Happy almost-spring, Orleans!
We made it through a cold winter.
Each day offers a few more crocuses, signs of forsythia coming to life — and a firestorm of national news. Feeling overwhelmed? It’s a great time to turn your attention to things closer to home. Our Annual Town Meeting is around the corner — Monday, May 12, 2025. Before then, we want to catch you up on major town projects — Rock Harbor, a new Snow Library and Wastewater, among others — and some of the initiatives approved at Town Meetings past.
We don’t aim to be comprehensive. Our goal is to update you on happenings that you’ve asked us about, along with others that have a big impact on those living, working, and playing in Orleans.
So without further ado, let’s get you informed.
New Snow Library Project
In early January, the Trustees of Snow Library were disappointed to learn that their application for a state construction grant for a new Snow Library — a proposed 24,000 square-foot building with an estimated cost of $41 million — had been rejected.
What happened? The proposed design was given high marks by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, which also noted the well-documented need for a new building as well as the community’s enthusiasm for a new library. But Orleans was rated an affluent community and thus earned too low a “score” for economic need.
“I was upset by the grant news,” said Trustee Chair Jamie Balliett. “We put our hearts and souls into that application and were told we made a great case, but were ruled out.”
Our sky-high median home price (Orleans was recently listed as the 29th most expensive town in the Commonwealth, with a "typical" home value of $1,041,264) earned us the rating of affluence. But that overlooks the majority of year-rounders, many of whom struggle to make ends meet here. Locals and part-timers cherish Snow Library as a community meeting place, cultural hub, after-school hang-out, and the location of a beloved and robust Lifetime Learning Program.
Upside: State money means adherence to state building regulations, which are one-size-fits-all — not tailored to specific towns’ needs. Without state funding, Orleans will be free to design a new library that’s in line with our specific needs and budget.
What happens next? The motivated team behind the new library is not giving up, but out of deference to the urgent need for a new fire/rescue building, they will not be asking voters to fund the design phase at May’s Town Meeting. Funding requests for both design and construction will likely come next year. Have a look at the Trustees' new video.
Town Campus Study
At last May’s Town Meeting, voters approved $150,000 to fund a feasibility study for a “multi-purpose municipal campus” — the focus of which would be a fire/rescue facility, elementary school, and recreation/community center to be located on the Town-owned 23-acre parcel on Eldredge Park Way. The land is currently home to our aging fire station (built in 1987) and Orleans Elementary School (built in 1956), and is controlled by Orleans Elementary School (OES).
The Galante Architecture Studio was hired for the Campus Study, and last month, architect Ted Galante presented his firm’s initial findings to a joint meeting of the Orleans Elementary School Committee and the Select Board.
Drawing on two previous fire/rescue feasibility studies, a community center feasibility study, and an asset assessment of OES, the report sketched out what each building would require in terms of square footage, facilities, and general layouts. It also offered possibilities for where the buildings might be located on the site.
The full presentation, which includes aerial views of the existing site and images showing potential new building footprints, is worth checking out. Wrapping up its work by April 1, the firm will be giving a final presentation that will include more specific plans for the site and estimated costs for the project.
Speaking of costs: The Capital Budget for FY26 includes $45 million for the design and construction of a new fire/rescue building to be funded by a debt exclusion — and costs could come in even higher. The 5-year Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) for FY27 through FY31, which is non-binding, includes funding for the design and construction of Campus Plan Phase 2 — $4.5 million in FY27 and $45 million in FY30 — though what Phase 2 entails remains to be decided.
In a nutshell: Questions outnumber answers at this point. Among them: How will the town’s commitment to a much-needed new fire/rescue facility jibe with the emerging Town Campus concept? How much do we value having a local elementary school? How badly do we want a community center? Are the three new facilities a package deal? And moreover, how much are we willing to pay to have each or all of them? Stay tuned as this conversation picks up speed. And you might want to fasten your seatbelts — we think it’s gonna be a wild ride.
Recreation Improvements
At last October’s Town Meeting, voters approved allocating $850,000 toward upgrading recreational facilities at Orleans-owned Eldredge Park — part of Phase 1 of the 2024 Town of Orleans/Nauset Regional Middle School Master Plan – and $100,000 to “develop pickleball courts at a location to be determined by the Select Board.”
