On  March 2, the forum hosted a panel discussion on Doing Business in Orleans: Perspectives from the Front Line. This session built on two recent forums that looked at some long term economic trends we face, town planning in relation to those trends, and possible investments in capital projects to enhance both growth prospects and the quality of life in the community.

The forum explored the impact of these trends on Orleans’ business community.  Among challenges faced by businesses are the impact the pandemic has had on our habits and priorities, the lack of affordable housing for our workforce, and the need to improve quality of life for all members of our community – from preschoolers to senior citizens.

Despite these and other challenges, there are successful businesses in town, and occasional new businesses springing up. Orleans’ residents have a strong desire to create a year-round vibrant town center.

The questions that were explored at this forum built on some of the discussions already taking place at town hall, the Chamber of Commerce, and all around town:

• What lessons have been learned?
• How can we build on the successes?
• How is the business community tackling the obstacles that stand in their way?
• How can the Town and its citizens work with the business community to help make this happen?

The panelists shared their experiences and thoughts on these issues, answered questions from the audience and gained their perspectives as well.  They were:

• Cameron Hadfield – The Rail Restaurant
• Brian Junkins – Friends Market
• Dawn Lee – Gibson Sotheby’s
• Pam Andersen – Community Development Partnership

The Orleans Citizens Forum is an unbiased, public service organization dedicated to keeping the residents of Orleans knowledgeable about the issues confronting our town

• A new library
• A new fire-rescue station
• The development of the Governor Prence property
• A community center

While all these projects will not be starting up at the same time, and some will not be built for a long time, the planning has already begun, and it’s important that citizens have information and answers to questions such as:

• What is the current status of these projects?
• How will they contribute to the quality of life in Orleans?
• What are some of the fiscal considerations associated with funding such capital projects?

A knowledgeable panel addressed these issues and answered participants’ questions. 

Speakers for the January 26^th Forum were:

• Tom Finan, Chair, New Fire-Rescue Station Feasibility Study Committee
• Steven Gass, Member, Trustees of Snow Library
• Fritz Luft, Chair, Community Center Feasibility Task Force
• John Sargent, Chair, Governor Prence Planning Committee
• Scott Walker, Orleans Treasurer/Collector

The Orleans Citizens Forum is an unbiased, public service organization dedicated to keeping
the residents of Orleans knowledgeable about the issues confronting our town

Orleans Housing: How extensive is the housing crisis in Orleans? What do we mean by ‘affordable housing’? Which housing needs should we address? Do we have viable solutions?

The Orleans Citizens Forum hosted a forum digging deeper into the ‘housing problem’. Everyone agrees we need ‘affordable housing’, but everyone is not talking about the same thing. There are multiple housing needs, each with its own challenges. If we are going to tackle the housing problem in Orleans we need to understand the problem thoroughly. Who are the housing-stressed people in Orleans and how do we prioritize their needs? Whom do we want to provide housing for: Low-income or missing middle-income families? Young professionals or hourly wage earners? Municipal employees or labor force for area businesses? Grown children of our neighbors or people commuting to work in Orleans? All of the above? Lastly, we need to look at the resources needed and obstacles faced to provide the different types of housing needed to allow people to live and work here.

Fran McClennen, of the Affordable Housing Committee, explained the types of housing needs facing Orleans, and helped us understand the terminology used to define these needs. View Fran’s presentation by clicking here.

Lisa Simundson, Executive Director, Orleans Chamber of Commerce, illustrated the effect lack of affordable housing has on local businesses. In turn, we saw how all of us are affected by the lack of services driven by the housing shortage.

Hadley Luddy, Chief Executive Officer, Orleans Homeless Prevention Council (HPC), put a face on the housing and financially stressed residents of the Lower and Outer Cape. View Hadley’s presentation by clicking here.

Marsha Allgeier, Affordable Housing Coordinator for the Town of Orleans, spoke to the challenges we face providing affordable and attainable housing, including available government subsidies, other possible incentives and strategies, and ongoing planning and efforts needed. View Marsha’s presentation by clicking here.

The Orleans Citizens Forum is an unbiased, public service organization dedicated to keeping the residents of Orleans knowledgeable about the issues confronting our town

The following panelists explored these questions and discussed potential ramifications for the future, depending on how the Town and the Cape in general chooses to address these issues.

Chloe Schaefer, Chief Planner of the Cape Cod Commission, presented data that underlies regional priorities and talk about how regional trends and goals impact the Cape, and Orleans in particular. View Chloe’s presentation here

George Meservey, Director of Planning and Community Development for the Town of Orleans, focused in on Orleans’ Comprehensive Plan, how it’s impacted by the regional vision, and the anticipated consequences of various options versus doing nothing.90

Andrea Reed, Orleans Select Board Chair and Former Chair of the Orleans Planning Committee, elaborated on the planning process for key Town initiatives.

The Orleans Citizens Forum hosted a presentation on three key articles to be voted on at the Orleans special Town meeting on Monday October 17, 2022, including:

• Proposed new rules on short-term rentals (Article 19)
• A home rule petition from the Town to the State seeking authority to regulate the use of fertilizer in Orleans (Article 32)
• Interim requirements for management of the Town-owned Governor Prence property. (Article 15)

Andrea Reed, Select Board Chair, addressed Article 19 that would require every owner of a property used for short-term rentals to register the property with the Board of Health.

Michael Herman, Select Board Vice-Chair, spoke to Article 32 which, if passed, would result in a Home Rule Petition to the State Legislature to allow the Town to develop a bylaw that could result in restricting or prohibiting the application of fertilizer in Orleans, with the goal to reduce the adverse impacts of fertilizer on water quality.

John Sargent, Chair of the Governor Prence Planning Committee, explained Article 15 which seeks additional funds for the Governor Prence property to cover annual costs of maintenance and insurance due to new financial needs that have been identified through the planning process to repurpose the property

Lynn Bruneau: Chair Ementa of the Finance Committee, commented on the financial implications of the articles.

Alan McClennan moderated the Forum.

Watch the recording  by clicking here