Provincetown News Update

The summer rental season is upon us and so is a scam. If you are seeking to rent a vacation home here on the Cape, make sure you are renting directly from the owner or realtor representing the owner. Criminals looking to make quick cash have advertised homes for rent on Craigslist that they do not own. There are no reported victims as of yet. However, this could potentially cost vacationers thousands of dollars if they fall for it. Always try and validate the owner’s name by visiting the town website and checking the Assessor’s database.

A newly renovated town hall isn’t the only jewel Provincetown is seeing unfold. Recent work has uncovered numerous items from the past. A beer can from the 1950’s, a copy of a 1937 Cape Cod Colonial newspaper which headlined a story on Adolph Hitler’s actions and four signatures from workers who signed their names in the belfry in 1886.

The historic town hall which was built 123 years ago, is undergoing massive renovations after being deemed unsafe last year.

As a side note, there was an advertisement for a four bedroom summer cottage in the 1937 newspaper. The selling price…$2500.

The off road beach access to Race Point Beach South was temporarily closed due to the hatching of Plover chicks. Expected closures will also take place as eggs hatch along other ORV routes to Race Point Beach. If you use these roads, you may be able to use Race Point North roads most of the summer as nesting activity in this area is very minimal.

Piping plovers are on the endangered species list and the nests are monitored daily by the National Parks Service biologist. Once the chicks leave the nest, the roads are re-opened.

If there are unexpected closings, permit holders will be allowed to park for free at Herring Cove Beach, Race Point Beach and Head of the Meadow Beach. Recreational vehicles that are self contained will find parking accommodations at Race Point Beach and The Province Lands Visitor Center.

Provincetown residents have consistently used more water than the town’s allotted daily 850,000 gallons. This over usage may cause the state to enforce a water ration on the town.

Any rations would be a detriment to the hospitality industry which is a cornerstone of the economy. It will also impact homeowners and businesses seeking to expand their water capacity for additions or development. Provincetown gets its water from three wells in Truro. Alternative well fields are being sought out as a back-up water supply.

Remember the old saying… water is a precious resource here in Provincetown, please use what you need and waste none.

Austin Knight, a Provincetown Selectmen, broke his arm this past Tuesday as he was working on a home in the center of town. He was taken to Cape Cod hospital and is doing ok.

The class of 2009, the smallest graduating class in the state, marched through light rain to shake hands and grab diplomas last Friday. The ceremony took place at The Pilgrim Monument where the 23 graduates and over 400 attendees were sheltered under a large tent. The commencement address was delivered by State Representative Sarah Peake. Good luck to all graduates.

Thanks for reading and if you have any ideas, please email me at michael.dubour@century21.com.