Eastham Town and EPRTA News
For more information on any of the news stories below and much more,
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On January 13, the Eastham Select Board conducted a non-binding vote (3-2) in favor or implementing the Real Estate Tax Exemption for 2026. Aimee Eckman, Chair of the Select Board, changed her vote at this meeting from her initial vote on January 6, changing the outcome of the overall vote.
Log into the Member Section to see the videos of the January, February, March and April Select Board meetings where members presented their opposition to this decision. Read the article on the RTE for Eastham from the Provincetown Independent as well as EPRTA's response.
Log into the Member Section to see the videos of the January, February, March and April Select Board meetings where members presented their opposition to this decision. Read the article on the RTE for Eastham from the Provincetown Independent as well as EPRTA's response.
April 2025 Update: The Town will be asking for Town Meeting's approval on June 23, 2025, to fund the construction of a wastewater treatment facility and collection system. A community wide centralized approach to wastewater funding is the most effective and equitable solution for addressing Eastham’s environmental and public health needs. See the Wastewater map and the funding requirements and financial impact of the wastewater project. Eastham wastewater website
For more detailed information on the financials for the Town and for individual homeowners click on Eastham wastewater
January 2025 Update: Eastham has launched a new Wastewater website describing Phase 1 of the Town's Targeted Watershed Management Plan. The Town website has details of the plan and the proposed Phase 1 map.
October Update: On October 8, the Capital Projects Committee received updates from the firms working on the design of the collection system/s and the treatment plant. Work is progressing with the goal of meeting a series of deadlines over the next 12-15 months
August/September Update: Documentation has been filed with the State of Massachusetts to access the State's Revolving Fund (SRF),a program designed to fund projects with positive environmental impact. The funds are released on an annual basis at rates between 0 and 2%. Getting funding and at what interest rate depends on a scoring system where Eastham's request is compared to other project requests submitted by other municipalities.
July 2024 Update: On July 15 Eastham received a key approval from the State Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs approving Eastham's Environmental Impact Report(EIR).
For more detailed information on the financials for the Town and for individual homeowners click on Eastham wastewater
January 2025 Update: Eastham has launched a new Wastewater website describing Phase 1 of the Town's Targeted Watershed Management Plan. The Town website has details of the plan and the proposed Phase 1 map.
October Update: On October 8, the Capital Projects Committee received updates from the firms working on the design of the collection system/s and the treatment plant. Work is progressing with the goal of meeting a series of deadlines over the next 12-15 months
August/September Update: Documentation has been filed with the State of Massachusetts to access the State's Revolving Fund (SRF),a program designed to fund projects with positive environmental impact. The funds are released on an annual basis at rates between 0 and 2%. Getting funding and at what interest rate depends on a scoring system where Eastham's request is compared to other project requests submitted by other municipalities.
July 2024 Update: On July 15 Eastham received a key approval from the State Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs approving Eastham's Environmental Impact Report(EIR).
Eastham has joined with the Outer Cape Towns of Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet, Brewster and several towns in the Berkshires to formally request a representative on the Massachusetts Seasonal Advisory Council.
Read the article from the Cape Cod Times for more details.
Read the article from the Cape Cod Times for more details.
Eastham Recycles and Composts
Did you know that over 92% of steel is recycled in the US each year. That’s more than paper, glass and plastic combined.
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) reports that recycling metal may cut greenhouse gas emissions by 300 million to 500 million tons.
Learn more about the benefits of metal recycling and how you can help at Metal Recycling
Learn more about the do's and don'ts of composting at the Recycling Committee Newsletter
Did you know that over 92% of steel is recycled in the US each year. That’s more than paper, glass and plastic combined.
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) reports that recycling metal may cut greenhouse gas emissions by 300 million to 500 million tons.
Learn more about the benefits of metal recycling and how you can help at Metal Recycling
Learn more about the do's and don'ts of composting at the Recycling Committee Newsletter
Interested in the latest news and workshops on climate and actions you can take to help address climate change?
Take advantage of the work of Eastham's Energy and Climate Action Committee at Climate Action News
Take advantage of the work of Eastham's Energy and Climate Action Committee at Climate Action News
The Eastham Board of Health has announced several key changes in the 2025 application process for short-term rentals. These include an on-line application process, updated fee schedule and the implementation of a “Legacy Clause” which restricts certain homeowners from renting more than two properties.
Eastham's Climate Action Committee has reported out the results of the Climate Action Survey conducted this past spring. The survey report lays out the climate priorities and actions for both full-time and part-time residents based on the responses received from 421 respondents. The majority of respondents (64%) believe that changes need to be made in the way that Eastham residents live and the way the Town addresses climate related issues.
The Eastham Climate Action Committee hosted a Electric Vehicle Show in October, in conjunction with Orleans. The presentation from that show is a handy introduction to the world of Electric Vehicles. Access the presentation in the member portion of this website.
The Town of Eastham faces increasing challenges related to housing affordability and availability. With a high demand for seasonal rentals and vacation homes, the year-round housing market for local residents has become strained. In response, the town is actively working to develop innovative solutions that balance the needs of seasonal visitors with the critical housing demands of its local workforce and residents.
Eastham is currently assessing a program to enourage homeowners to lease their properties on a year-round basis. The Provincetown Independent has a detailed article on Lease to Locals
Eastham is currently assessing a program to enourage homeowners to lease their properties on a year-round basis. The Provincetown Independent has a detailed article on Lease to Locals
Massachusetts has recently seen a small number of instances where thieves have impersonated homeowners, try to sell their property, and pocket the cash. This has all been done without any awareness by the legitimate owners. Instances of this type of scam are extremely rare. The type of property that is targeted, based on national statistics, is vacant land or vacant homes.
The Barnstable County Registry of Deeds offers a free consumer notification system for homeowners.
The Barnstable County Registry of Deeds offers a free consumer notification system for homeowners.