Open Burning Season begins January 15 – May 1 between the hours of 10-4. Permits are not required however you must call the Cotuit Fire Department (508) 428-2210 on the morning you wish to burn after 9:30am.
MassDEP answers to your burning questions HERE
Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment to Host Three Public Vaccine Clinics in September and October
Clinics will provide an opportunity to get the recently approved COVID-19 bivalent booster, and/or the influenza vaccine for the 2022/2023 flu season
September 8, 2022 (Barnstable, MA) – Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment’s Public Health Nursing Division will be offering three public vaccine clinics for administration of both the COVID-19 bivalent booster (or “updated booster”) and/or the 2022/2023 influenza vaccine. The clinics will be held at the Harborview Conference Room at 3195 Main Street in Barnstable Village at the following dates and times:
September 21, 2022, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
September 30, 2022, 9:00 AM to 12: 00 PM
October 5, 2022, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Accommodations will be provided for those with impaired mobility.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older and can pre-register for a Pfizer or Moderna bivalent booster and/or influenza vaccine at the following link:
https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/barnstable?calendar=53d670fc-9ea3-4720-8b22-15be78562f8d. Anyone who requires telephone assistance to register for these clinics may call the COVID-19 Helpline at (774) 330-3001.
We are unable to accept walk-ins and will not administer vaccine to anyone who does not have an appointment. Participants should arrive no more than 10 minutes prior to their scheduled time to prevent lines and long wait times.
Homebound individuals who would like to receive an updated COVID-19 booster can call the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) at (508) 957-7737 to schedule a visit.
Like the flu vaccine, the updated COVID-19 boosters are bivalent, meaning they protect against two different viruses or two strains of the same virus. In this case, the boosters target the original COVID-19 strain and the newer omicron variant. Reported side effects are the same as the original vaccine. It is safe and effective to receive the updated booster and the flu vaccine simultaneously, or patients may choose to receive them on separate dates.
It is important to note that the original monovalent Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use as boosters in people ages 12 years and older. The FDA made this decision because the updated booster is designed to offer more protection from the circulating omicron variant.
For vaccination and booster schedules by vaccine manufacturer, visit CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html. For information on vaccination and booster shots in Barnstable County visit Vaccine Information – Barnstable County (capecod.gov). You may also find and schedule vaccination appointments at local pharmacies and community health clinics through https://vaxfinder.mass.gov.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY DERPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
Established under a Special Act of the Legislature in 1926, the Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment (BCDHE) provides regional public health and environmental health services throughout the 15 towns comprising Barnstable County. The Department manages several environmental, public health, and homeland security grants funded through state and federal resources. The Department’s primary mission is to protect public health and the environment and promote the physical and mental health and well-being of Barnstable County residents.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at https://www.capecod.gov/
MEDIA CONTACT: Bethany Traverse, Health Communications Coordinator, bethany.traverse@barnstablecounty.org
Attention Swimmers
Cotuit Loop Beach
Thursday August 18, 2022
8:30 AM
Public Beach Re-Opens
August 16, 2022 – Loop Beach continues to remain closed for swimming due to elevated Enterococci bacteria counts. Due to this exceedance, this beach does not meet 105 CMR 445.00, Minimum Standards for Bathing Beaches, and is required to be closed to swimming. Re-samples were taken today and the results will be available late tomorrow afternoon.
Beach Water Quality Updates August 15, 2022 Loop Beach continues to remain closed for swimming due to elevated Enterococci bacteria counts. Due to recurring bacterial count exceedances, this beach does not meet 105 CMR 445.00, Minimum Standards for Bathing Beaches, and is required to remain closed to swimming. Re-samples are being taken today however due to the geomean exceedance levels results observed during the past multiple days, please be advised that this beach may be required to remain closed for several more days.August 12, 2022 –
Loop Beach continues to remain closed for swimming due to elevated Enterococci bacteria counts. Due to this exceedance, this beach does not meet 105 CMR 445.00, Minimum Standards for Bathing Beaches, and is required to be closed to swimming.
Re-samples are being conducted, however due to the exceedance levels, the beach will remain closed for a minimum of this weekend.
David W. Stanton, RS
Chief Health Inspector
August 10, 2022 – 3pm Loop Beach is closed for swimming due to elevated Enterococci bacteria counts. Due to this exceedance, this beach does not meet 105 CMR 445.00, Minimum Standards for Bathing Beaches, and is required to be closed to swimming.
