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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft LCP_Spring 2025 Public Comment-CombinedTown of Barnstable Draft Local Comprehensive Plan Public Comment Spring 2025 Draft Local Comprehensive Plan Public Comment Spring 2025 Description Pages Email & Hard Copy Submissions 3-23 Online Comment Tool Submissions 24-34 Community Meeting Comments 35-38 Draft Local Comprehensive Plan Public Comment Spring 2025 Email & Hard Copy Submissions 1 Maldonado, Kaitlyn From:Andrew Clark <arclark4@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, April 15, 2025 11:55 AM To:Barnstable LCP Subject:Against wells in Bridge Creek Conservation area Dear Town planners, As a year round resident of 230 Church St, and public school teacher, I am opposed to the wells in the Bridge Creek conservation area for several reasons… 1. I expect my well and water system will be impacted almost immediately. The town has not contacted me to propose how the likely loss of my well will be mitigated 2. I am very happy with my current water situation and am not thrilled about changing or altering it. 3. My house, and my neighbors’ house’s foundations rest on clay. I have read several accounts of wells draining ground water supplies and drying out underground clay deposits. Dried clay does not have the volume or carrying capacities and foundations crack or become untenable? Any responses to these concerns are welcome. Take care, Andrew Clark 1 Maldonado, Kaitlyn From:Howley, Kelly Sent:Thursday, April 17, 2025 10:21 AM To:Kupfer, James Cc:Pedicini, Kyle; Maldonado, Kaitlyn Subject:Draft Local Comprehensive Plan Potential Additional Verbiage for Review Attachments:Planning and Development Scaned Docs Comprehensive Plan Suggetions 4.17.25.pdf Good morning. Thank you for our recent meeting and for being open to my suggestions to add additional Age & Dementia Friendly content to the Town Comprehensive Plan Draft. I have attached some suggested content and information that I thought you might ϐind useful. Feel free to use, if you feel any of the attached data would be an appropriate addition to the plan. Reach out to me anytime if you have questions or would like additional information. The CCRTA Press Release is to better describe the changes coming from their new grant, you can use content from that if you like but I just wanted you to have a better understanding of that upcoming change I mentioned during our recent meeting. We also have an Age & Dementia Friendly Action Plan that I am happy to share if you would like to view that document. Our hard-working Age & Dementia Friendly Steering group meets bi-monthly and works on Age Friendly endeavors identi ϐied in our action plan and from the community. The current members of our Steering Group, consist of representation from several Town departments (including Amy Harwood), local agencies and BCOA Staff. I hope this is helpful to in some way. I think the DRAFT Comprehensive Plan came out great, the hard work and dedication of your division shines through. I also enjoyed your departments presentation at the Employee Leadership Program, last week. If you would like to bring the “mock meeting” concept on the road, it could be a fun interdepartmental program to offer our patrons here at the BACC. Thank you again and have a great day! Appreciatively, Kelly Howley Director, Barnstable COA & Adult Community Center 1 Maldonado, Kaitlyn From:Kupfer, James Sent:Thursday, May 8, 2025 12:09 PM To:Maldonado, Kaitlyn Subject:FW: REMINDER: Draft Local Comprehensive Plan for Review & Comment James S. Kupfer, AICP, MPA Director l Planning & Development Town of Barnstable l 367 Main Street l Hyannis, MA 02601 James.Kupfer@town.barnstable.ma.us P 508-862-4784 C 774-487-2786 From: Challies, Jean <challiesj@barnstablepolice.com> Sent: Thursday, May 8, 2025 12:08 PM To: Kupfer, James <James.Kupfer@town.barnstable.ma.us> Subject: RE: REMINDER: Draft Local Comprehensive Plan for Review & Comment Hi Jim, I’ve looked at the LCP and I think my primary concern/issue would be to have BPD included wen addressing traffic planning throughout, including Great Streets and traffic calming. I also had a