Choose Granite Countertops in Harwich, MA for Elegance and Durability

HARWICH — The town's largest provider of affordable housing wants to help Harwich get closer to having at least 10% of its housing stock be affordable.

Pine Oaks Village Homes is buying parcels totaling more than 19 acres off Queen Anne Road with plans to build Pine Oaks Village IV. The complex would be a mixed-income community consisting of one-, two-, and three-bedroom townhouses and apartments. The nonprofit created housing in Harwich for 48 years, with its three previous villages representing 49% of the town's affordable housing stock.

The town has 333 affordable units, as of December 2020, according to state standards.

While Pine Oaks' previous developments have been for seniors, the new homes will be open to all ages.

Leaders from the nonprofit gathered Thursday in Harwich.

"A lot of families will be able to take advantage of this property," Robert Doane, director and spokesperson for Pine Oaks Village Homes, said.

During a recent Select Board meeting, Pine Oaks representatives said they believe the project will be proposed and approved under Chapter 40B.

What is Chapter 40B?

Chapter 40B is state statute that enables local zoning boards of appeal to approve affordable housing developments under flexible rules if at least 20-25% of the units have long-term affordability restrictions. The statute is intended to increase the inventory of affordable housing in Massachusetts.

The project in Harwich would be done in three parts, each consisting of 88 units to make a total of 264. Each phase will be two rows of townhouses containing eight units of two- and three-bedroom apartments. There will also be two lodge buildings with the one- and two-bedrooms.

Pine Oaks will also aim for a passive house certification.

"Our energy footprint will be very small. It will be as environmentally friendly as much as possible," said Doane. "We're planning on solar panels and shooting for no carbon-based fuels at all. It's going to be all electric as our goal."

Primary funding is to come from the state Department of Housing and Community Development.

Staff members are preparing to secure a project eligibility letter from the state housing agency.

Learn about Chapter 40B on Cape Cod:State's Chapter 40B law was designed to spur affordable housing growth. It didn't on Cape Cod

"They take a look at your project — the size of it and particularly the financials of it — and they determine this, 'Yeah, this makes sense and it would be eligible for funding down the road,'" said Doane.

Once the letter is granted, Pine Oaks can then go before the town Zoning Board of Appeals, as additional approvals, such as related to density, may be needed.

The goal is to put the units in the center of the land, said Doane, and then leave all the edges around it for open space, walking trails, and forested area as well as to isolate the development from any neighbors.

Zoning variances could be sought for the development given the density planned

"So you need variances for the density in a small area," said Doane, adding a height variance may also be needed.

The organization worked for over a year to secure the land, which was split between eight owners. The deal is under agreement, but the cost will be about $2.5 million, Doane said.

State requirements under Chapter 40B call for municipalities to have at least 10% of housing classified as affordable. Once a community reaches the threshold, it gets "safe harbor" and is no longer subject to the law.

Under that rule, the town of Harwich should have 612 units but currently stands at 333 units, or 5.4%. When the new project completed, 264 units will be added to the town's inventory.

Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz.

Emily Mitchell, a lifelong resident of Harwich and town clerk since May, says Harwich is a Cape Cod town that has it all.

“We have a little bit of everything,” Mitchell said. “We have the culture, we have the history, we have the beaches, we have the conservation areas, we have the plays and the community centers. It’s a good place for people of all ages with every type of interest.”

Harwich has seven villages for guests to explore: East Harwich, Harwich Center, Harwich Port, North Harwich, Pleasant Lake, South Harwich, and West Harwich.

The town hosts an annual Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival, taking place this year Sept. 16-17, which celebrates the town’s cranberry history.

“Harwich was the first town where there was any commercial sale of cranberries,” she said.

Ahead, Mitchell offers her picks for what to see and do in Harwich.

1. Explore a lavender farm

The Cape Cod Lavender Farm, which sits on 11 acres and is surrounded by more than 75 acres of conservation land, is a real gem, said Mitchell. The farm, which opened in 1995, has more than 7,000 plants.

“It’s this long-standing family farm that’s still free to visit,” she said. “I love going in the summer when the lavender is in bloom and they’re harvesting. I really enjoy their local products made from their lavender onsite.”

The store sells everything from candles to body wash to teddy bears.

