Dear WFVA Members and Friends,

As summer draws to a close and we begin the transition into fall, I want to extend my best wishes to all who call West Falmouth home—whether throughout the year or for part of it. To those preparing to leave for the season, safe travels.

I want to take a moment to update you on a few recent developments of interest to our community.

OYSTER POND CULVERT REPLACEMENT:

A zoom meeting is scheduled for tomorrow evening to discuss this project which will directly impact West Falmouth by rerouting bicycle and pedestrian traffic from the bike path around the construction area. The agenda is linked here and the public is welcome to join.

Falmouth Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee

September 2, 2026, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83068986363

Meeting ID: 830 6898 6363

Passcode: 807102

FIRESTATION:

Following significant advocacy by members of our Board and community, the Select Board voted to eliminate a proposed $75,000 expenditure for another study of Falmouth’s town-wide fire station model. The Board also voted unanimously to remove the proposed consolidation of the North and West Falmouth fire stations from the Town’s Capital Plan. You may read WFVA’s August 17 letter to the Select Board here. The Falmouth Enterprise also reported on the discussion in it's August 20th edition. We hope these decisions will allow the Town to focus its attention and resources on serious problems that still require solutions: adequate Fire Department staffing and necessary renovations of both the North and West Falmouth stations. Eric Turkington’s recent Enterprise column linked here provides additional history and perspective on this issue.

0 W FAL HWY:

The Falmouth Housing Trust has written to the Select Board asking that the Town reconsider its prior decision and reissue the RFP so the Trust can move forward with its proposal to develop these Article 97-protected, Town-owned parcels. On August 19th, WFVA wrote to Town Counsel and Town management requesting clarification as to whether the Housing Trust’s request is being considered and whether the Town’s prior legal position has changed. To date, we have not received the requested clarification.

The Association to Preserve Cape Cod has submitted a letter supporting the citizen’s petition to transfer the care, custody, and control of these parcels to the Conservation Commission.

On September 14th, the Select Board will vote on whether to endorse the citizen’s petition. Your presence at this meeting would be welcome, and we encourage residents to email the Select Board to express support for the article at selectboard@falmouthma.gov. If you have questions or would like additional information, please email us at westfalmouthvillage@gmail.com.

Thank you for your interest, your support, and the confidence you have placed in me as President of WFVA. Whether you are busy with back-to-school activities, staying through the quieter months, or saying goodbye until next season, please know that you remain an important part of the West Falmouth community.

Happy fall to all!

Sincerely,

Tammy Gilbert