PROVINCETOWN — Construction on the long-planned inclined elevator that will link the Bas Relief Park to the base of the Pilgrim Monument is set to begin on May 18. The […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
With Fishing on Hold, a Bivalve Bonus Appears
In a spring like no other, sea clams are a welcome sight
Spring has been a very confused season so far. As I write this, snow is falling in the western hills of Massachusetts as well as my winter home in the […]
ECONOMY
Creative Business Ideas for Summer Survival
Dining tables on Commercial Street, a lottery for rooms, beer trailers
PROVINCETOWN — Business owners are getting creative with plans for surviving what has been a devastating spring and will be a slow summer.
ECONOMY
Relief Is Slow for the Self-employed
Three programs could help; none is quick
Update: On Thursday, April 16, the Small Business Administration stopped accepting PPP loan applications because the $349 billion appropriation was exhausted. Congress is currently negotiating over an extra $250 billion […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Early Start to a Season in Doubt
The view from the water of a changed world for fishermen
As we begin another season on the waterfront, it would be an understatement to say its start, if it ever happens, won’t look like any other previous season’s start. Our […]
ECONOMY
Provincetown’s Theme Weeks Mostly Canceled
Months of uncertainty spell doom for tourist draws
PROVINCETOWN — The calendar of events that structures summertime in Provincetown has been nearly wiped clean. Bear Week, Family Week, and the Provincetown International Film Festival have all been suspended […]
ECONOMY
Businesses Encouraged to Apply for Crisis Relief Now
SBA loan programs are complex; advice from experts is simple
PROVINCETOWN — The Small Business Administration (SBA) has given birth to twins. Two huge, messy loan programs with complex instructions and chaotic rollouts have been dropped on its doorstep — and […]
RESILIENCE
Local Food Producers Search for Ways to Serve and Survive
Right now, generosity and hyperlocal service are top strategies
WELLFLEET — With restaurants closed, fishermen have lost their usual income. But the people who grow, harvest, and market Outer Cape crops from land and sea are experimenting with strategies […]
DISASTER HELP
How Workers and Businesses Can Find Relief
Rescue funds include loans and expanded unemployment benefits
PROVINCETOWN — More than $600 billion of the $2 trillion federal financial rescue package that became law last week will go to beefing up unemployment benefits and small business loans […]
PANDEMIC
Health Center Funds Dwindle as Patients Stay Home
OCHS puts losses at $1 million per month
PROVINCETOWN — No clinical services to patients have been canceled since Outer Cape Health Services last week furloughed or laid off nearly half its staff because of lost revenue caused […]
LODGING
Health Board: Short-term Rentals Should Stop
Hotels are mostly closed; only ‘essential travel’ is permitted
PROVINCETOWN — The board of health is directing short-term rental property owners in Provincetown to refrain from renting their properties, at least through the end of April. Hotels and guest […]
HOUSING
Mixed-Use Developments Planned for Route 6 in Eastham
Neighbors want to prevent access via Wiley Lane cul-de-sac
EASTHAM — Two projects have been proposed for the Transition Commercial District, designed for small-scale commercial and residential development on Route 6 outside the Core Commercial Area. But neighbors have […]
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
What’s Open: Restaurants, Groceries, Hardware Stores
A town-by-town listing, with hours and telephone numbers
Editor’s note: This list will be updated online regularly. Send additions and corrections to [email protected]. Updated as of Thursday, April 2 at noon. Provincetown Community Kitchen Soup Kitchen in Provincetown […]
AFFORDABLE LIVING
More Support for Young Families Proposed in Eastham
The package would fund preschool, after-school, and housing
EASTHAM — It takes more than affordable housing to keep a young working family in town. Child care for preschoolers takes a big bite out of paychecks, and school lunch […]
ECONOMY
A Tough Time for Local Businesses
Uncertainty prevails at planning time
WELLFLEET — The “Coming Attractions” marquee at the Wellfleet Cinemas is empty, an indication that nobody knows what’s coming next. Spring is a time for preparation and planning for the […]
