Orleans ZBA Approves Thompson's Printing Permit, Opens 78-Unit Affordable Housing Hearing

ORLEANS — May 20, 2026 — Orleans ZBA opens first hearing on 78-unit affordable housing complex, declines safe harbor petition in 3-2 vote. The Orleans Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a special permit at its May 20 meeting for Thompson's Printing to relocate to 102 South Orleans Road as a customary home occupation, then devoted more than two hours to the first hearing on Case 2026-06, a Chapter 40B comprehensive permit sought by Preservation of Affordable Housing, Housing Assistance Corporation, and Habitat for Humanity Cape Cod for a 78-unit mixed-income development at the town-owned parcels at 66 and 76 Route 6A. Attorney Peter Freeman of Moriarty Bielan and Gamache, representing the applicant team, confirmed the project meets all three 40B prerequisites and committed to work cooperatively with the board. Board members pressed the development team on the mass and height of Buildings One and Two — three-story rental structures reaching 41 feet — with Member Sabelle Santagruel calling for architectural refinement and Chair Jerry Mulligan questioning roof pitches he described as making the buildings look "very out of height with the rest of the town." The board voted 3-2 to forgo petitioning the state for safe harbor status, with Santagruel voting no, citing the massing concerns as a reason to preserve leverage. The case was continued to a special meeting on June 24, 2026, at 7 p.m.