Cape Ann Today

Massachusetts State Senator Bruce Tarr joins Heather Atwood to discuss the Chapter 62F refund, Economic Development Bill, winter heating costs, and a new exhibit in Essex, MA. The state plans on issuing tax refunds in November the first installation of the Smithsonian Museum’s traveling exhibit on changes in rural America is open to the public on Cape Ann.

Kory Curcuru and Heather Atwood speak with Mayor of Gloucester Greg Verga about Gloucester’s Master Harbor Plan, the city’s response to climate change, a new energy challenge, and the ongoing municipal water ban. 
 
View the Climate Action Resiliency Plan here: https://bit.ly/3SiXrYu 
 
View the Gloucester Energy Challenge here: https://bit.ly/3Ra40LX

Ethan Forman from the Gloucester Daily Times joins Heather Atwood to talk about all things happening in Gloucester, MA. Ethan interviewed Mayor Greg Verga  about the Climate Action and Resilience Plan which includes rebates for heat pump systems. Ethan also details the Essex Police and Fire Department response to a mortar shell found in a resident’s home. 
 
Ethan also tells Heather the city’s new online beach parking reservation program raised $2 million in revenue this summer.

Erika Brown from The Cricket tells Kory Curcuru the Boston post cane has been given to the town of Manchester-by-the-Sea’s oldest resident. Erika also breaks down recent developments from the Water Resources Protection Task Force including the municipality’s top water users.

Ethan Forman from the Gloucester Daily Times tells Heather Atwood Gloucester City Council is ramping up work to address how the city will comply with the state’s new MBTA-adjacent residential zoning requirement. In response Mayor Greg Verga is calling for a new “Masterplan” for the city. 
Ethan also talks about the Backyard Growers program at Wildwood Gardens and a record breaking year for piping plovers.

Massachusetts State Senator Bruce Tarr joins Heather Atwood to  discuss the Close Out Supplemental Budget or “Close-Out Supp.” Senator Tarr says the bill will be hard but not impossible to pass in the informal session, which lasts until January. There is  important content in the bill including $40 million allocated for school safety. 
Senator Tarr also talks about the University of Massachusetts Gloucester Marine Station, which just hosted a number of state and local dignitaries this past week.

Heather Atwood is joined by Executive Director Alison Difiore and Development Director Katy Marques from Backyard Growers. Alison and Katy talk about expanding the community gardens at Burnham’s Field, the start of the “Agriculture” structure, and programming at Willowood Gardens, part of the Gloucester Housing Authority.  
 
Backyard Growers is hosting their “Grow Down” on September 20th, upstairs at Short & Main. Click here to learn more: https://www.backyardgrowers.org/events/the-7th-annual-great-gloucester-growdown

Ethan Forman from the Gloucester Daily Times talks to Heather Atwood about new funding for the Gloucester Marine Station (GMS), the MBTA’s effort to fix commuter rail crossing gates, and  a new conference and performance center at the IC42 lot along the harbor. Ethan also reviews the results on Tuesday’s primary election focusing on many contested local positions.

Harold Burnham of HA Burnham Boat Building & Design joins Kory Curcuru and Heather Atwood on Cape Ann Today from Harriet Webster Pier during Gloucester Schooner Festival. Harold  is the 25th Burnham family member to operate a shipyard in Essex, MA.  Burnham talks about celebrating the craftsmanship of building schooners on Cape Ann.