Re-samples were collected yesterday and the results of the re-samples will be available late this afternoon.
David W. Stanton, RS
Chief Health Inspector
Attention Swimmers
Cotuit Loop Beach
Per Town of Barnstable Director of Recreation, DPW rakes the beach to the high tide mark once a week. The rake will scoop up trash and seaweed to the high tide mark. Anything below that mark gets left behind for mother nature to take care of. Staff picks up trash on the beach every morning but doesn’t have the capability of doing the seaweed.
The last day of lifeguards at Loop Beach will be August 6th. On August 7th, there will still be a Gate Attendant to check stickers and open the bathroom. Loop will be staffed in that capacity for as long as they can.
Fireworks July 3, 2022, 9pm Cotuit Inner Harbor
hosted by the Oyster Harbors Club
Update: 6/21/22
Copy of letter sent to Mark Ells by MassDOT
“Mark S. Ells
Town Manager Town of Barnstable 367 Main St. Hyannis, MA 02601
June 14, 2022
Subject: MassDOT Highway Division Project 612776 BARNSTABLE – INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AT ROUTE 28 (FALMOUTH ROAD) AND SANTUIT-NEWTOWN ROAD- Project Eligibility Notification
Dear Mr. Ells:Please be advised that the Highway Division’s Project Review Committee (PRC) has approved a project in the Town of BARNSTABLE – INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AT ROUTE 28 (FALMOUTH ROAD) AND SANTUIT-NEWTOWN ROAD and assigned it the project number 612776. MassDOT will now begin the project development process for this project. As the project develops, MassDOT will coordinate with the town to determine priorities and potential phasing depending on the availability of funds.
PRC approval is not a commitment of state or federal funding to the project. MassDOT, in conjunction with the Cape Cod Commission, continually evaluates transportation needs and priorities. MassDOT is responsible for the design, permitting, and documentation required to complete the project through construction.
District 5 will keep you informed of the project’s progress and will involve you in any key decisions related to the project scope, any right-of-way impacts, possible environmental concerns, traffic management plans, or anything else warranted.
You may monitor this project’s progress through the MassDOT web site at
https://hwy.massdot.state.ma.us/projectinfo/projectinfo.asp
District 5, 1000 County Street, Taunton, MA 02780 Tel: 857-368-5000, Fax: 508-880-6102 http://www.mass.gov/massdot”
Update: 6/1/22
Sharing the good news that MassDOT approved a new project for Route 28 at Santuit Newtown Road earlier this month at their PRC meeting. MassDOT initiated an intersection improvement project for this intersection at the Project Review Committee (PRC) meeting held on May 12, 2022. This is the first step necessary for a project to develop through the TIP process for design and construction. The project was approved through PRC. The design process can now begin.
MassDOT looks forward to working with the Town as this project progresses!
Update: 4/1/22
Update: 3/2/2022
View Final Route 28 at Santuit-Newtown Road Safety Audit HERE
JUST INFORMED THIS IS NOT A PUBLIC MEETING!
Virtual Road Safety Audit (RSA) on Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for the intersection of Route 28 at Santuit-Newtown Road.
UPDATE: 11/23/21
Road Safety Audit Review Prompt List
The Safety Review Prompt List provides basic safety-related questions to use when evaluating a given roadway location. The prompt list should be considered when evaluating a roadway to design improve- ments or conduct a Road Safety Audit. The primary purpose of the prompt list is to identify potential road safety hazards. The list is meant to be general and should be used to prompt an evaluator as to specific matters identified in the field that may have an adverse effect on road safety. The Safety Review Prompt List is not a check of compliance with design standards.
This Prompt List represents the minimum that should be considered when exploring safety opportunities and is not intended to address all aspects of safety.
A summary of the responses should be prepared to highlight potential safety improvement opportunities.
Speed
Are posted speed limits consistent with speed regulations; are they adequate?
Are design features consistent with the posted speed (passing opportunities, sight distance,
warning signs for horizontal and vertical curves, clearance intervals, sign placement, etc.) Are adequate controls in place for driver compliance with speed limits?
Multi-modal
Have accommodations been provided for safe movement of pedestrians, bicycles, emergency vehicles, public transportation, and commercial vehicles?
What design features could be improved, added, or removed to enhance the safe mobility of the various modes?
Pavement Markings
Are there highly visible and retro reflective edge lines, center lines, and other pavement markings?
