PROVINCETOWN — This week and next, town governments on the Outer Cape will be rolling out changes to traffic flow, restaurant rules, bathroom arrangements, and dozens of other adjustments to […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
A Slow Start for a Better Protected Harbor
The new wave attenuator has increased safety
Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, and all the questions about how busy the waterfront would be have now been answered. It’s not looking good. On top of the Covid-19-related […]
SEASONAL PROSPECTS
Tourist Economy Can’t Open Till Mid-June
Lodging, dining, and retail get three weeks to prepare
PROVINCETOWN — Phase one of the governor’s reopening plan began on Monday, but for the Outer Cape’s hospitality-driven economy, the big changes will come with phase two. That’s when renting […]
ECONOMY
Short-term Rental Ban Is Extended
But longer vacation rentals could salvage summer
Gov. Charlie Baker’s extension of the ban on short-term rentals until at least June 8 takes a bite out of one of the biggest pieces of the Outer Cape’s economic […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Adjusting to the New Normal
A minefield of conditions faces the boating world
Gov. Charlie Baker had his reopening update news conference on Monday, May 18, and a lot of strict limitations on boats for hire are still in place. As I understand […]
RECOVERY
Gauging Town’s Population Key to Reopening
Balancing occupancy against health resources requires knowing who’s here
PROVINCETOWN — The town’s Recovery Coalition is working on a phased reopening of Provincetown’s economy that depends on knowing how many people are here. That won’t be easy.
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
DMF Lifts Gear and Speed Restrictions in Bay
Right whales have departed, but two blues are seen
PROVINCETOWN — The much quieter than normal waterfront businesses are anxiously waiting to see what Gov. Baker does with the current stay-at-home and social distancing policies. It has given boat […]
AQUACULTURE
OysterFest Is off the Table
Economic hit estimated at over $2 million
WELLFLEET — This town’s signature day will be missing in 2020 due to fears about the spread of Covid-19. The select board voted on April 28 to ban public uses […]
ECONOMY
Small Businesses Seeking to Reopen Face Obstacles
Problems remain with health rules, staffing, and government assistance
PROVINCETOWN — Bringing a business back from a dead standstill is hard enough. But the problems surrounding that effort during the Covid epidemic are so fiendishly interwoven, they resemble the […]
DEVELOPMENT
ZBA Backs Commissioner’s Duplex Ruling
A builder argues that his Route 6 project is really townhouses
EASTHAM — Developer Tim Klink of Coastal Companies failed to persuade the zoning board of appeals on May 7 to overrule the building commissioner’s decision that Klink’s proposed 16-unit Route […]
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Town Meeting Delay Stalls Housing Progress
Water main upgrade, a first step, needs voter approval
WELLFLEET — Officials are pumping the brakes on the 95 Lawrence Road affordable housing project due to the delay of town meeting. The use of town-owned land at that location, […]
ECONOMY
Rental Rules for Short Term Still Unknown
Officials expect ban to go on past Memorial Day
PROVINCETOWN — Memorial Day weekend is two weeks away, but there is no official guidance yet on whether anyone will be allowed to come here. Since March 31, a standing […]
ARS INTERRUPTUS
FAWC Cancels Entire Summer Program
PAAM and Castle Hill wait to see how crisis evolves
PROVINCETOWN — The Fine Arts Work Center notified participants in its summer workshops by email on April 29 that the entire program had been postponed until 2021 due to the […]
RELIEF
The Cape’s Undocumented Workers on the Margins
Most pay into the social safety net, but can’t benefit
PROVINCETOWN — The coronavirus-induced collapse of the economy has people everywhere reaching for lifelines, from unemployment to SBA loans to MassHealth. At the edge of this scene is a group […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
A Short Fishing Season Grows Shorter
Small boat captains say ‘no way’ to distancing rule
PROVINCETOWN — The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is no closer to opening up nonessential businesses and relaxing social distancing rules than it was a week ago. Last week, I wrote about how […]
