ORLEANS – Orleans Selectmen are pushing forward a proposal to build a new dune at Nauset Beach in the hopes of protecting on of the region’s most popular tourist destinations.
At a meeting last month, the board discussed a number of proposals aimed at saving the property from continued erosion which threatens town facilities.
While officials have yet to agree on a specific plan, selectmen seem agreed that any action would require the creation of a new dune to – at the very least – buy the town more time to come up with a more permanent solution.
The half dozen proposals presented to the board include the possibility of reconstructing the restroom and administration facilities in the parking lot, or move the structures further up onto the Hubler property.
“The question is do we put the permanent bathrooms and administration building up at 223 Beach Road, on top of the hill,” said Orleans Public Works and Natural Resources Director Tom Daley.
Officials are considering delaying any permanent action until next year as they continue negotiations with the Cape Cod National Seashore over the adjacent Nauset Knoll property.
“Do we do that now? Or do we phase it and do bathrooms and admin down below for now and then move them later?” asked Daley
Any option would likely cost in excess of $5 million and require voter support at Orleans’ October 29th Special Town Meeting. The deadline to get an article on the warrant is September 14th.