Do the pavement markings provide sufficient guidance to the road users? Can the placement of the pavement markings be modified to improve guidance to road users?
Signs
Are all signs retro reflective and visible for all roadway conditions, including placed free from obstructions?
Are signs located to maximize perception and reaction while minimizing intrusion in clear zones? Does the signage provide adequate guidance to road users for given road conditions?
Are pavement markings and signs consistent in effectively guiding road users?
Intersection Control
Do all signs (stop signs, lane assignments, street names, etc.) provide visible, clear, non-conflicting messages?
Is there clear, non-conflicting visibility of traffic control (signal heads, signs, and markings) from all approach lanes?
Has the potential of misrepresentation of intersection control been considered (at closely spaced intersections or through control that is against expectation)?
For signalized intersections, have the implications on safety been considered for the signal phasing?
Is there a safe means by which all modes can travel through the intersection? Lighting
Is lighting (from headlights and/or streetlights) adequate for specific roadway conditions and/or use?
If glare exists from sunlight or opposing headlights, are there countermeasures that can be implemented to minimize potentially detrimental effects?
Obstructions
Are there obstructions to sight lines or roadway guidance (signs, markings, etc.) that can be removed, relocated, or minimized as part of this project?
If obstructions or fixed objects exist but cannot be moved, can they be shielded (with guardrails, etc.) or delineated (with reflectors) to improve road user safety? If so, what can be done?
Pavement
Could the condition of the pavement impact mobility and safety (potholes, edge drop-offs, skid resistance, etc.)?
What improvements can be made to minimize safety impacts?
Access Points and Traffic Generators
Is the access control sufficient for the road’s function?
Are site access points located to maximize safety while still providing adequate access?
Have impacts of site developments been adequately accommodated for safe mobility of all
road users?
Parking
Is parking clearly delineated and in conformance with signs, markings, and regulations? Might parking obstruct mobility/safety of pedestrians and other roadway users?
Weather Conditions
Have accommodations been made for impacts from adverse weather condition (storage of snow, removal of ponding, adequate drainage, signage of low salt areas, maintenance program for snow removal, and catch basin clearing, etc.)?
Auxiliary Lanes
Could taper locations and/or alignments contribute to safety challenges?
Could lack of climbing lanes or passing zones cause driver frustration?
Do acceleration/deceleration lane lengths necessitate additional signage and/or markings?
Animals
Do animal migrations impact safety?
Can measures be taken to reduce animal-vehicle conflicts
The Cape Cod Commission (CCC), in coordination with MassDOT and the Town of Barnstable, have scheduled a Virtual Road Safety Audit (RSA) on Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for the intersection of Route 28 at Santuit-Newtown Road. Your involvement (or a representative from your agency/department) in the RSA is important and will result in specific recommendations for improved safety at this intersection in the village of Cotuit in the Town of Barnstable.
Please find a copy of the agenda and meeting materials RSA Agenda – Rt 28 at Santuit Newtown Rd Dec_2021 Crash Diagram_Santuit_Newtown_Final SantuitNewtown Crash Data Spreadsheet Cotuit_Route_28_Corridor_Study_Final_Report-February_2017(web_version) Please review the crash data, crash diagram and prompt list ahead of time to become familiar with the crash issues and trends. We also encourage you to visit the intersections ahead of the meeting (in person or via Google Street View) if you are not already familiar with the roadway conditions. Additionally, please review the attached Route 28 Cotuit Corridor Study, dated February 2017, which was previously prepared by the Cape Cod Commission Transportation Staff and includes recommendations for this intersection.
Participants in the RSA will discuss crash experience and potential countermeasures for improving safety. Following the meeting, a draft and final report will be prepared by the CCC and distributed to the attendees for review and comment. The final report will guide the Town of Barnstable and MassDOT for potential future short- and long-term safety improvements for this intersection.
The meeting will be held virtually on the Zoom platform. Participants may also dial into the meeting on their phone. See Zoom login details below.
Zoom Meeting Link – https://capecodcommission.org/transportation/join
June 2016
The Cape Cod Commission and the Town of Barnstable will be holding a Public Meeting on the Route 28 corridor from Route 130 to Santuit/Newtown Road.
Looking for your valuable input on the study, design and planning process to improve the safety and traffic flow along this congested and unsafe stretch of State Road, Route 28. Cape Cod Commission Project Page
Update: 3/2/2022
View Final Route 28 at Santuit-Newtown Road Safety Audit HERE
JUST INFORMED THIS IS NOT A PUBLIC MEETING!
