation as well. While the selectmen make sure they can get an attorney who is not a "Ham and Egger", as stated at the last meeting, the very plant life that so much effort went into to preserving, is at risk of dying.

Wellfleet conservation folks have put a great deal of time and effort into this project, with a considerable amount of restrictions to ensure the protection of the fragile area. A comment made at one meeting was, "If conservation had done their job we wouldn't be here." The process is taking on the appearance of a dysfunctional family. They did do their job, like the building inspector, and both did it very well.

Millions spent in fruitless, unnecessary appeals

"Why don't you just do the town of Wellfleet a favor and donate the property."So as millions of dollars continue to be spent by the Blasch family, which will probably triple the tax assessment for the town in the end, the emotional aspect of this fruitless appeal process should be stopped.

Imagine this, Mark Blasch was attending one of the meetings and was approached by a certain party and told, "Why don't you just do the town of Wellfleet a favor and donate the property." After spending five or six million, that would sure give me a warm fuzzy feeling.

I made it a point to talk to as many town officials as I could, and in doing so I also will make it a point to protect those that did not want to be identified.

Not illegal? "Its an emotional issue, and may have something to do with visual impact." Asking one town official,"If the applicant made all the good faith efforts possible, met all the guidelines from every branch of the town government, filed all the appropriate documents, met all the standards and was within the by-laws, how and why are the Board of Selectmen trying to stop the project ?" The answer amazed me. ""It's an emotional issue, and may have something to do with visual impact."

So while certain selectmen make comments like, "This is just the warm up pitch, it's not the ball game", or "...dangerous grounds to give that authority to the building inspector."

The most "dangerous grounds" may be under the town's feet

I would suggest this--the ones that are on dangerous grounds are those of you trying to change the rules mid-stream. Be careful what you wish for. Paying attention to issues like, open meeting law violations, conflict of interest violations, or perhaps potential civil rights violations may be in Wellfleet's best interest. Someone should pay attention, before another governmental body takes an interest.

Having read most of what I could, talked to as many people as I have, I find nowhere in any of the rules, regulations, by-laws or documents, where a project can be stopped because it is an " emotional issue." Having said that, if "District Objectives" is the next line of defense, based on "visual impact", which house would you prefer to look at atop the bluff?

I don't feel it will ever get this far, but I would pay to see this one play out in court!

5 comments »

Food Supplies Getting Low - Congress Has To Act Not Talk

Lower Cape Outreach Council Organizes Government Food Distribution
Supplies are running low for those in dire need, most of whom are elderly

Photographs and Story by Peter Robbins

With dozens of volunteers scurrying around the United Methodist Church of Eastham, Judy & Steve Underberg and Jessica Dill of the Lower Cape Outreach Council organize tomorrow morning's food distribution program. The 260 shopping bags are designated for families in need by town. The Council serves the towns of Harwich, Chatham, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown. Founded in 1980 by a group of concerned citizens, the Council and its 200 volunteers, assists over 5,000 Lower Cape adults and children annually with more than $650,000 in food, clothing and emergency financial assistance.

Tomorrow starting at 9:30 a.m. people from the supported towns will be arriving for the shopping bags stuffed with food during the Council's quarterly Government Food Distribution Program. "We also have some 90 walk-ins that will be interviewed to see if they meet the criteria for assistance," according to Judy Underberg. The standards are set forth in income categories based on similar outlines as fuel assistance guidelines. Other qualifiers are, WIC, Welfare, SSI, AFDC, Medicaid and Food Stamps.

"The numbers are increasing all the time and the food supplies not only for this program, but in all the food pantries are very low," according to the Underbergs. Several tables were also set up with local donations of food that will be offered in addition to the prepacked grocery bags.

Judy went on to say proudly, " It's our way of giving back, all the volunteers know their work counts and they are making a difference."

Of particular concern to me was the amount of food bags designated for Council on Aging clients. Of the 260 prepared bags of food, some 200 were for elderly people. "Sometimes it's a choice of paying the light bill or eating," one volunteer commented.