ques?on about the housing por?on in goal 6 - since Housing Lists can be state-wide, is the inten?on to bring in people from other communi?es? Just wondering about the benefit to local residents. Thanks for the opportunity to review this. Jeannie Jean Challies Chief of Police Barnstable Police Department 508-778-3875 (O) 774-487-4843 (C) challiesj@barnstablepolice.com From: Kupfer, James <James.Kupfer@town.barnstable.ma.us> Sent: Monday, May 5, 2025 7:32 AM To: Maldonado, Kaitlyn <Kaitlyn.Maldonado@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Daniel Santos <Daniel.Santos@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Beaudoin, Griffin <Philip.Beaudoin@town.barnstable.ma.us>; TOWN Anthony, David <David.Anthony@town.barnstable.ma.us>; TOWN Milne, Mark <mark.milne@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Challies, Jean <challiesj@barnstablepolice.com>; Sara Ahern <ahern_sara@mybps.us>; Chris Gonnella <Chris.Gonnella@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Brian Florence <Brian.Florence@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Derek Lawson <Derek.Lawson@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Coleman, Nina <Nina.Coleman@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Hoopes, Edwin <Edwin.Hoopes@town.barnstable.ma.us>; Matthew Elia <melia@flyhya.com>; Keijser, Hans <Hans.Keijser@town.barnstable.ma.us> Cc: Pedicini, Kyle <Kyle.Pedicini@town.barnstable.ma.us> Subject: REMINDER: Draft Local Comprehensive Plan for Review & Comment 1 Maldonado, Kaitlyn From:Cathy Berkey <csberkey@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, April 11, 2025 3:10 PM To:Barnstable LCP; Kupfer, James Subject:Housing Production and LCP Dear Housing Planning Department and LCP CommiƩee, My family and I were part-Ɵme (weekends all year round) residents beginning in 1985, with our first home on 4th Ave in W Hyannisport, and over the past 11 years my husband and I have been full-Ɵme residents of Cotuit and Osterville. As you redo the Housing ProducƟon Plan, please focus on affordable housing for our workforce families. Proposals to increase density will only provide addiƟonal opportuniƟes for outside investors to create short-term rentals, which are a big source of our current housing problems. And increased density would likely negaƟvely impact our water quality. Please focus new affordable housing on already developed parcels, meaning no destruc Ɵon of undeveloped land, open space, trees, cranberry bogs, historical properƟes and historic village centers. Can you change zoning from commercial- industrial to residenƟal, when needed? Focus on creaƟng affordable year-round RENTALS: houses, apartments, townhouses, duplexes/triplexes. And “affordable” does not require they look “cheap”, or have un-appealing architecture, to save developers money. Tractor Supply and the K-Mart shopping center redevelopment (that we were told would be similar to “Mashpee Commons” with some housing) are both examples of bad decisions that did not make Hyannis a beƩer place. Though probably out of Barnstable’s control, if the Marstons Mills CVS would move to the empty Walgreens, across the street, and the ugly CVS building demolished and replaced with affordable townhouses having aƩracƟve architecture, that would be a win-win for that secƟon of Route 28. Is there a way to claw back (encourage) short -term rentals to make them available for year round rental, using extra fees or property tax incenƟves? And, just as I don’t want the four houses around mine to become short term rentals, I also don’t want any of them to be converted to duplexes, etc, in my single family neighborhood. The dense development plans I have been reading about would turn my village into a place where I would no longer want to live. Thank you for considering my viewpoint, Catherine Berkey Osterville 1 Maldonado, Kaitlyn From:Dan Dewey <dan@deweygardens.com> Sent:Wednesday, April 16, 2025 9:09 PM To:Maldonado, Kaitlyn Cc:james.kupfer@town.barstable.ma.us; Pedicini, Kyle; precinct11clark@gmail.com Subject:Bridge Creek Wells Hello All, I do not support the language surrounding the town's effort to drill in bridge Creek being included in the LCP. As WB