Harwich Commission Imposes 18-Month Demolition Delay on Bank Street Dwelling

HARWICH — June 17, 2026 — Harwich Historic District and Historical Commission imposed an 18-month demolition delay on a Bank Street dwelling while unanimously approving restoration plans for the former Bishop's Terrace restaurant site on Route 28. The commission voted 5-1 at its June 17 meeting to block demolition of the dwelling at 55 Bank Street — assessed as built in 1920 but potentially dating to 1858 or earlier, based on historic maps raised during the hearing — after Attorney Michael Ford and architect John Barker of Philemus Avery de Silva argued the structure had lost historic significance through decades of additions. Commission member Paul pushed back forcefully, saying "there's nothing in that house that's not preservable in my mind." In a sharply contrasting action, the commission voted unanimously to approve partial demolition of non-original structures at 108 Route 28, where new owner Jeff Handler of JSLW LLC announced plans to restore the original 1778 Job Chase Senior homestead — part of a purchase-and-sale agreement that included a rare clause requiring resale to the original seller if the buyers fail to rehabilitate the property. The commission also approved by 6-0 an exterior restoration permit for the West Harwich Baptist Church at 62 Route 28, funded through a Community Preservation Commission award.