Financial assistance for food programs, including this one, appear to be attached to the "Farm Bill" that is being stalled in Congress. Imagine that, we (the United States) are begging to send aid, food, money and equipment to countries all over the world (some of which don't want our help) and they cannot even pass a bill to help feed our starving elderly and less fortunate families right here!  What is wrong with that picture?

The Lower Cape Outreach Council holds out hope, though. It's in the form of the "Hope Chest" in Orleans at 7 Brewster Cross Road next to Friend's Market. The grand opening last Thursday was a tremendous success according to manager Anne Kiefer.  "We offer and take in donations on the higher end." She was right. As I looked around , it looked more like Neiman Marcus than a consignment shop. Beautiful furniture, jewelry, designer clothing, paintings and collectibles.

They also have a vintage department with fun and funky period clothing. My suggestion to all, check here before you go out and buy new. The group is very particular on what it takes in and they remain hopeful that the proceeds from the sales will help them better serve individuals and families in need on the Lower Cape. Two thumbs up to the Lower Cape Outreach Council and their hundreds of volunteers.

Want to help? Check them out here.

Above photos (top to bottom): Judy Underberg and other volunteers preparing food bags for tomorrow's program; the outside of their "Hope Chest"; inside the thrift shop.

2 comments »

Where does the spin stop at the Barnstable Town Hall?

Barnstable Officials Have As Many Questions to Answer As Building Inspector Does

by Peter Robbins

I make no excuses for illegal actions for anyone, and do believe you are innocent until proven guilty. But you have to ask yourself, where does the spin stop?

If the town just followed its own application format, surely the background of Mr. LeBoeuf would have been discovered.Barnstable town manager John Klimm was quoted in the Cape Cod Times as saying, "The coming policy changes will put Barnstable ahead of the curve." I ask, ahead of what curve ? The curve ball just thrown out to the public via the daily press? Having selective policies on positions that require a CORI (Criminal Offense Record Inquiry) or background check, opens the door for politics in hiring.

The Town of Barnstable Employment Application (see a photo copy below) is one of the most comprehensive ones I have reviewed. If the town just followed its own application format, surely the background of Mr. LeBoeuf would have been discovered. The Town of Barnstable employment "applicationhr/hroffice/forms/application012703web.doc rev. 01/27/03" is five pages of questions and  covers everything from criminal history to drug testing.

The application was in place prior to the hiring of Mr. LeBoeuf, as it was revised on 01/27/03.

It's little more than boiler plate questions concerning education, office skills, employment history and business references until you get to section IX, criminal history.

A. Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense ? It goes on to explain how the applicant may answer "no record" for a conviction on certain misdemeanors or sealed records. Those sections do not apply in this situation. In Section IX -B, there is one that becomes questionable.

Town application requires a criminal background check

The Town of Barnstable requires a Criminal Offense Record Inquiry (CORI check) on all prospective employees for certain positions. Where required, this check will be performed regardless of criminal history information provided above.

My question would be, if you knew about a criminal history, could you, as the potential employer, make the determination that this "certain position" did not require a CORI check?

That being the case, what was the answer to the question under section IX-A: have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense?

Who makes that decision? Does it depend on who you are, or maybe who you know? Additional sections cover medical information, pre-employment drug testing, and Massachusetts regulations on pre-employment lie detector tests. Section XIV sections A through H covers it all. (See below)

Why would you even make reference to "certain positions"?  Does this mean that the CORI check was overlooked for other positions as well? Who makes that decision? Does it depend on who you are, or maybe who you know?

I'm not saying it does, but it certainly opens the door for that possibility. In today's litigious society, the same standards should apply to all. Never should a governmental body leave the door open for such issues. The upcoming policy changes to put the town " ahead of the curve" are simple.

Wherever the word "certain" is written, insert "all."

24 comments »

Barnstable: A Tale of Two Harbors II

A look at Barnstable and Hyannis Harbors

   Left, the work in progress at Barnstable, right the new Hyannis Harbormaster's office

Photographs & Story by Peter Robbins

An earlier article, March 11, 2008, revealed many things that were going in Hyannis and Barnstable Harbors. Dredging issues, law suits, harbor caving in, and a new harbormasters office.  In Hyannis, if they keep going at the rate they are, the new Taj Ma Hall Harbormaster's office will meet its deadline. The building is really a sight to behold. Sitting atop its pylons, it gives a much different appearance than I imagined. Unfortunately, it is taking any green space that was left at the docks as well. That's progress I guess.