The farm is open to the public between March and December.

2. Walk a trail

Mitchell enjoys walking Harwich Conservation Trust trails on the weekend. The nonprofit, which has been preserving land in Harwich since 1988, offers more than 10 miles of trails on more than 600 acres.

She particularly enjoys the Pleasant Bay Woodlands and Isabel Smith Monomoy River Conservation Lands trails, which are near each other so she can experience them both in one trip.

The family-friendly trails are well marked, easily accessible, and offer parking, she said.

“It’s a great two-in-one walk that’s really enjoyable,” she said.

3. Hit the beach

Mitchell’s favorite beach in town is Red River Beach.

“I always think of Red River as kind of the most quintessential beachy beach,” she said. “It’s a long stretch of beautiful sand with jetties going out into the water.”

The beach is handicap accessible, has restrooms, a bike rack, ample parking, and a food truck in the summer. Guests without a sticker can buy a day pass right at the beach, Mitchell said.

“It’s a great place to take a long walk, bring a bite to eat, or enjoy the sunset,” she said.

Brax Landing is the perfect restaurant for enjoying the local scenery along with the local food, Mitchell said.

The year-round restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and serves everything from lobster rolls to stuffed quahogs to burgers to salads.

“They have the most beautiful outdoor patio that’s right on Saquatucket Harbor, so you can see the boats coming in and the beautiful water,” she said. “You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to sit and enjoy food or a drink.”

Check out the menu.

5. Reader recommendations

Food and beverage:

3 Monkeys — @melissa.schirmer

Perks Coffee Shop & Beer Garden — @bostonbeantown

Cape Roots Market & Cafe — @lizcon

Cape Sea Grille — @lizcon

Ember Pizza — @amacattack12

George’s Pizza House — @idemops

Schoolhouse Ice Cream — @lizcon

The Port Restaurant & Bar — @koleary10, @geoffevan

The Weatherdeck Restaurant — @emmymcsan

Activities:

Bank Street Beach — @bostonbeantown

Bell’s Neck Conservation Lands — @jeanchunt, @lizcon

Below the Brine Bookshop — @lizziehag

Cape Cod Rail Trail — @jeanchunt, @suz_finsta

Pleasant Road Beach — @timg213

Port Summer Nights — @amacattack12

Red River Beach — @dariveter, @amacattack12

Sand Pond Woodlands — @lizcon

The Town of Harwich is a quiet resort and agricultural community located on the south side of the Cape peninsula, with an extensive shoreline on Nantucket Sound. The year-round population is approximately 12,677 with a seasonal increase to 37,000. Harwich encompasses 20.93 square miles of land area with 10.9 miles of tidal shoreline. The town was settled around 1665, and incorporated in 1694. Its early economy included agriculture and maritime industries.

Harwich is located on Nantucket Sound with Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard just south of its sunny beaches. That barrier protection and the shallower water lead to water temperatures that are much more comfortable.

In 1667, Indian Chief Sachemus gave John Mecoy a 36-acre parcel of land in what is now Harwich Center. Gershom Hall, the first white man to reside in Harwich, settled on this land in 1668.

When the whaling industry collapsed with the discovery of oil, the community’s emphasis shifted to cod fishing. By 1802, 15 to 20 ships were shore fishing and another four ships were cod fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador, and by 1851, there were 48 ships employing 577 men and bringing in thousands of tons of cod and mackerel.

The eventual decline of the fishing industry in Harwich by the latter part of the 19th century was caused by increases in the size of ships which eventually outstripped the shallow port’s ability to house them. Residents turned to the development of cranberry bogs and resorts for summer visitors, working side-by-side with Portuguese immigrants. The first resort hotel opened in 1880 and both the cranberry and the tourist industries remain substantial parts of Harwich’s economy in the present.

Sidney Brooks was born in Harwich in 1813. He was educated at Phillips Academy in Andover, and went to Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts. After graduation, he taught at Chatham Academy. In 1843 he began plans to establish a private academy in Harwich. There was no public higher education beyond the elementary level in place at that time. The school opened December 14, 1844 with 45 students, mostly from Harwich. The two-room school was presided over by Sidney Brooks, and an assistant Samuel Miller. The school was open to both sexes and offered courses typical of a high school curriculum at that time.

