Historic‑preservation advocates decry recent demolitions on South Orleans Road

Thaddeus Herrick, a member of the Orleans Historical Commission, urged the Select Board to strengthen historic‑preservation measures after the recent demolition of several notable properties on South Orleans Road.

"Unlike more than 0.5 the towns in Massachusetts, Orleans has no meaningful historic preservation measures," Herrick told the board, describing the demolition last week of 20 South Orleans Road, an 1872 home that housed the Arbor and Binnacle restaurants, and warning that 16 South Orleans Road, an 1861 Greek Revival house, faces the same fate.

Herrick said the commission can at most delay demolition for 12 months and that property owners sometimes intentionally neglect buildings to make demolition inevitable. "For owners intent on demolishing their property, such a measure is laughable," he said, and urged the town to negotiate alternatives and adopt stronger language in the comprehensive plan and local tools to preserve important buildings.

He also noted the economic argument for preservation: "Historic preservation is good for the economy. It boosts jobs, property values, tourism, and downtown revitalization," arguing that preservation and attainable housing are not mutually exclusive.

The board did not take action at the meeting but members heard the commission's request for more political will, better enforcement and possible changes to the comprehensive plan language to align policy with practice.

Next steps: The Historical Commission may propose specific regulatory changes and the select board invited follow-up discussion about options to negotiate with owners or craft stronger local protections.