Barnstable Harbor has its own issues. The temporary repairs, once examined, are exactly that. Iron dead-men driven straight down and with matching support angles, are an effort to slow or stop the other weakening areas of the bulkhead. The main blow-out is taking on the appearance of a sea wall, but the harbor is hustling and bustling in an effort meet the needs of the season.  All the docks that are going in for this year are in. There are obvious voids of docks in and near the temporary repair areas. Most likely, there will be a need for dredging at the temporary sites when a permanent solution is funded and designed.

Speaking of dredging, good news! A "JOINT MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT AND STIPULATION OF DISMISSAL" (on right), was filed relating to the Harbor Dredging issue on March 20, 2008. The appeal was dismissed with prejudice. The petitioners, now referred to as the "Ten Residents Group", were represented by Paul Revere III, Esquire. 

We should all be very pleased that everyone could get together and resolve this issue in a timely fashion.

I'm sure there will be more to report on both issues in the near future. The documents (right) are included for your review.

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Operation "Greenscam"

NSTAR Announces an exciting new option for customers of having your electricity supplied by renewable sources, you pay more for the same thing

No matter what the source when it goes in, it comes out as the same thing - electricity

Text & art by Peter Robbins

First of all, I more than most, am in favor of renewable or green sources of power. However I am disturbed by the politically correct motivation behind NSTAR. The only renewable energy, beneficial to the homeowner or businesses, at this time, is to do it yourself.

By that I mean, solar or wind which you have placed on your own house or building which enables you to provide for your own needs, and then sell any extra electricity it produces back to the grid. Some businesses are already doing just that.

NSTAR has signed two 10 year contracts to supply green power to customers. One is with the Maple Ridge Wind Farm in New York and the other with Trans Canada Corporation from the new Kibby Wind Power Project under development in Maine.

All power is treated equal by NSTAR

This is all well and good, but beware of the wolf in sheep's clothing. All power, whether wind, hydro, nuclear, coal or oil goes into the same grid.

NSTAR estimates this would add an additional $4.00 to $7.00 per month to your billLets look at it this way. You buy mineral water from a water company and they boast that it comes from the purest of springs, great marketing tool, so you pay a little more. That same company also buys water from suppliers to meet the demand. To keep it simple, we'll imagine this company has three other suppliers to fill its water towers. The company's water is from a pure spring, but let's imagine one of the supplier's wells is contaminated with various types of chemicals and bacteria.

All the water is mixed together and stored in the same tank for distribution. This is the same as getting your supply from the power grid. No one reading this still imagines that there is a separate "Green Power" set of power lines coming to them, I hope.

The way they table this inquiry is by referring to your use. According to a Cape Light Compact person, "Well, let's say you use 10,000 KW of electricity a year. NSTAR would then buy that amount of energy from a Green source. Now the kicker is this, NSTAR admits there will be an additional premium for the service. Pricing still has to be approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, but estimates would add an additional $4.00 to $7.00 per month to your bill depending on the Green option chosen.

Operation -N-SCAM-STAR

This is nothing more than another big company adding to its profit margin.Come on NSTAR, it's all coming from the same grid. People are worried about putting food on the table and opening piggy banks for the increases in gas prices. This is nothing more than another big company adding to its profit margin.

This may be wonderful for some who fly around in their private jets and buy back their carbon footprint so they can continue to preach green, but not for the average Cape Cod homeowner.

So now I ask, do you want to pay more for the same power you are already paying too much for?

46 comments »

It's Wellfleet AGAIN !

I'm just going to report it!
You make the decision, but guess what...

   The so-called "Billboard House" in Wellfleet. The permits (see below) are posted and the drive is in.

It's Wellfleet again!

Photographs & Story by Peter Robbins

I received several messages from people concerned about what has and continues to happen within the borders of the town of Wellfleet. I have an open email and communication policy for anyone with information that is newsworthy.

