Orleans Boards Approve Governor Prince Demolition Plan
Other Committee · Meeting of August 20, 2026
Orleans clears demolition of the Governor Prince Motel despite pleas to wait for a historic review. The Select Board and Affordable Housing Trust Board each voted, 4-0 and 7-0 respectively, to amend a land disposition agreement and grant a demolition license to developers Preservation of Affordable Housing, Housing Assistance Corporation and Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod for 66-76 Route 6A. The Trust Board also voted 7-0 to accept a $1.5 million grant agreement, which closes a roughly $34,000 gap beyond $1.15 million in state demolition grants.
Historical Commission member Charles Ellis told the boards it is "very likely" the site holds Native American artifacts and human remains and said no demolition "should start until this process plays out." Resident Stephanie Gaskill separately warned that pressuring the Zoning Board of Appeals on waivers "opens the town to a lawsuit." Acting Select Board Chair Michael Herman said legal counsel would review the concerns after the fact.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,701 words
Source: the Other Committee meeting of August 20, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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