2021 Town Report Now Available

Click here for an electronic version of the 2021 Annual Town Report. Copies will be available at Town Meeting this weekend, and at Town Offices and the Brewster Ladies Library next week.

Regional Recreational Shellfishing Survey

Calling all recreational shellfishers! Did you participate in recreational shellfishing in Brewster or one of the other 14 Cape towns in 2019 and 2020?  If yes, we need your help!  Please take this 15-minute survey. Your feedback will help describe the value of these fisheries and identify ways to support recreational shellfishing on Cape Cod.  

For more information, go to: https://seagrant.whoi.edu/recreational-shellfishing-survey/ or click here to download a flyer.

Open Positions: Water Department Laborers

The Town of Brewster is seeking two (2) Laborers for the Water Department.Position is responsible for performing laborer duties for the Water Department to maintain the water distributions system.  Duties include but are not limited to; responsible for assisting in providing water service and repairing water main leaks throughout the Town; assists in repairs and maintenance of fire hydrants and ensures adequate water pressure of hydrants. Conducts routine system flushing to cleanse water mains. Operates equipment, tools and machinery used in the maintenance and repair of water distribution systems. Serves as essential personnel for department requiring work during emergencies. High School Diploma or equivalent, and up to one (1) year of prior experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Valid driver’s license required. This is a 40 hour a week, Grade 2 SEIU union position, with a starting pay range of $22.40 - $23.76 per hour. Please send cover letter, resume, and Town Employment Application to the Human Resources Department, Brewster Town Hall, 2198 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631 or employment@brewster-ma.gov. Positions open until filled with a priority deadline of 4pm on 5/31/2022.Full job description click here EEO/AA

Brewster Water Commission Reimposes Mandatory Outdoor Water Restrictions

In response to drought conditions, the Brewster Water Commission recently voted to reimpose mandatory restrictions on outdoor watering in accordance with Town bylaws and relevant state permits.

Effective Monday May 16, these restrictions establish an alternating (odd/even) schedule for outdoor watering based upon house number and calendar date. Properties with odd number street addresses may water on odd number calendar days and properties with even number addresses may water on even number calendar days (example: 53 is ODD, 54 is EVEN). Outdoor watering done during periods of water restriction shall occur from 4:00AM to 8:00AM and from 5:00PM to 9:00PM.

The Monomoy Lens, from which our groundwater is pumped, is currently experiencing lower than average levels. The lack of precipitation over the past two years has resulted in groundwater levels that are significantly below their historical benchmark. Over the warmer summer months, the aquifer is not expected to be able to recharge even if significant rain activity occurs since most precipitation will evaporate before entering the groundwater table.

These water conservation measures are being implemented in all five towns that share the Monomoy Lens and are consistent with similar measures put in place last summer. Although properties serviced by private wells are exempt from these restrictions, the Town encourages their participation given their impact on our shared aquifer. Several other exemptions from these restrictions also exist. Please contact the Brewster Water Department at 508-896-5454 if you have any questions.

The Brewster Water Department respectfully requests the support of our residents and business community in complying with these restrictions to ensure the future health and adequacy of our water supply. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. 

Brewster Dog Park Opening Day & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Saturday May 21

The Town of Brewster is thrilled to announce that the new dog park, located behind the Police Station at 631 Harwich Road (Route 124), will open its gates on Saturday May 21.  Financed through a combination of grant awards from the Stanton Foundation, Community Preservation Act funding, and contributions from the Friends of the Brewster Dog Park, this long-awaited community amenity features two separate play areas and ample parking. 

Residents are invited to join a brief ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 AM on the 21^st.  In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be postponed to Sunday May 22 at 1:00 PM.  Going forward, the dog park will be open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk. 

Public Health Advisory Update: Spring Aerial Oral Rabies Vaccine Distribution in Brewster

Aerial Oral Rabies Vaccine baiting operations will begin in Plymouth County heading eastward towards Brewster on May 16, and will last for approximately 3-4 days, weather permitting. (Figure 1; shaded in orange).  During this time, two federal helicopters will fly approximately 300 feet above ground level while distributing the bait. People and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the vaccine baits. The baits are not toxic to pets but may cause an upset stomach if ingested due to the richness of the bait packet’s fishmeal coating.

Community Wellness Fair – Tuesday May 17

The Council on Aging invites residents to attend our first-ever community Wellness Fair on Tuesday May 17 from 10AM to 2PM at the Brewster Baptist Church (1848 Main Street).  Town departments and local service providers will offer a variety of wellness programs and assistance.  Please see the event flyer for more details.

Applications for Two New Brewster Affordable Housing Opportunities Now Available

Brewster Woods, currently under construction off Brewster Road, is now accepting applications for thirty affordable one-, two- and three-bedroom rental homes. Applicants must meet income eligibility criteria.

Serenity Apartments at Brewster, an age 55+ community located at 873 Harwich Road, plans to lease ninety-one studio and one-bedroom apartments in their newly renovated building this summer. Twenty-seven of the apartments will be part of an income based affordable housing lottery.

Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) will be managing the application and affordable unit lotteries for both properties. Applications are due July 1, 2022. Applications and additional information for both housing opportunities may also be found here: Lotteries--Housing Assistance Corporation Cape Cod (haconcapecod.org).

For questions about Brewster Community Housing, please contact Jill Scalise, Brewster Housing Coordinator, at jscalise@brewster-ma.org or 508-896-3701, ext. 1169.

Summer 2022 Crosby Mansion Open House Tours

Starting Sunday July 3 through Wednesday August 31, the Friends of Crosby and Town of Brewster invite you to visit this local icon for guided tours on Sundays and Wednesdays from 11AM to 3PM.  Step back in time and learn the amazing tale of Albert Crosby and his wife, Matilda, and the storied history of this lovingly restored mansion. Located at 134 Crosby Lane, on-site parking is free. All are welcome - Make the Mansion yours!

For information about facility rentals or private tours, please contact the Properties Manager, Richard Archer, by phone at (508) 896-1744 or by email at rarcher@brewster-ma.gov. 

Open Positions: Natural Resources Assistants

Brewster seeks applicants for the position of Natural Resources Assistant.  Position is responsible for assisting the Natural Resources Department in shellfish propagation and compliance, land management, mooring compliance, and water quality monitoring.  Must be at least 17 years old, driver’s license required. These are part-time seasonal positions (June – August) with a pay rate of $17.00 – $20.00 per hour, some weekends required. Please send cover letter, resume, and Town employment application to Human Resources employment@brewster-ma.gov. Positions open until filled with a priority deadline of May 20.  Click here for job description.  EEO/AA.