Anthony Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) was born into a family of mariners and cranberry farmers. As a boy, Elmer was captivated by the outdoors and like many young men of the period, he was always whittling. Explore the story of the Harwich bird carver Elmer Crowell at the reconstructed barn on the grounds of Brooks Academy Museum. The museum has recently opened a brand-new permanent exhibit about the life and work of A. Elmer Crowell, which includes actual video footage of Elmer in his workshop.

John H. Paine Collection is a premier acquisition of the Harwich Historical Society. A collection of historical documents, it preserves much local history. The material was collected by Josiah Paine. Born in Harwich in 1836, he early developed an interest in history and genealogy and collected data for a history of the town. The Paine Collection has now been professionally archived through a grant from the Community Preservation Funds.

Harwich is comprised of seven villages, each with their own special beauty and special character: South Harwich, North Harwich, Harwich Port, Harwich Center, East Harwich, West Harwich and Pleasant Lake.

Jill Frances (Roderick) Polselli, 57, of W.Yarmouth, MA, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 26, 2024 surrounded by her husband and soulmate Cliff, her Mom Faustina F. (Joia) Roderick Raneo and her sister Joannie Roderick at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston. She is predeceased by her Dad John B. Roderick and Stepdad Wallace M. Raneo, Sr. and stepsister Toni Raneo.

Jill was a graduate of Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School and a member of the marching band and winter concerts. She had the impressive opportunity and experience to march in the 1982 Rose Bowl Parade alongside her bandmates playing the clarinet. She had lots of fun cheering and being the mascot for the 1975 D-Y Varsity Basketball Team with her sister Joannie and the cheerleading squad. When high school ended Jill attended Newbury Junior College in Holliston, MA. shortly after becoming a medical secretary.

Eye Health Services of South Yarmouth employed her for twenty years where she assisted many patients in setting up their eye care needs. It was here where she met her associates Donna Lucier and Kat Souza and before long, they became lifelong friends and provided support, strength and love during her long journey of illness.

Jill was a gourmet cook, loved Mexican cuisine, and enjoyed her date nights with her husband dining at Jason’s Tavern in South Dennis. She looked forward to her trips with Cliff to Mexico and enjoyed a new adventure each time. An avid reader, Jill enjoyed all genres, especially Stephen King Novels, a lover of great music, especially Bruno Mars. During her monthly medical appointments to and from Plymouth she would like to listen to Michael McDonald’s greatest hits with her sister Joannie.

A huge fan of the New England Patriots, she weathered many a snowstorm to attend the games with her husband and stepdad. Another favorite pastime was watching reality television, soap operas and Lifetime movies.

Jill leaves behind another sister Linda A. Roderick, niece Nicole D. Webb, great nieces Hailey and Jillian Webb, great nephew (godson) Devin Wixon (Kaley Fournier) and their daughter great niece Wahwahditizii’kwe Wixon, nephew (godson) Jason Boyle (Kelly) and their children great nephew Jackson, and great nieces Vivian and Emilia.

Her aunts (godmother) Irene Walker, Harriet “Babe” Barrows, uncles (godfather) Gerald Roderick, Robert Roderick and Manual (Junie) Joia, Jr.

Jill was also stepmom to Collin Polselli (Nicole LaBossiere), step grandmom to their children Noah and Emma and stepmom to Daphne Polselli (Derrick Silva). Brother-in-laws Amato Polselli (Karlene), Dennis Polselli (Donna), David Polselli, Christopher Polselli (Robert Brehio), Dominic Polselli (Tanya), sisters-in-laws Debra Polselli, Barbara Domingue (Robert) and Linda Jackson (Edmond).

Also surviving are stepsisters Margo Bellamy (Billy), Wendy Espanet and stepbrother Wallace (Skip) M. Raneo, Jr. (Elsie).

Jill will also be missed by her 2 cats Thelma and Louise, many cousins, friends and especially longtime family friend Tracy Byrd.

Jill's husband, Mom and sister Joannie express their gratitude to The Transplant Team, The Transplant Center and all the medical staff of the SICU/ICU Units at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital of Boston.

