Newsletter

Newsletter | Winter 2025 | Issue 3

PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES

As you may be aware, we have been advocating for an ADA compliant crosswalk with pedestrian operated signals to be installed north of the West Falmouth Market on 28A. A formal request has been sent to MA DOT. As a result of our advocacy and persistence, we have received the support of the Falmouth Select Board and our Massachusetts House and Senate Representatives. Letters in support of this project have been sent to MA DOT and can be viewed on our website.

Please use the emails below to express your approval of this critically important pedestrian safety project. It would be helpful if you could share any personal experiences you may have had in this location as well.

Dylan.Fernandes@masenate.gov

Thomas.Moakley@mahouse.gov

On January 17th, representatives from the West Falmouth Village Association attended the MA DOT comprehensive safety audit of Route 28A from the Otis Rotary to Route 28/Palmer Avenue. We will make the results of this audit available to our membership as soon as the report has been issued by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

We continue to monitor the progress of the establishment of 2 safety zones in the Village. One on Chapoquoit Road and one along Old Dock Road. These things take time, but we are confident that once these designations are made, a 20 MPH speed limit will result in improved public safety in these areas.

The sidewalk extension from the parking lot on Old Dock Road to the boat ramp and an ADA compliant crosswalk at Nashawena is still in the queue as well. We will let you know when you can expect to see progress in that area.

WASTEWATER & NITROGEN

The Town of Falmouth is in the process of drafting supplemental regulations to the State's Title V regulations which govern septic systems of property owners. The Board of Health has been working on a draft policy with input from the Water Quality Management Committee, the Buzzards Bay Coalition and the general public. The policy will specify when Innovative/Alternative (I/A) septic systems will be required to be installed. The current draft would require I/A systems on all new construction in areas of town that are nitrogen impaired/nitrogen sensitive and where there is no future planned sewer expansion. I/A systems would also be required anytime an existing septic system in one of these areas fails State Title V inspection. There is also some discussion related to significant improvements on homes in these areas triggering the requirement to install an I/A system. The draft policy will be presented for discussion at a Select Board Meeting in the coming weeks. The West Falmouth Village Association has been attending these committee meetings and is staying abreast of all developments. We will be weighing in on the matter to the decision makers since West Falmouth is not included in the Town's plans for sewer expansion. If you would like to provide input, email the Board of Health.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Enjoy the photos from the annual tree lighting & social. We hope you were able to attend and we thank all who contributed their time and talent to make this event such a tremendous success.

EARTH DAY IS APRIL 22nd!

WFVA is sponsoring an evening of education and awareness about the dangers of plastics to the environment, the oceans and to our physical bodies at the West Falmouth Library. The Emmy Award Winning documentary "We're All Plastic People Now" which aired on PBS nationwide in April of 2024 will be shown. A discussion will follow where a representative from Oceana and Cape & Islands Chapter of Surfrider will speak and answer questions. A representative of the Town Board of Health or Plastics Reduction Advisory Committee will explain steps that the town is proposing to reduce plastics in food service establishments. All are welcome. Save the date. More details will follow in the months ahead.

On a recent walk with my husband and our dogs, we came across this unique tree. It brought to mind the idea of two living things growing together, merging over time, becoming inseparable and forming a symbiotic relationship. Passersby have carved their initials and expressions of affection in the trunks. It reminded me of love, connectedness, togetherness and made me smile. In this time where there is much division, this was a reminder of all things beautiful when we care for one another.

Tell us where this tree is located and win a $25 gift card to West Falmouth Market!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

We will have our next Board Meeting on Thursday, February 27th, 5:00PM at the West Falmouth Library. The agenda will be posted on our website. Please let us know via email if there is anything you would like us to consider for discussion.

Please support WFVA and pay your membership dues today!

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!