About Walsh
The Walsh Property is a 69 acre parcel of land purchased by the town of Truro in 2019 with the intent of building badly needed affordable housing.
Walsh represents Truro's biggest opportunity in 30 years to begin to right the affordable housing crisis and create a sustainable future for Truro. Truro365 is committed to helping make sure the Walsh Development moves ahead in a deliberate and thoughtful manner.
From February 2021 to October 2023, a 16 person Walsh Planning Committee held 35 meetings over 30 months and developed the following Recommendation for the Walsh Site:
1. Create no more than 160 residential units using 28.5 acres (41%) of the site.
2. Units will be deed-restricted to provide year-round rental and housing ownership that is attainable to the broad cross section of the Truro community.
3. Develop the property in phases with Phase One being 50-80 units.
The Walsh Committee recommendation was overwhelming approved at the Spring Town Hall Meeting on April 8th, 2024.
Following the Walsh approval, the Select Board created a five person Walsh Property Advisory Committee. The Committee's charge is to work with the Truro Housing Authority and to be a conduit between the community and the town regarding the implementation of the recommendations. The Committee held its first public meeting on October 21st, 2024.
By signing up to our newsletter, you can follow the progress on Walsh and get factual information about the Project is moving ahead. We will keep you alerted to new information as studies progress on everything from water, to traffic to proposed building schedules.
We will also let you know how you can participate in community forums and how you can help beat back back misinformation with fact based information.
Key Walsh Documents:
Walsh Committee Report & Recommendations, 2023
Walsh Committee Recommendations (only)
News on Walsh from
the Provincetown Independent
Truro Makes Plans for Water, and for Misinformation May 14, 2025
Walsh Zoning and Solar Plan Pass in Truro May 7, 2025
Five Years of Fits and Starts for Walsh Property Dec 4, 2024
DPW Plan Sent Back; Voters OK Walsh Proposal May 8, 2024
Walsh Property Plan Cut From 252 to 160 Units Sep 27, 2023
Two-Thirds of Survey Responses Oppose Walsh Committee’s Plan Sep 13, 2023
Walsh Committee Prepares a Plan for Town Meeting Sep 6, 2023
Traffic Study Does Not Arrest the Walsh Property Plan Jun 21, 2023
Walsh Committee Stands by Its Housing Unit Vote May 10, 2023
Walsh Committee Votes to Study Plan for 252 Housing Units Jan 25, 2023
Provincetown and Truro Discuss New Wells at Walsh Land Oct 26, 2022
Abandoned Sears Houses Are Focus of Walsh Committee Jul 28, 2021
Four Development Plans Offered for Walsh Land Nov 16, 2022
Voices
"I was born and raised in Truro and have watched it change over the years. When I was growing up, its neighborhoods included folks from different professions who often built their own homes: police and EMTs, DPW workers, carpenters, fishermen, servers, teachers, and health-care workers.
I am a speech and language pathologist. I have two colleagues who are anxiously searching for stable year-round housing so they can maintain their careers on the Outer Cape. My family lives in a house that my carpenter father built; it is the only way we could possibly have a foothold in Truro, despite our advanced degrees.
Essential workers with crucial skills find it nearly impossible to secure housing in Truro. It’s not just about physical proximity to work; it’s about weaving threads of connection back into the fabric of daily life.
When those who work in our community can live here, engagement and understanding of townspeople’s unique needs are better served."
Kate Bleim, Truro Resident, 2023
"There is no sense in talking about economic development if the Town does not tackle the housing issue.
If the housing problem is not addressed, soon there may not be restaurants, tradespeople and other services that residents depend on.
Many businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to retain long-term employees to 'learn the ropes' and take on more responsibilities and, potentially, take over the business.
As a result, many businesses expressed a concern that there would be no one to continue their business once they retire."
Truro businessman surveyed by the the Truro Economic Development Committee (EDC).
“I began doing a lot more for a lot less,” Pasquale said. “It’s getting harder to find people to work on the Outer Cape. All summer there have been tons of help wanted signs all over.”
Tony Pasquale, owner, Terra Luna.
In 2023, Terra Luna lost three long-time employees when they lost their housing. Terra Luna closed in 2024.
"Take the example of Savory and the Sweet Escape, which is owned by my in-laws. Once a year-round hub, the restaurant has had to cut back to seasonal operation because of staffing challenges.
It thrived being open year-round for over a decade, providing a gathering spot for the community to come together: a place where moms can chat, where our hardworking first responders can take a breather, and where part-time residents can feel the warmth of our community.
The Walsh property proposal holds the potential to reinvigorate such communal spaces by addressing the heart of the issue: housing affordability. Let’s rally behind this initiative for a brighter, more inclusive Truro."
Amy Smith, Truro Resident, 2023
Citations:
(1) Letters to the Editor, Provincetown Independent. 10/18/2023
(2) Report: Truro Economic Development: Vision and Strategy, Truro Economic Development Committee, Appendix A, p. 15-16, March 2023
(3) North Truro’s Terra Luna Closes After 30 Years, Provincetown Independent. 10/11/2023
(4) Letters to the Editor, Provincetown Independent. 10/18/2023