Virtual Road Safety Audit (RSA) on Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for the intersection of Route 28 at Santuit-Newtown Road.
UPDATE: 11/23/21
Road Safety Audit Review Prompt List
The Safety Review Prompt List provides basic safety-related questions to use when evaluating a given roadway location. The prompt list should be considered when evaluating a roadway to design improve- ments or conduct a Road Safety Audit. The primary purpose of the prompt list is to identify potential road safety hazards. The list is meant to be general and should be used to prompt an evaluator as to specific matters identified in the field that may have an adverse effect on road safety. The Safety Review Prompt List is not a check of compliance with design standards.
This Prompt List represents the minimum that should be considered when exploring safety opportunities and is not intended to address all aspects of safety.
A summary of the responses should be prepared to highlight potential safety improvement opportunities.
Speed
Are posted speed limits consistent with speed regulations; are they adequate?
Are design features consistent with the posted speed (passing opportunities, sight distance,
warning signs for horizontal and vertical curves, clearance intervals, sign placement, etc.) Are adequate controls in place for driver compliance with speed limits?
Multi-modal
Have accommodations been provided for safe movement of pedestrians, bicycles, emergency vehicles, public transportation, and commercial vehicles?
What design features could be improved, added, or removed to enhance the safe mobility of the various modes?
Pavement Markings
Are there highly visible and retro reflective edge lines, center lines, and other pavement markings?
Do the pavement markings provide sufficient guidance to the road users? Can the placement of the pavement markings be modified to improve guidance to road users?
Signs
Are all signs retro reflective and visible for all roadway conditions, including placed free from obstructions?
Are signs located to maximize perception and reaction while minimizing intrusion in clear zones? Does the signage provide adequate guidance to road users for given road conditions?
Are pavement markings and signs consistent in effectively guiding road users?
Intersection Control
Do all signs (stop signs, lane assignments, street names, etc.) provide visible, clear, non-conflicting messages?
Is there clear, non-conflicting visibility of traffic control (signal heads, signs, and markings) from all approach lanes?
Has the potential of misrepresentation of intersection control been considered (at closely spaced intersections or through control that is against expectation)?
For signalized intersections, have the implications on safety been considered for the signal phasing?
Is there a safe means by which all modes can travel through the intersection? Lighting
Is lighting (from headlights and/or streetlights) adequate for specific roadway conditions and/or use?
If glare exists from sunlight or opposing headlights, are there countermeasures that can be implemented to minimize potentially detrimental effects?
Obstructions
Are there obstructions to sight lines or roadway guidance (signs, markings, etc.) that can be removed, relocated, or minimized as part of this project?
If obstructions or fixed objects exist but cannot be moved, can they be shielded (with guardrails, etc.) or delineated (with reflectors) to improve road user safety? If so, what can be done?
Pavement
Could the condition of the pavement impact mobility and safety (potholes, edge drop-offs, skid resistance, etc.)?
What improvements can be made to minimize safety impacts?
Access Points and Traffic Generators
Is the access control sufficient for the road’s function?
Are site access points located to maximize safety while still providing adequate access?
Have impacts of site developments been adequately accommodated for safe mobility of all
road users?
Parking
Is parking clearly delineated and in conformance with signs, markings, and regulations? Might parking obstruct mobility/safety of pedestrians and other roadway users?
Weather Conditions
Have accommodations been made for impacts from adverse weather condition (storage of snow, removal of ponding, adequate drainage, signage of low salt areas, maintenance program for snow removal, and catch basin clearing, etc.)?
Auxiliary Lanes
Could taper locations and/or alignments contribute to safety challenges?
Could lack of climbing lanes or passing zones cause driver frustration?
Do acceleration/deceleration lane lengths necessitate additional signage and/or markings?
Animals
Do animal migrations impact safety?
Can measures be taken to reduce animal-vehicle conflicts
The Cape Cod Commission (CCC), in coordination with MassDOT and the Town of Barnstable, have scheduled a Virtual Road Safety Audit (RSA) on Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for the intersection of Route 28 at Santuit-Newtown Road. Your involvement (or a representative from your agency/department) in the RSA is important and will result in specific recommendations for improved safety at this intersection in the village of Cotuit in the Town of Barnstable.
