A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the communication breakdown during a power outage on April 26, 2025, which left approximately two-thirds of Chatham without electricity. Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the town’s response, emphasizing the absence of timely updates during the outage. Elaine Gibbs, a local resident, stressed the importance of quick communication.

Fire Chief Justin Tano, also the emergency management director, acknowledged the outage but explained that the short duration of the storm and the absence of immediate threats to safety influenced their decision to limit communication. He mentioned that during larger-scale events, more information is typically shared with the public. Despite his explanation, residents like Gibbs remained frustrated, arguing that the lack of communication left the community feeling abandoned. The board recognized the divide between residents’ expectations and current practices, expressing a desire to improve communication strategies and ensure transparency in future emergencies.

The meeting also delved into the topic of affordable housing, a issue for the community. The board discussed the legal processes surrounding Chapter 40B, which centralizes permitting in the zoning board of appeals to expedite affordable housing projects. Town council provided insights into this process, explaining the select board’s limited role once applications are submitted. However, the council noted that the select board can influence project eligibility during the pre-application stage.

Further discussions centered on ongoing affordable housing developments and the implications of Land Disposition Agreements (LDAs) with developers like Penrose. Concerns were raised about the select board’s contractual obligations to support approved projects, despite personal opposition from some members. The board grappled with the balance between fulfilling contractual agreements and addressing community concerns. Public comments highlighted the necessity of affordable housing in Chatham, with residents emphasizing the town’s historical commitment to such initiatives. However, there were also calls for a more comprehensive policy to guide future developments and ensure they align with the community’s needs.

The meeting also addressed the proposed adoption of a residential exemption, aimed at providing tax relief to year-round residents. The exemption sparked mixed reactions, with some board members expressing a shift in perspective due to rising living costs in Chatham. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on the relationship between full-time and summer residents, with some fearing it could create divisions. The board voted in favor of a 30% residential tax exemption for fiscal year 2027, with one member voting against it, reflecting ongoing debates about balancing support for permanent residents with the need for inclusivity.

In addition to these topics, the meeting covered updates on the town’s water supply and the progress of the permanent treatment facility. Concerns about the water rate increase and its potential retroactive application were also discussed, with calls for clarity on billing practices.