Newsletter | Summer 2025 | Issue 5

2025 ANNUAL MEETING

Please join us!

Thursday, August 7th

6:00-8:00PM, West Falmouth Library

We’re thrilled to welcome Eileen Miskell from the Upper Cape YMCA as our special guest speaker at this year’s Annual Meeting! She’ll be sharing an exciting sneak peek at the incredible new YMCA facility being planned for Brick Kiln Road — a project that promises to be a game-changer for families, fitness fans, and folks of all ages. With construction set to break ground this fall, now’s your chance to see the plans, ask questions, and find out how this vibrant new space will bring health, wellness, and community connection to life right here in our own backyard. Don’t miss it!

YMCA FLYOVER VIDEO

Thank you to our lifetime members and those who paid their $25 annual dues. If it slipped your mind, we would be happy to take your payment now and would be grateful for your support. CLICK here

TENNIS ANYONE?

The Town of Falmouth Recreation Department has partnered with USTA New England to offer "tennis in the parks", an affordable and accessible tennis program. The West Falmouth Village Association worked with the recreation department to bring this program to Swift Park. Six weekly sessions will be offered beginning on September 10th. There will be a program for 11-14 year olds at 5PM and an adult program at 6PM. Be on the lookout for future communication with detail and registration instructions. We hope to see you on the court!

PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES

The much anticipated road safety audit of Route 28A from the Otis Rotary to Palmer Avenue has been released! The full report will be posted on our website soon. The summary/recommendations section of the report is linked if you are interested in the condensed version. We are reviewing the content and will continue to work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation as well as our state and local representatives to advocate for recommended safety improvements in the Village. As you may know, our number one priority is addressing the area in front of West Falmouth Market. Hopefully progress is being made as MA DOT indicated the following in a July 22nd communication with Thomas Moakley, our State Representative..."The District is actively working to advance improvements to the crosswalk and surrounding roadway that can be implemented within a reasonable timeframe, that would address the safety concerns at this location."

There have been ongoing discussions with Mike Renshaw, Town Manager, about the possibility of renovating our much loved West Falmouth Fire Station and adding an ambulance bay. Using funding allocated for station assessment and repairs, Mr. Renshaw ordered a feasibility study. We are awaiting the final report and will share details when they are shared with us.

Residents have expressed concerns about excessive speed by both cars and motorcycles along 28A. We responded with a formal request to have a speed trailer that captures statistics installed in the area along 28A between Blair Lane and Hawks Way. We are in the queue so you should see this shortly.

The sidewalks along Old Dock Road and the crosswalk at Nashawena were complete in time for the influx of summer activity in this area. Thank you to those who advocated for this and to the town DPW for prioritizing the project.

POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF 0 WEST FALMOUTH HWY

The affordable housing group in town is working on an RFP (request for proposal) aimed at developers who may be interested in building housing on 2 vacant lots totaling 2.8 acres in West Falmouth. The land is located at the intersection of Route 28A and Route 28 across from Palmer Avenue (see map below). The RFP seeks proposals to build 6 dwelling units in a combination of single family, triplex or duplex structures. I/A septic systems would be required. The proposed plan is for the land to be developed under 40B permitting. 70% of the units would be designated for owners earning 60-140% of the "area median income." On July 23rd, a public information session was held and recorded on Youtube. View the link to learn more and to hear several residents share thought provoking comments. Discussion of these RFP's is on the Select Board Agenda for Monday, July 28th. Anyone interested in this project is encouraged to attend.

TITLE V SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATION FOLLOW UP

There is ongoing effort by the Board of Health to implement regulations for I/A (innovative/alternative) septic systems in nitrogen sensitive areas. This will impact much of West Falmouth. The focus at this time is for "new construction only" although there is also discussion of major improvements, property sales and Title V failure triggering a requirement to install an I/A. On July 14th, a meeting was held to review a draft policy. Public hearings will be scheduled likely in the fall.

A map of the "nitrogen sensitive areas" referred to in the regulation is linked here. The hatch marks identify where the regulation would apply.

OYSTER POND TIDAL RESTORATION PROJECT

The Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) is involved in a project to replace the culvert you see along the bike path in West Falmouth connecting Oyster Pond to West Falmouth Harbor. This will result in improved tidal exchange and storm drainage and will improve the water quality for fish and shellfish. A public meeting was recently held at the library to discuss the project. If you were unable to attend and would like information, please see the brochure below and/or sign up for updates on APCC's website. There will be additional public meetings as the project moves through design and permitting phases. If all goes well, construction would be in 2027-2028 and would involve a bike path detour. We will continue to monitor this project and will update you accordingly.

WEST FALMOUTH REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE

Active Listings: 10 properties currently on the market

Pending Sales: 9 properties under contract

Closed Sales: 11 homes sold since 01/01/2025

Average Days on Market: 106 days vs 28 days for the same time period in 2024

We’re seeing a noticeable shift in the current market. While demand remains strong for West Falmouth, especially for properties near the beach, bike path, and waterfront, there’s a clear increase in days on market and available inventory. This means more competition for sellers and more choices for buyers. Homes that are well-maintained, move-in ready, and updated are standing out and selling more quickly in today’s market.

Content provided by...

Katie Collette, Principal, Managing Broker

katie@erminelovell.com

Ermine Lovell Real Estate LLC

550 West Falmouth Hwy

Where is the highest spot in West Falmouth at 192 feet above sea level?

Submit your answer and be entered in a drawing to win a $25 gift card!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

We are a not-for profit organization. Board members are invested in our community and volunteer their time. Efforts are focused on maintaining the character of West Falmouth as well as advocating for public safety and the preservation of natural resources. Please join today and/or email us if you would like to help in any way!