I spent the day in Wellfleet today interviewing various townspeople and officials. As I drove back towards Barnstable, I began to realize just what kind of situation was going on. This post is not going to offer opinions, it's going to ask questions.

No opinion, just asking questions

The ZBA (Zoning Board of Appeals) had a meeting last night. There were four appeals against the Blasch project going forward. One abutter was advised by their attorney to drop theirs, and so it was done. 

Next came the Seashore's concerns, and they were duly noted. The homeowners group had their say with very little impact.  And then came the Town of Wellfleet Selectmen Appeal. That's right! The selectmen were appealing their own building inspector's issuance of a legal building permit relating to the project. See copies of the permit at the bottom.

Check out the wording, The appeal is being filed to determine whether or not the Inspector of Buildings considered District objectives in making the determination to issue a building permit for the subject property. Specifically, Section 4.1 of the Zoning By-Law states that:

(1) No building or land shall be hereafter used or occupied and no building or part thereof shall be erected, moved, or altered unless in conformity with the regulations herein specified for the district in which it is or is proposed to be located

Ok, you got that one? It further stated: National Seashore Park - To provide for those residential and commercial uses that do not conflict with the regulations governing the activities of the National Seashore Park and are not incompatible with the character of the park, including the preservation of natural and scenic areas, as well as providing of certain recreational and leisure time activities for users of the park.

The selectmen went on to quote from the Parks General Management Plan: Preserve the nationally significant patterns of human activity, and ambiance that characterize the Outer Cape along with the scenic, cultural, historic, scientific and recreational values.

The selectmen continued: It is our contention that the decision of the Inspector of Buildings to issue the building permit was based solely on Section 6.1.5.1 of the Zoning By-law, and failed to take into consideration the requirement that the project be consistent with the District Objectives stated in Section 3.2. Further we contend that the project as presented is in conflict with the goals of the National Seashore Park as stated in its enabling legislation and in it General Management Plan.

Wasn't that what he was hired to do?

There were no comments made regarding the Selectmen's Appeal , other than "it will stand on its own."

Someone has to be keeping tract here somewhere! That piece was dated April1, 2008. The building permit was applied for on February 15 and approved on March 4, 2008.

At this point lets start with just three basic questions.

#1) Who has got the building inspectors 6 covered ?

#2) Why would the Selectmen appeal his decision a month later ? Don't telephones Work between the two departments of Wellfleet town government?

#3) Who pays the expenses caused by the delay of these irresponsible actions?

It will become clearer to those on the inside as well as the people of Wellfleet. After visiting the site Thrsday I took these photographs. The new driveway is in, and the Notices and Order of Conditions posted are larger than the information tablets in the Park itself.

The entire story gets pretty complicated. In order to expedite it I wish to share some communications with you. You decide, but please pay particular attention to the dates, and their origins. This is not meant to be a test but I assume it will be seen as such. You tell me what is wrong with this picture!

From: Rex Peterson [mailto:rex@townofwellfleet.org]
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2008 2:34 PM
To: Elizabeth Lane
Cc: Paul Sieloff
Subject: Zoning By-law Advertising

Hello Betsy ,

Selectman Dale Donovan called me to ask about advertising a Zoning By-law revision, and what affect that would have on applicants for building and zoning permits. His idea was to advertise a change ASAP to prevent a stampede now that word is out that zoning within the Seashore district is likely to be changed. I told him that at this point, the Planning Board does not have a specific proposal to advertise. He wondered if something more general could be posted.

I also read in MGL c.40A that a hearing could be scheduled no earlier than six months before the date of Town Meeting.

Thank you for your assistance.

