West Barnstable was well represented last month when the Town Council sought citizen volunteers. Two of the three candidates that stepped forward for the town’s open Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates position live in West Barnstable. I thank both Patrick Princi and Terry Duenas for their commitment to the town.
Many West Barnstable residents in the highlands, north of the mid-cape highway, have been suffering for years with noise from the town’s firing range. To lessen the noise, the town needs to construct a sound proofing berm at the town firing range which is on conservation land. Given that the state helped fund the original 1,100 acres of land purchased where the firing range is located, the town is required by the state to perform a land conversion in order for us to use the conservation land for a new berm. In an effort to move the berm project forward, the Town Manager held a public hearing regarding the conversion on July 12. As a result of that hearing, Town Manager Lynch has now converted two Bridge Creek marshland parcels from municipal use into conservation use.
I want to thank Mr. Lynch very much for his efforts. As a result of the conversion, the users of the firing range will get to continue what they have been doing for years. The conversion of the marshland within the coastal zone to conservation will better protect the environment in an area of critical environmental concern. The conversion transfer will continue to build good faith with the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services Self Help Program.
The town can now begin to finalize the design and construct the berm. That effort will enable the West Barnstable residents living near the range north of the highway to experience an improved quality of life.
On Saturday, August 18th from 10-4 come join me at the West Barnstable Village Festival. I plan to begin my day volunteering at Meetinghouse Farm located at 2135 Route 149. At the farm they will have a show and sale of fine arts and crafts by local artists. There is also a silent auction with over 100 items. You can enjoy a diverse collection of activities including meeting master gardeners, making a summer bouquet or learning all about garlic.
At the West Barnstable Community Building you do not want to miss visiting the BARS tent for barbequed clams and great clam chowder. If seafood isn’t your thing, please stop by for some burgers and dogs cooked to perfection by the West Barnstable Fire Fighters. I can’t wait. The festival hosts a Classic Car Show on Lombard Field. Our little yellow MG will be there.
For the children there will be face painting, a magic show, foam frolic, dunk tank, horse drawn carriage, live music, and a police K-9 dog demonstration. Whelden Memorial Library will have a bake, produce, craft and book sale. Edith Tonelli will be showing her art at the Old Selectmen’s Building. You don’t want to miss the WB Train Station and Museum. Mini train rides will be available there. You can go on the big train from that station too. They run on a schedule. So, you should call ahead. There will be a free shuttle van service between West Parish Church parking lot and the Community Building. The rain date is Sunday August 19.
Please mark your calendars! The primary election is on a Thursday this year. The Secretary of the Commonwealth has changed the day of the State Primary Election to Thursday, September 6, 2012.