Where do things stand now? Recreation Director Tom DeSiervo and Special Projects Coordinator Michael Solitro sent out a “Request For Proposals” and, once bids were reviewed, engaged a firm for planning and design work. DeSiervo told EXIT 89 that following multiple meetings and after gathering input from residents, three partial renderings will be presented to the Select Board for review. One of these will be selected, then the consultants will produce a completed design along with estimated costs — possibly by July 2025. Ideally, the final plan will include a lighted basketball court, an updated playground, passive walking paths, tennis court renovations, and, potentially, additional pickleball courts.
Picklers: DeSiervo says there’s been an active search for locations for additional pickleball courts, but space is limited and they may end up creating more at Eldredge Park. If that’s the case, the $100,000 approved for pickleball at October’s Special Town Meeting would go toward that.
Town Hall Staffing
Kim Newman, now in her second year as Orleans Town Manager, has said repeatedly that recruiting good employees is difficult on the Outer Cape. But that hasn’t stopped her. By attracting municipal staff from other towns and bringing in people from off-Cape, Newman has been filling vacancies and creating new positions.
The result? A pretty astonishing transformation at Orleans Town Hall where an energetic posse of professionals is shepherding our town into the future. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve already noticed new names and faces at Town Meeting and the Orleans Citizens Forum events. Who are they?
Mark Reil, the Assistant Town Manager, has taken on the Capital Improvement Plan and the task of redesigning the Warrant, among other things. Mike Solitro, who started in the Planning Department, is now Special Projects Coordinator — and running point on a handful of initiatives across departments, including procurement, liaison to Town Counsel, and (as residents who attended October’s Special Town Meeting might remember) leading the presentation on the acquisition of 72 Tonset Road. To track the progress of articles that have passed at recent Town Meetings, Solitro has created a spreadsheet that will be updated regularly.
Elizabeth Jenkins, our new Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development, brings experience and focus on housing and zoning. Amanda Converse has a dual role: she’s begun meeting with Orleans businesses in her role of Economic Development Coordinator, and as our new Public Information Officer, she publishes the new “Town Talk” newsletter, a much-needed monthly update on Town Hall projects. (More about that below, with links for signing up.)
Tom DeSiervo, our Recreation Director, gave an engaging pitch for upgrading recreation facilities at October’s Town Meeting. He’s spearheading a greatly enhanced department — newly reimagined as the Recreation, Culture, and Community Department — with Ivan Popov, Recreation Program Manager. And starting today, March 17, they’ll be joined by Jamie Demetri, currently the manager of Pump House Surf Shop, who will be stepping into a new position of Program Manager of Cultural and Community Events.
Rich Waldo, former Wellfleet Town Administrator, took over as DPW director a year ago, and is joined by Calvin Sutton, formerly with the Water Department and now DPW Deputy Director. Tim Badach, who joined the DPW team last year, is running the Transfer Station.
Wait . . . there’s more! If you’ve noticed that our parks are looking better, it’s due to another new hire, Victor Glidden, who started landscaping and other maintenance work in September. And if you are flummoxed by the wastewater connection process, reach out to John Nelson, the Health Department’s new Sewer Coordinator, who’s helping residents with connection questions and problems. And then there’s Alexandra Fitch, the Director of the Health Department who may not be “new” exactly, but she took a leave from her job last summer, just long enough to reimagine it. A collaborative effort with Reil and Newman, her new position expands its reach to include mental-health support — which is why the department has a new name too: Orleans Health and Human Services Department.
Did you get all that? Don’t worry, Denise Beausang, our brand-new Human Resources Director, is on the case.
Housing!
There’s lots afoot on the new-housing front in Orleans — buildings going up, ground being broken, plans being made, and new policies being adopted, including a rental assistance program. Here’s what we know:
19 West Road: Sixty-two new housing units are nearing completion at 19 West Road — the former Cape Cod 5 headquarters currently being redeveloped by Pennrose. The new units include 52 apartments and 10 townhomes of varying sizes, designated for different income levels. Pennrose is currently taking applications by mail for a housing lottery. Importantly, these are pre-applications — and must be postmarked by April 8, 2025. On April 22nd, Pennrose will conduct the lottery of approved pre-applicants via Facebook Live. The winners will then go through a regular rental application process, and according to Pennrose, the first tenants should start moving in by May. Orleans Housing Coordinator Elizabeth Jenkins told the Cape Cod Chronicle that 65 percent of units are reserved for people who live, work, or have children attending school in Orleans. An additional 10 percent are reserved for applicants who live, work, or have children attending school in Eastham, Chatham, Brewster, Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown or Harwich — all towns that contributed funds to the project.