Rex Peterson

_______

From: Elizabeth Lane
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2008 5:19 PM
To: Rex Peterson
Cc: Paul Sieloff
Subject: RE: Zoning By-law Notice and Planning Board hearing issues

Rex, I have the following comments in answer to your and Dale’s two questions:

First question: Advertising as soon as possible is a good idea, and the proposals need not be precisely formed in order to go ahead with an acceptable notice. The law does not require that the notice of the planning board hearing state with precision what is eventually adopted. In order for the "first notice" of the planning board’s hearing to have the effect of shutting off the old zoning as a protection to a landowner, the notice should state, if possible, the sections under consideration for amendment, and the general purpose. As long as the notice refers in a general way to a rezoning, it will suffice for the first notice to have the effect of excluding a use or dimensional feature from being governed by the old, presumably, less restrictive zoning.

As an example in the case at hand, there is a desire among some for there to be an amendment of the Zoning bylaw, to make it less liberal when applied to Seashore District residential expansion, than is the current zoning. This could be done in a number of ways, to be sure, but the primary methods would be to increase required lot area, decrease permissible lot coverage, and/or make it harder for structures on either conforming or nonconforming lots within the Seashore district to expand or be altered. The range of possibilities for accomplishing this goal would involve only a few sections of the ZBL – the table of dimensional regulations and Section 6.1.

In my opinion, a notice of a zoning amendment would suffice that stated something as general as: to amend the Zoning Bylaw with respect to the National Seashore Park District as follows:

- Section 5.4 Intensity of Use Schedule, at subsection 5.4.3 Maximum Building Coverage to decrease the allowable percentage of lot coverage on land within the district, and

- Section 6.1 Nonconforming Uses, at subsection 6.1.5, by providing for additional standards for alteration to nonconforming single- or two-family structures within the district.

Second question (the scheduling of the planning board hearing): There is a 6-month provision in G. L. c. 40A, §5, although I do not see that it poses a substantial problem, if the town decides to hold a special town meeting to implement seashore rezoning. See the last sentence in the 4th paragraph of Section 5, which states, in pertinent part that:

If . . . a town meeting fails to vote to adopt any proposed by-law within six months after the planning board hearing, no action shall be taken thereon until after a subsequent public hearing is held with notice and report (to town meeting) as provided (in the first sentence of this paragraph).

Applying this provision to the current situation: suppose that the notice of the planning board hearing first went out next week, on Wednesday, 3/19, with the second notice the following week, on the 3/26. Let’s say that the hearing opened two weeks following 3/26, i.e., on April 9, and that there were two sessions of the hearing, ending on April 30. Counting 6 months from that date would bring us to the end of October. These seem reasonable periods of time, and what I have supposed might be faster processing than ordinarily takes place for significant rezoning proposals to be processed. Is the timing scenario I set out of concern to whoever raised the question?

The following is for Paul’s benefit, as I am assuming that, Paul, you are not familiar with the twists and turns of G. L. c. 40A.

Chapter 40A, §6 governs non-conforming uses and structures, and provides that uses and structures must comply with all zoning in effect when the use or structure was first in existence or first commenced. This rule requires that changes to structures such as additions or replacements also comply with the zoning "then in effect" which refers to the date of the Town Meeting vote adopting any zoning revision. One of the many exceptions to this rule provided that any use or structure that has in hand a building or special permit on the date of the first notice of the required Planning Board hearing is governed by the zoning that, by definition, had not yet gone into effect. A person whose property complies with zoning, but who needs a building permit or special permit to do something in addition, is out of luck if, on the date the building permit or special permit is applied for, there is already a notice of a planning board hearing on a proposal to eliminate the desired use or structure from what is allowed, or to restrict it by requiring a special permit for its exercise.

Rex and Paul, of course, let me know if you have further questions.

51 comments »

The voters of Wellfleet have spoken!

 Oh, by the way - let's not confuse Balch with Blasch

Pictured here is the 2,000-square-foot "Billboard" house purchased by Mark & Barbara Blasch for $2.5M located at 1440 Chequessett Neck Rd in Wellfleet. It is to be taken down and replaced by a 5,800-square-foot new house, which is allowable under current by-laws as it meets all requirements based on the size of the lot. The building permit was issued and now the Selectmen are challenging the building inspector's decision as well as their own by-laws.

By Peter Robbins

Boy how I miss town meetings! Where the people can actually make a difference and be heard. Kudos to the people of Wellfleet, and to Attorney Ben Zehnder for looking out for what is in the best interest of the town.

