Newsletter | Fall 2025 | Issue 6

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FALL TENNIS WRAP UP

The youth and adult tennis programs sponsored by the West Falmouth Village Association and offered through the Parks and Recreation Department were a great success. We hope that those who participated at Swift Park enjoyed themselves and gained some skills. Please provide feedback so that we can assess whether or not programs such as this are valued in our community.

PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES

Representative Moakley has contacted MassDOT for details and a timeline on the planned ADA-compliant crosswalk near the West Falmouth Market. It appears that some surveying has already been done. We’re eager to see this project move forward, as this area continues to pose serious safety concerns.

A resident on Blair Lane recently reported that children were almost hit by a driver who failed to stop for a school bus. Residents are worried about the ongoing speeding problem along 28A and are asking for a crosswalk or some other safety fix. A speed tracker was placed between Blair Lane and Hawks Way. The Traffic Advisory Committee shared the collected statistics at a recent meeting. We suspect the data may be off since the tracker picked up cars entering or leaving personal residences and side streets at much lower speeds. We plan to ask the Committee to revisit this area and place the tracker in a better location early this coming summer, when traffic increases.

In our last newsletter, we shared that the town had hired Gale Associates to conduct a feasibility study to see if it would be possible to add an additional bay to the West Falmouth Fire Station. We’re pleased to report that the study confirmed the addition is possible. However, we are disappointed to also have to report that the town's long term strategic plans appear to be for a combined North/West fire station and to simply maintain the West Falmouth station for the time being. At a recent precinct meeting, our Town Manager said in reference to the possibility of constructing another bay, "It is feasible, but costly, and in my opinion it does not add a tremendous amount of value." We will continue to communicate with town officials to ensure that West Falmouth is never without adequate coverage to meet the demands of public safety in the Village.

Our President, Jim Gray, is spending a lot of time analyzing the need for sidewalk and crosswalk safety improvements. He is considering how we can further our advocacy working with MassDOT in light of the road safety audit findings. We will be soliciting opinions from our West Falmouth neighbors through an online survey in a future communication. If you have any thoughts to share in the meantime, please email us.

WARRANT ARTICLE 18 - 0 W FAL HWY

WFVA recently wrote a letter supporting Article 18 which seeks to conserve 2.8 acres of forest land at the intersection of Routes 28, 28A and Palmer Avenue. This land was purchased by a town appointed committee and through a town meeting vote specifically for the purpose of watershed protection and forestation. It is currently being considered for housing development.

WFVA Letter to The Enterprise 11-7-25

Presentation prepared by Eric Hryniewicz, Petitioner

Historical records of land purchase for the purpose of Long Pond Watershed protection and forestation

WFVA Letter to Select Board 7-28-25 about safety

11-9...ANOTHER CRASH at 0 W Fal Hwy

11-13 ...and...ANOTHER CRASH!

TOWN MEETING, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH

As you may know, we have a representative town meeting form of government. Town Meetings are held in April and November each year. West Falmouth is precincts 6 & 7, each represented by 27 members serving 3 year terms. Members are expected to educate themselves about all articles being proposed and to vote in alignment with the views of the constituents they represent. The warrant booklets have been published detailing what will be considered on November 17th. Whether you are a seasonal or full time resident, all property owner/taxpayer voices matter. If there is anything on the warrant that you would like to weigh in on, please click here for your precinct representatives contact information.

TITLE V SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATION FOLLOW UP

After a very lengthy process with much thought and deliberation, the Falmouth Board of Health has approved a policy (FHR 15.15) which will require the installation of septic systems using best available nitrogen reducing technology in designated "nitrogen regulated areas" of town not planned for sewer connections. This policy is specific to "new construction" which is defined as an increase in flow. This initial step will not affect existing residences provided they don't renovate their properties and trigger the "new construction flow" rule.

PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS PLANNED FOR SNUG HARBOR!

The Water Quality Management Committee has been working on a project plan to install PRBs (permeable reactive barriers) adjacent to Nashawena Street. 12" boreholes along two 250' sections will be drilled using an augur drill rig. The holes in one area will be filled with wood chips and gravel and the holes in the second area will be filled with emulisified vegetable oil media. Both of these technologies are effective at removing nitrogen from ground water. There is proof of concept as this technology was installed many years ago on Shorewood Drive in East Falmouth, on Child's River and in Waquoit Bay. Those sites have been monitored and have shown significant improvements. As you may know, the health of West Falmouth Harbor has been significantly degraded mostly due to a plume of nitrogen rich groundwater coming from the Wastewater Treatment Facility. We are thrilled that the town is taking steps to remediate. A grant to fund this project has been received and a PRESS RELEASE has been issued. The initial plan is for construction in the Spring/Summer. A sincere THANK YOU to all responsible for this important work. We will continue to monitor developments. For more detail, see the 3/2025 presentation to the Water Quality Management Committee.

WEST FALMOUTH REAL ESTATE MARKET SNAPSHOT

AUGUST 1 - OCTOBER 21, 2025

Active Listings: 12 properties currently on the market

Pending Sales: 4 properties under contract

Closed Sales: 14 homes sold (up from only 6 in 2024)

Average Days on Market: 112 days (vs 31 days in 2024)

The late summer market in West Falmouth Village saw more homes changing hands compared to last year, but properties are taking longer to sell and closing at lower average prices. Despite shifting numbers, if you’re considering selling, there may be more opportunities than you expect for downsizing and still remaining right here in the West Falmouth Village. Now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the spring market. The winter months offer an ideal window to tackle projects that make a big difference. Decluttering, completing minor repairs, refreshing paint, improving curb appeal, and lining up professional photography before the spring rush.

Content provided by Katie Collette, Principal, Managing Broker

katie@erminelovell.com

The highest point in West Falmouth was Telegraph Hill. The question was sourced from The Book of Falmouth. One reader responded that there is an area near the waste water treatment facility higher in elevation so since we couldn't confirm or deny that claim, we entered in his submission as well. Thank you for participating! Congratulations to Walter McLean whose entry was selected.

Where is this located in West Falmouth and what makes this property significant?

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!