HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comment from S Sheehan
To Whom it May Concern,
I’m writing as a concerned resident regarding the auto body shop located at 970 Main
Street, West Barnstable, a property that borders conservation land in our village. Over the
years, this business appears to have significantly expanded its operations, raising multiple
concerns among neighbors — myself included.
Recently, I learned that the property owner, Mr. Sundelin, may retained new legal
representation and now has additional time to address zoning compliance. While that may
be within legal limits, it also means that the current conditions — which may exceed the
scope originally permitted — could persist for quite some time. This leaves the
neighborhood in an uncertain and increasingly concerning situation.
I’d like to bring the following issues to your attention:
1. Environmental Risk - Water
The shop stores numerous vehicles on-site, many of which are visibly damaged from
accidents. This raises red flags about the potential for leaking oil, gasoline, and other
automotive fluids that could seep into the soil — and possibly into our groundwater. As
someone who lives nearby and relies on a well for drinking water, this is a deeply personal
concern.
2. Proximity to Conservation Land
Given that the property abuts protected conservation land, I respectfully ask whether the
business operations and current storage of vehicles, paint, chemicals, and other
hazardous materials are in compliance with applicable conservation laws and
environmental regulations. Has this been reviewed recently?
3. Fire Hazard and Emergency Access
The nature of materials on-site — automotive paint, solvents, lithium-ion batteries in
electric vehicles, etc. — makes this location a significant fire risk. Compounding this is the
fact that our area lacks a municipal water supply and relies on pumper trucks. Any delay in
emergency access could be disastrous, especially since the back lot is frequently blocked
by parked vehicles.
4. Expansion Beyond Original Scope
When I moved here 13 years ago, the business was considerably smaller. Today, there are
many more vehicles, including tow trucks and commercial vehicles that often park very
close to the road. This road is not only a designated scenic highway, but also near a tricky
intersection, making the increased traffic and visibility issues concerning for public safety.
Many of us in the neighborhood feel that the current scope of the business no longer fits
the scale or spirit of our small village. While I support local businesses, I believe that their
operations should be conducted safely, responsibly, and within the bounds of local zoning
regulations.
I hope the Zoning Board of Appeals and the appropriate departments will take a close look
at this situation. I would appreciate transparency and timely updates as this process
unfolds, as well as any actions that can be taken now to reduce risk and improve
compliance.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I would be happy to provide further
information or speak in person if that would be helpful.
Sincerely,
Susan Sheehan
2472 Meetinghouse Way (Rt. 149)
West Barnstable, MA 02668