One person was caught voting twice, and then removed.
God I love Wellfleet!Article 35, proposed at last nights town meeting, passed. (See attached) Not without some controversy, one person was caught voting twice, and then removed. God I love Wellfleet. The article had to do with amending an existing by-law dealing with restaurants in the Central District where the Old Captain Higgins was for decades. Now, under special permit an existing restaurant, could open and start doing business. Naturally, with proper permits and inspections that go along with any construction.

The question is, will the same people that were stopped from opening "Pearl" based on a personal interpretation of the old by-law, now return and try again. I certainly hope they do, and from what I have heard, so do the majority of people in Wellfleet.

A restaurant is a restaurant is a restaurant

The Captain Higgins restaurant can continue as a restaurant, or be sold as a restaurant. This could attract potentially new restaurants in the Central DistrictNow that the Captain Higgins can continue as a restaurant, or be sold as a restaurant, this could attract potentially new restaurants in the Central District. This action, in my opinion, is very proactive and a much better use of the Captain Higgins property than, shall we say "Condos."

After years of hard work running a restaurant, Betty Balch must feel relieved that there may be new hope for her property, I wish her and any future investors luck. Let's make it clear, Balch not to be confused with Blasch, that is a whole new can of worms that will be opened tomorrow night at the Wellfleet Senior Center.

I understand there could be some fireworks at this meeting, too! The Blasch situation is deserving of a story in itself. It seems that NIMBY groups exist everywhere. The latest, from what I can find out, is a group called WNSHA, ot the Wellfleet National Seashore Homeowners Association.

Some voters are more equal than other voters

The selectmen are appealing the decision of their own building inspector as well as one of their own by-lawsThey want to tie this to the town's web page, but only Wellfleet homeowners who live in the park will be able to post. A small number of Seashore homeowners have taken it upon themselves to represent 200 others and are trying to establish their own building rules within the park , paying no attention to existing ones. Referred to by some town employees as a "red hot" issue, it is one the town should be very careful with. Any actions by the town, viewed by outside authorities, that even give the appearance of trying to circumvent the Massachusetts General Laws, would not be in the town's best interest.

Saying that, here is the long and the short of it at this point. The Blasch's submitted a set of plans that met all the criteria required according to bylaws and rules of the Town of Wellfleet, as it pertains to building within the National Seashore. They were approved, and a building permit was issued. Some didn't like the idea of a "Trophy" home being built replacing the old billboard house. Its told, an angry group went to a selectmen's meeting, stated their concerns and guess what? The selectmen are appealing the decision of their own building inspector as well as one of their own by-laws.

During an interview with Wellfleet building inspector Paul Murphy, " Hey I like the board.  I'm not sure what the issue is. I'm just going to sit back and watch the show!"

A show I'm sure there will be, as well as a in-depth follow-up story!

40 comments »

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Makes Surprise Visit

Wellfleet - The Bookstore Restaurant is now on notice

Owner buys adjacent 7 acres, possibly for a new well

by Peter Robbins

"These type of visits are somewhat unusual, and are generally initiated by some type of complaint."Two weeks ago, the Massachusetts DEP made a surprise visit to the Bookstore Restaurant in Wellfleet. Although no official report of findings or violations was available at the time of this writing, the visit was confirmed by Public Information Officer Theresa Barao of the DEP. In checking with some local officials, I was told, "these type of visits are somewhat unusual, and are generally initiated by some type of complaint." Ms. Barao agreed to forward any information as it becomes available. Other information led me to believe it had something to do with seating capacities as they related to design of septic systems and some changes that may have to be made to the restaurant.

And speaking of septic systems

Speaking of septic systems, the Wellfleet Board of Health held a "Special Meeting" on Tuesday April 22nd to review a new set of plans submitted by the Bookstore to alleviate the problems on their failing system. This writer is happy to report that four different plans were reviewed and the BOH approved a set that required a full 5' vertical separation from the water table, requiring a tremendous amount of site build up.