107 Main Street: If you’ve driven along Main Street past the Academy of Performing Arts, you’ve probably seen how much is happening across the way on the 1.25 acres at 107 Main Street. Construction of the 14 modular housing units is about 80 percent complete, with a projected completion date of late Fall 2025. These units will include 9 one-bedroom, 4 two-bedroom, and 1 three-bedroom units. All units will be restricted for households earning below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), and 70 percent will favor applicants who live, work, or have children attending school in Orleans. Check out the 107 Main Street page on the Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) website to find out more or to sign up for notifications about that lottery.
The former Governor Prence Motel: A land disposition agreement has been executed and the project’s three-body development team — Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), HAC and Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod — are in the process of securing permits and financing for the first phase. The finished project will consist of 78 housing units total — 61 apartments, 10 townhouses, and 7 Habitat for Humanity homes. Residents making between 30 and 80 percent of AMI will be considered for these apartments; 80 percent AMI for the 7 Habitat homes; and up to 200 percent AMI for the townhouses.
The Underground Mall: Maple Hurst Builders, the private developer of the 3.65-acre site at 17 Nells Way, formerly known as the Underground Mall, has permits for demolition and construction of two units. According to George Meservey, Orleans Town Planner, more permit applications are expected. If all goes as planned, the final product — to be called Orleans Plaza — will be a mix of rental and ownership units in two- and three- story buildings. Of the 29 new units, 6 will be one-bedroom and 23 will be two-bedroom. Three of the units will be income-restricted — as required by the state — and accessed by a lottery.
Other Initiatives
Lease to locals: Last fall, Orleans residents voted to join forces with Eastham to develop a “lease to locals” program which would pay landlords to rent their properties to year-round locals. The two towns are currently in the process of choosing a partner to administer the program, which they expect to be up and running by summer.
Zoning changes: Orleans is in the midst of rethinking its commercial district’s zoning. The Downtown Orleans Zoning Update is a major endeavor that will have big impacts on many aspects of life here — and the Planning Department wants to hear from you. How do you want Orleans to look? What are your priorities: Design? Small businesses? Year-round housing? Speed bumps? Whatever they are, you can make your voice heard by completing this interactive survey. There will also be a meeting to gather public input later in the spring — stay tuned!
And lastly, Orleans has launched a rental assistance program for residents cost-burdened by rent — defined as earning up to 100 percent of AMI and devoting more than 30 percent of their income to rent. Qualified residents can apply for funding to “close that gap,” according to Jenkins. She says it’s clear that residents struggle with high rents, but the program hasn’t had much uptake yet. “We have plenty of space,” she says, and she encourages residents to learn more about the program and to apply.
Wastewater Status
If you suspect our Town sewering project will go on forever, you are almost right. The end is decades away! But nothing is more crucial to the future of Orleans than keeping septic waste from our ponds, coves, and open coastline. So as maddening as the detours can be, instead of muttering expletives, we’re trying out words of appreciation. The foresight of many Town leaders, and the support of Orleans citizens — their time, votes and dollars — will make a huge positive impact on our future.
For a deep dive into Orleans’ waters — and why our wastewater project is so important — take a look at the EXIT 89 summer issue, Water, Water, Everywhere.
What’s the progress report?
Phase One — Downtown Area: as of last week, 71 percent of properties in the downtown area are connected to the new wastewater facility on Overland Way, or have made arrangements to be connected soon. That leaves 69 properties left unconnected, even after their owners were given a full one-year extension. The connection deadline was March 16. A fine of up to $200 per-day may be charged for noncompliance. For more information, have a look at the Phase One overview in the Cape Cod Chronicle.
Phase Two – Meetinghouse Pond Area: Roadwork and construction detours that you encounter are due to this phase — an important step in protecting a string of important ponds, including Meetinghouse Pond and Pilgrim Lake, which has already been compromised by nitrogen overload. The construction for this phase began in July 2023 and will conclude — on schedule and on budget — by December 31, 2025, according to Select Board member and Chair of the Wastewater Management Advisory Committee Kevin Galligan.
Things still to do this final year: finish the pump station in the rear of Town Hall’s parking lot and install some equipment, including noise silencers, at the wastewater treatment plant. Good news for residents and shoppers traveling on Main Street in East Orleans: the contractor has completed nearly all street work (sewer lines, laterals, and water services installed). The rough pavement conditions and temporary patches will be resolved by the second week of June, when brand-new curb-to-curb roads will have been completed.
