CAPE 15TM FORUM
Cape Cod, Massachusetts is comprised of 15 towns that thrive beyond the two bridges linking them to the rest of Massachusetts. These towns, the "Cape 15" TM, make up the Cape Cod community. Due to the uniqueness of Cape Cod, residents of the Cape 15 TM share a special bond, born of geography, and frequently confront issues that are uniquely local. This page is dedicated to providing residents of Cape Cod with a forum concerning a wide range of issues that affect the local community. If you have a concern, or wish to express your view on a topic of local interest, and you are a resident of one of the Cape 15 TM, email your thoughts to us for consideration. We will review all letters, and publish those that are well written and that address interesting local issues, on a weekly basis. Letters can be sent to:CapeHomepage@yahoo.com. All letters must include the author's name, town and telephone number for verificaiton purposes. We will strive to publish letters from a resident of each of the Cape 15 TM towns on a weekly basis, in order to capture the Cape-wide opinions and ideas of Cape Cod residents. Due to space limitations, letters must be limited to 200 words or fewer, and are subject to editing by the reviewers at:CapeHomepage.com. In the meantime, check back here in the future for opinions and editorials on topics of importance to Cape Cod residents.
(The "Cape 15" TM towns are: Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Harwich, Mashpee, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro, Wellfleet, and Yarmouth)
www.Cape15.com
CAPEHOMEPAGE.COM READER LETTERS:
As of January 1, 2008, Massachusetts adopted a new set of building codes that greatly affect the Cape Cod region. These new standards are based on the International Code Conduct. Simply stated they require any one and two family dwelling that will require a building permit for construction of a new home or addition within 1 Mile of the coastline to have hurricane storm protection. This means they are required to install either Hurricane grade shutters over doors and windows or install high impact glass.
This 1 mile designation is the 110 mph wind zone and must have effective coverage against hurricane force winds and wind borne debris. This will add significant cost to the construction cost, but in the long run will protect homes along the coastline from any potential wind devastation.
The new 7th Edition building codes are available online from the Massachusetts Dept of Public Safety at www.mass.gov/dps . It will give descriptions of necessary information for homeowners, builders and Town building inspectors. Also included is a mapping of this 1 mile area, as well as a Table of Massachusetts Basic Wind Speeds broken down by speeds and towns.
For those homeowners, builders and Town Building inspectors that seeks solutions to meet code, Cape Cod Retractable Screens & Shutters 759 Falmouth Rd. #5, Mashpee, MA 02649, 508-539-3307 offers various hurricane shutter options within a wide price range. Ask for Steve Daley.
Lastly, even outside of this 1 Mile region winds are rated upto 100+ mph and homeowners and builders should consider adding protection to existing structures.
Steve Daley
Cape Cod Retractable Screens & Shutters
759 Falmouth Rd., #5
Mashpee, MA 02649
508-539-3307
www.ScreensNshutters.com
POSTED 2-19-08
To Whom It May Concern,
This is Tim Folan from Bad Fish Outfitters. I just wanted to thank you for linking us on your website. I truly appreciate the support.
I am not sure if your readers are interested or not, but Bad Fish Outfitters in North Falmouth is hosting a "Fishing Tactics 101" seminar at the store. This is a seminar for all ages and abilities. It will be held on March 8th, 2008, which is a Saturday afternoon. Food and beverage will be provided.
Cheers,
Tim