Health Agent has authority for cease and desist actions should any unexplained delays occurPart of conditions set forth by the BOH, gave the Health Agent and Department the authority for cease and desist actions should any unexplained delays occur, which would result in the restaurant's closure. There was interest expressed by the Bookstore to pursue public water supply, which the BOH encouraged, but also warned it would not be part of any consideration relating to the time table of the installation of the new system.

7 acres for a new well?

Tying in to town water is not an option, from what I have been told. Also being considered is relocating the well at the restaurant. A great idea, which may have something to do with the abutting property purchase of 7.215 acres of meadow land by restaurant owner Michael Parlante and Joseph Giovangel on April 15, 2008. (Barnstable County Registry of Deeds Bk 22832 pgs. 255 - 261) That purchase, from where I sit, was a very wise investment. Great place for future water supplies!

The new system, designed for the licensed 95 seat capacity, now has to be approved by the Department of Environmental Protection, within a 60 day period. The DEP can approve, reject or modify the plans. Once the plans are approved, the Bookstore will have to use the present tank as a "Tight System." This will require the tank to be pumped as needed as there would be no leaching system in place during the construction. The time frame for the Bookstore may be somewhat close, appearing doubtful it would be completed before the summer season. More likely it would be finished during the season.

Mrs. Parlante was grateful to the Wellfleet Board of Health for convening a special meeting to address the issue in a timely fashion and praised the board for its actions. Others around town seem to be getting a great deal of pleasure out of bashing the Board of Health for doing their job by using some unrealistic comparisons to the former Captain Higgins Restaurant. Hats off to the Wellfleet Board of Health for taking a stand on a issue that has been fermenting for years.

65 comments »

Mosquito Season is Here

No, not that kind of Mosquito...
Another way to know when you are "over the hill"

by Peter Robbins

There are many ways of measuring the aging process. You know, the usual aches and pains, the need to have those glasses changed again because your arms aren't long enough, and the common retort, "what did you say?"  That's the one! It seems as though once again the youth of this country have found yet another way to "get one over" on parents and teachers by taking advantage of the aging process.  I am not criticizing the younger generation at all.  Actually, it is ingenious. It's a known fact that as we age, the frequency levels of our hearing diminish, a fact some members of the younger generation are using to their advantage.

Sparkin' the old interest

While eating out yesterday,  I was doing what I enjoy the most, watching people.  A group of young people were seated behind me in another booth. As most young people do,  they were constantly on their cell phones talking or text messaging.  Sometimes aggravating but most of the time tolerable. Often, what sparks my interest is the simple, obvious actions of someone, actions that lead to questions in my mind.  I switched seats to the opposite side of the booth so I could watch the group. What caught my interest, the simple action, was one girl who answered her telephone, but it wasn't making a sound.  At least a sound that I could hear. Considering myself somewhat in tune with the younger generation, I assumed (never assume) the telephone must be on vibrate.  Wrong!

We were all finishing up our orders about the same time, and left together. They seemed like a nice enough group of young adults, so I approached. "Excuse me, can I ask you a question?" The young lady turned and replied, "Sure what's up?" I explained to her that I noticed she answered her cell phone several times, but it never rang.  I told her I naturally assumed it was on vibrate, but also noticed she had to retrieve the phone from her bag and would not have know it was vibrating.  Just then her friend answered a cell without any sound.   "See that's what I mean!"  I noted.   All three broke into laughter, never bothered by being the recipient of a joke, I laughed too.

That's the way it's supposed to be

"That's the way it's supposed to be, older people can't hear the Mosquito ringtone.  It's great, we can use it in school 'cuz the teachers can't hear it either."  My ego slightly bruised, I couldn't let it end there!  After doing some research, I discovered that the mosquito ringtone was originally created to aggravate younger people and that same group turned the invention around to use for their own benefit.  Now they can receive cell calls and text messages without alerting the teachers or parents to the incoming communication.  Brilliant!

Seeing, er, hearing is believing

Seeing is believing, and feeling is the real truth.  I went to the Mosquito Ringtone website and tried it out.  I turned up the volume giving myself every advantage, and began with the highest frequency level.  I couldn't hear a thing.  Next level, nothing.  Next level, again, and again progressing by age down the chart, nothing.  Just as I was beginning to think this was complete nonsense, my 26-year-old son, sleeping on the couch after a 12-hour shift with his department, woke up a said, "what in the hell are you doing to my computer?"