Visiting hours will take place Wednesday, March 6th from 9-10:30 AM at Doane, Beal & Ames, 260 Main St. (Route 28) in W.Harwich followed by an 11 AM Mass at Holy Trinity Church 246 Main St. (Route 28), W. Harwich. Burial will directly follow mass at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Route 134 in South Dennis.

If desired, memorial donations in Jill’s name may be made to The Transplant Institute, 110 Francis Street, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02215.

HARWICH − Town meeting took a pop at a celebratory staple on Tuesday.

Voters approved a citizen initiative petition article to ban the sale, distribution and use of any type of balloon inflated with any gas lighter-than-air, including but not limited to helium. The ban will begin Sept. 15 and apply to plastic, latex, rubber and Mylar balloons, as well as other types.

The win was narrow: 125 people supported the bylaw, while 109 opposed it.

When balloons drift away, they become litter and often end up in oceans, lakes or forests, posing a deadly hazard for animals, who may choke on the object.

Harwich Town Meeting night 1Harwich held the first night of town meeting. Here's what happened.

"Other options: why not flags, banners, streamers, garden spinners, kites, paper airplanes or stuff like bubbles? Remember bubbles, we all had fun with," said petitioner Patrick Otton, who held balloons as props during his comments.

On Tuesday night, Harwich completed its two-day town meeting at the community center.

Similar bans are in place on Nantucket and in Chatham.

People on both sides debated the ban.

Tom Birch was clad in an orange shirt that read "Let's Ban the Bans" in black lettering on the back.

"If there's one ban I'd vote for, it's banning the bans. It's America. I think we can make choices," said Birch.

Instead, he called on the Monomoy Regional School District to take it on as a civics opportunity and work with the state to craft better pollution and education laws.

Jeff Schwartz said he has "been grieving the loss of our natural world" for his entire life, calling the ban "a small step."

"It's easy to not act. There's something about just denying the issues that we're facing in terms of our environment that I'm really concerned," said Schwartz.

Here are the details of the Harwich balloon ban, including what happens if people violate it.

The bylaw will prohibit people from discarding inflated, underinflated, or non-inflated balloons into any street, alley, waterway, park, beach, or other public place in Harwich unless it is placed in the trash. People can also not knowingly release any balloons inflated with a lighter-than-air gas into the air.

The launching or operation of lighter-than-air aircraft or launching of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gas by government agencies or scientific organizations is allowed.

First offense gets a written warning, while second and third offenses lead to a $50 and $100 fine.

Harwich also banned plastic takeout containers and utensils.

Two other environmental articles also generated controversy. Voters ultimately approved a new bylaw — effective September 2024 — banning restaurants from giving customers plastic containers and utensils, excluding beverages.

But Town Meeting rejected another article seeking special legislation prohibiting the use of fertilizer.

Zoning bylaw amendment to allow for more ADUs

On Tuesday night, Town Meeting voters also approved a zoning bylaw amendment to include a new definition of accessory apartment.

The minimum lot sizes required for accessory apartments in various zoning districts were deleted to allow for more accessory apartments, according to the warrant. The owner will also now be required to sign an affidavit that requires accessory apartments to be leased for no less than six months to help provide more year-round rental housing.

The principal dwelling and accessory apartment must comply with all Board of Health requirements for on-site septic systems, while the Board of Appeals may grant special permits to allow relief for non-conforming properties.

"This amendment will help to address some of the Town’s housing issues by allowing for more accessory apartments. This will increase the housing supply, provide an alternative to large single-family homes and provide people with less expensive housing options," reads the warrant.

The Harwich town election is May 16.

Up next is a town election on May 16, as some items passed during town meeting must also be approved at the polls.

One Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion question asks voters if the town should approve funding to pay for the bond issued for the design, permitting and construction of a dry sewer pipe along Rte. 28. Another asks if the town should approve funding to pay for the $50 million to expand the wastewater collection system in East Harwich.

On the $50 million expansion, a Harwich homeowner with a home valued at $788,000 would see an annual tax increase of $123 a year as a best-case scenario or $165 a year as worst, said town officials on Monday.

Voters will also be asked to approve a 2022 town meeting vote to amend the town charter to change references of "Board of Selectmen" and "Chairman" to "Select Board" and "Chair," to delete references to gender.

Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz.

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