Please find a copy of the agenda and meeting materials RSA Agenda – Rt 28 at Santuit Newtown Rd Dec_2021 Crash Diagram_Santuit_Newtown_Final SantuitNewtown Crash Data Spreadsheet Cotuit_Route_28_Corridor_Study_Final_Report-February_2017(web_version) Please review the crash data, crash diagram and prompt list ahead of time to become familiar with the crash issues and trends. We also encourage you to visit the intersections ahead of the meeting (in person or via Google Street View) if you are not already familiar with the roadway conditions. Additionally, please review the attached Route 28 Cotuit Corridor Study, dated February 2017, which was previously prepared by the Cape Cod Commission Transportation Staff and includes recommendations for this intersection.
Participants in the RSA will discuss crash experience and potential countermeasures for improving safety. Following the meeting, a draft and final report will be prepared by the CCC and distributed to the attendees for review and comment. The final report will guide the Town of Barnstable and MassDOT for potential future short- and long-term safety improvements for this intersection.
The meeting will be held virtually on the Zoom platform. Participants may also dial into the meeting on their phone. See Zoom login details below.
Zoom Meeting Link – https://capecodcommission.org/transportation/join
June 2016
The Cape Cod Commission and the Town of Barnstable will be holding a Public Meeting on the Route 28 corridor from Route 130 to Santuit/Newtown Road.
Looking for your valuable input on the study, design and planning process to improve the safety and traffic flow along this congested and unsafe stretch of State Road, Route 28. Cape Cod Commission Project Page
Winter Storm Watch
for Barnstable County
Issued by National Weather Service
Boston, MA
2:54 AM EST Thu, Feb 24, 2022
…WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING…
* WHAT…Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
* WHERE…The south coasts of both Rhode Island and Massachusetts including Cape Cod.
* WHEN…From late tonight through Friday evening.
* IMPACTS…Travel will be be very difficult especially for the Friday morning commute. A flash freeze is possible later Friday afternoon and early evening.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snow will overspread the region between 1 and 3 am Friday morning. The snow will quickly become heavy, but change to sleet and rain by early to mid morning on Friday. Precipitation may change back to a period of snow later Friday afternoon and early evening along with a potential flash freeze.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
VIEW FORECAST HERE
Report a power outage online or call 800-592-2000 Sign-up to receive outage and restoration updates via text, email or phone. By signing up to receive text updates, you’ll also be able to report an outage by text message and receive on-demand updates.
View Eversource Power Outage Map – HERE
(3) Emergency Shelters are Open
All citizens seeking shelter at one of the open regional shelters, please exercise extreme caution while road conditions remain hazardous. Members of the public are advised to shelter in place, if able, until the wind and snow ease in the late afternoon/evening.
Shelters are staffed by 24 AmeriCorps Cape Cod Members, Members of Regional CERT Teams, and the Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps. All three locations have emergency food available, provided by the Salvation Army.
The remaining shelters at Dennis-Yarmouth High School, Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, and Nantucket High School are on standby. Check OPEN/CLOSED status of shelters at https://www.bcrepc.org/
The BCREPC wants to emphasize that during shelter operation, COVID-19 remains a significant concern. Residents and visitors should reach out to family and friends first and access shelters only when other options are not available. Likewise, the public is asked to check on neighbors, relatives, and friends who may need assistance.
Masks are required at emergency shelters. People are encouraged to bring their own, but masks will also be available for anyone who needs them.
The Tribal Headquarters in Mashpee will be open for Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Members to shelter.
Anyone who must utilize a shelter should bring at least three days of essentials, including all medications.
Shelters can accommodate people who use an oxygen breathing apparatus.
Those bringing infants or toddlers to the shelters should also bring formula, food, diapers, wipes, changes of clothing, toys, and a “pack ‘n play” or portable crib and bedding.
Pets are accepted at all regional shelters. Please bring all your pet supplies to the shelter except for crates, which are provided by the shelter. You cannot sleep with your pet(s).
PUBLIC URGED TO STAY INDOORS AND STAY OFF ROADS
Issued by National Weather Service
Boston, MA
3:37 AM EST Sat, Jan 29, 2022
…BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM EST SUNDAY…
* WHAT…Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 18 to 24 inches with localized 30 inches possible. Winds gusting as high as 70 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of eastern, northeastern and southeastern Massachusetts.
* WHEN…From midnight tonight to 5 AM EST Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Travel could be extremely difficult to impossible. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Considerable blowing and drifting snow along with near white out conditions at times. Snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour is possible at times.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
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