Click here to go to a mosquito ringtone site.  Here you can test which frequency you can hear and download ringtones for free. 

There are thirteen frequencies from 8khz (everybody can hear this one) to 22khz (only 18 and younger can hear this one).  Give it a try--it's remarkably accurate! 

The site instructs teen and young adults to use the last tone on this list that they can hear to make sure fewer people (translation: adults) can hear it.

I explained my research and he informed me that he knew all the ringtones and that he heard it three tones previous.  Bothering his sleep was OK with me--God knows there were times as a father I had been bothered, but once again I shared those feelings with the inablility to hear what was obvious to the restaurant group and my sleeping son.

Be aware of the (no) buzz

As a parent, I always was concerned about mosquitos around my infant daughter and son.  It appears now there is another mosquito for parents and teachers, not to be concerned about, but to certainly be aware of.

Click here to go to a mosquito ringtone site.  Here you can test which frequency you can hear and download ringtones for free.  There are thirteen frequencies from 8khz (everybody can hear this one) to 22khz (only 18 and younger can hear this one).  Give it a try--it's remarkably accurate!  The site instructs teen and young adults to use the last tone on this list that they can hear to make sure fewer people (translation: adults) can hear it.

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It's springtime in Hyannis and the homeless are visible

Why are you thankful it's spring?
The homeless are because they won't freeze to death tonight

   If you think you were cold last night, spend tonight with these poor souls.

Photographs & story by Peter Robbins

"There are between 50 & 90 people sleeping on the streets of the Cape at any one time."
                   - Tom Naples "Thank God it's spring and getting warmer." That's the way my day started, as I walked the yard talking to my neighbor. Making a stop in Hyannis this morning I noticed a larger than normal amount of homeless taking advantage of the warmth of the sun. I knew why they were thankful it was spring.

Another group of 9 people, some still in their sleeping bags all facing south. I knew why they were thankful it was spring.  There's a person still sleeping under the white blanket on the right.

When you think you have reached a point, and you're down and out, put yourself in their situation. I'm sure there are homeless in every town, just more prevalent in the downtown Hyannis area. Largely, I would imagine, because of the services located there.

40 homeless camps now, more as economy slumps

During an interview today with Cape Cod Council of Churches, Street Outreach Director Tom Naples, he said. "There are between 50 and 90 people sleeping on the streets of the Cape at any one time. " On the streets, not at shelters, churches or emergency housing units -- outside.

Presently 15 or 20 people are living in vehicles. "We are finding people living in vehicles all the time," Naples added. Most live in makeshift camps in various locations. Naples estimated 40 such camps existed last year around Hyannis. He continued, "That number will likely be increasing soon, not only because of the economy, but the time of year as well." I locate three and decided that was enough for me.

Homeless services are taxed now more than ever due to a higher percentage of the population with substance abuse problems and and mental health issues. Naples agreed and went on to say, "Our goal is get them better, into low income housing, back to work, and paying taxes." Some of the homeless-related horror stories would make the average person ill.  I inquired with a town employee about  the location of a larger camp.  He acknowledged its existence, and advised me not to go in there alone. People rolled up in blankets, hungry, cold, and fearful of being beaten and robbed of anything of value they may have--not a pretty sight.

Having grown up in the Hyannis area, there weren't too many wooded areas that our group hadn't explored.  We never  found a homeless camp. Revisiting some of the remaining wooded areas now was an eye-opening experience for me. I'm sure it would be for anyone sitting in a warm home, just finishing a great meal, not wondering when and where the next one may come from.

Tom Naples has been referred to as "The Guardian Angel of the Homeless." He is always seeking them out and trying to help in some fashion. See if you can find it in your heart to do a little something about an issue that should concern all of us. Call the Cape Cod Council on Churches at 508-775-5073 or you can send a donation to them at Cape Cod Council of Churches, Box 758, Hyannis, Ma. 02601. (Homeless Outreach Program)

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