Phase Three – Lakes and Ponds Area: A public meeting was held last month to inform residents about this phase, which will protect groundwater that impacts ponds in the designated area, as well as Pleasant Bay, the largest estuary on Cape Cod. The preliminary and final designs for this phase were funded in 2023 and 2024. The construction phase — expected to be in the ballpark of $40 million — will come up for a vote at May’s Town Meeting. If funding is approved and borrowing is confirmed at the Annual Town Election, and following a bidding process, construction will begin in 2026 and be completed in 2028. Everything you need to know and more can be found in this excellent slide presentation from the public meeting, which attracted more than 100 residents in person and on Zoom.
For More info:
- Financial support is available for residential properties connecting to the sewer system. There are two options currently: the Cape Cod AquiFund and the Town of Orleans Sewer Connection Grant.
- For help with navigating the connection process, contact John Nelson, the Water/Sewer Program Coordinator at 508-240-3700, ext. 2319, or jnelson@town.orleans.ma.us.
- Signing up for the new Town Hall newsletter, Town Talk, will keep you informed and updated on the project.
- Additional explanations about wastewater can be found in the December 19 episode of the Town of Orleans podcast Orleans: Behind the Scenes.
- You can find a project report and connection updates on the Town website.
And here are the construction calendar and detours.
More Updates, Briefly
Residents spent lots of time at the microphones talking about these initiatives and funding requests at the two Town Meetings last year. Here’s a brief follow-up:
- Acquisition of 72 Tonset Road — (Fall 2024) Since the $2.5 million purchase of a residential property on Town Cove was approved, discussions about its future use continue — and plans for this coming summer have not yet been finalized, according to Mike Solitro. “The Town recently worked with surveyors to complete a formal “existing conditions site plan” and is now collaborating with engineers to enhance public access to Town Cove,” he told EXIT 89 in an email. The Town is “actively exploring” all potential future uses for the waterfront property, including seasonal-workforce housing during the summer months, he said. “To ensure community input, a task force or ad-hoc committee will likely be established to gather public feedback, represent community interests, and help guide the process moving forward.” The property is currently being used as “overflow office space” for Town staff. Nice view!
- Climate Action Roadmap — At October’s Town Meeting, residents were divided over why the Town should spend $100,000 to develop a roadmap that would help Orleans align with the Commonwealth’s climate goals, chart our progress, and help us seek funding for climate-related actions. After 19 minutes of debate, the proposal passed. Currently, the Energy and Climate Action Committee — and Mark Reil, its Town Hall liaison — are seeking additional funding to move the process forward.
- Multi-Use Pathway Feasibility Study — this $85,000 study was a hot topic at May’s Town Meeting. Residents who live along Beach Road spoke both for and against the creation of a multi-use pathway or any accommodation for bike and foot traffic on their road, which is congested and often dangerous in summertime. Last month, the Orleans Transportation and Bikeways Committee presented a project review of three areas of Orleans that the committee is focusing on for improvements: Beach Road, Old Colony Way, and Main Street.
- Rock Harbor Improvements — Approved at Town Meeting in May 2024, the $9 million rehabilitation of our commercial wharf has been underway since last fall. According to Nate Sears, Director of Natural Resources and Orleans Harbormaster, work’s been progressing well. The completion date for the project was originally April 30, but the end of May looks more likely. “We are confident,” Sears told EXIT 89, “that the harbor will be substantially functional for the summer season.”
Town Hall Speaks
One final note: Orleans Town Government is enhancing its official communication efforts, big-time. Besides reading EXIT 89, there are now several ways you can stay abreast of Town news:
- Sign up to receive email notifications from whichever departments, committees and Town entities interest you — and there are PLENTY to choose from.
- Visit the Town Highlights web page, where news is updated regularly.
- Subscribe to the new Town Talk newsletter, written by Orleans Public Information Officer Amanda Converse.
- Last but not least, there’s a podcast we’ve mentioned before, Orleans: Behind the Scenes, produced by Media Program Coordinator Mia Baumgarten and Special Projects Coordinator Mike Solitro.
EXIT 89 is an independent publication. Our mission is to help Orleans voters make sense of town issues by providing a clear and impartial overview of the latest developments. We want to help fill the information gap, reduce the "mystery" of Town Meeting, and promote vibrant civic engagement.
Our hyperlocal digest is researched and written by journalists Martha Sherrill and Emily Miller. Elaine Baird and Lynn Bruneau are the founding advisors. We are all residents of Orleans. Editing, infographics and tech support are provided by Kazmira Nedeau of Sea Howl Bookshop.
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