residents, living with a private well that is within a mile of the proposed drill site, we have strong objections about such a project being undertaken. Our water here in WB belongs in West Barnstable, both now and in the future. The statement that is included is one sided and makes no mention of the damage that would be done to bridge Creek conservation area along with the probability of damaging the water quality/quantity that the vast majority of WB residents rely on. Again, I respectfully ask that any mention of Bridge Creek being a potential well site be removed from the LCP. Thank you very much 1 Maldonado, Kaitlyn From:Gary Markowitz <kilojolts2@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, April 28, 2025 3:47 PM To:Barnstable LCP Subject:Wastewater Nitrogen Hi, Somehow the estimate of nitrogen sources due to septic has been magically diminished from 85% down to 65%. EPA, DEP and countless other sources disagree with your chart. It seems from my perspective that the LCP tries to downplay the damage septic systems are doing to our waterways when using what I see as artficially skewed data. There is a real emergency in nitrogen pollution within nitrogen sensitive areas like Shoestring Bay. Shoestring Bay is subject to accelerated eutrophication from old septic systems and possibly cesspools. Understating the causal numbers doesn't lower the priority of needed mitigation such as acceleration of the sewering plan. Where did you get your numbers and what, if anything will you do to correct the chart? Gary Markowitz Founder, SOS-Save Our Shoestring Bay Gmarkowitz628@comcast.net 781-820-0075 1 Maldonado, Kaitlyn From:Mo <maureenofloyd@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, April 18, 2025 11:17 AM To:Barnstable LCP Cc:Maureen Floyd Subject:Comment on Town of Barnstable 2025 LCP I am submiƫng this comment in response to the Town of Barnstable 2025 LCP’s Natural Resources Targeted AcƟon Plan, Goal 1, AcƟon 1. As a resident of West Barnstable, I am strongly opposed to using the Bridge Creek ConservaƟon Area as the site for water well drilling that would benefit Hyannis. This proposal could catastrophically reduce and endanger the water supply for those of us with wells residing in West Barnstable. There are no plans for a public water system for homes in the West Barnstable community, ulƟmately placing the consequences of diversion of Bridge Creek water onto the backs of West Barnstable homeowners. It is not fair for West Barnstable to be, as one resident said, “the water bucket for the city” if accommodaƟons are not in place to ensure our exisƟng water supply. Maureen Floyd West Barnstable 1 Maldonado, Kaitlyn From:Kupfer, James Sent:Wednesday, May 7, 2025 10:53 AM To:Nancy Trafton Cc:precinct11clark@gmail.com; Maldonado, Kaitlyn Subject:RE: Draft LCP Thank you Ms. Trafton. Your comments will be provided to the Local Comprehensive Planning Committee for consideration. Jim Kupfer James S. Kupfer, AICP, MPA Director l Planning & Development Town of Barnstable l 367 Main Street l Hyannis, MA 02601 James.Kupfer@town.barnstable.ma.us P 508-862-4784 C 774-487-2786 From: Nancy Trafton <nancy.r.trafton@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 8:32 AM To: Kupfer, James <James.Kupfer@town.barnstable.ma.us> Cc: precinct11clark@gmail.com Subject: Draft LCP Hello Mr. Kupfer, I'm writing with regard to the section "Water Supply New Source Alternative Report" shown on page 215 of the draft LCP. The final sentence in that section states "The Bridge Creek Conservation Area in West Barnstable was deemed an advantageous site due to a potential yield almost 10-times greater than other sites". I respectfully request that this sentence be removed from the document. First off, according to this section, six of seven sites were deemed "hydro-geologically favorable. It's inconsistent that Bridge Creek is the only site specifically cited in this document. Second, the pump yield and water quality test referenced was based on a test utilizing a small wellhead pumping for a short period of time. More sophisticated testing would need to be done to determine if, as the draft LCP states, that the potential yield is in fact "...10-times greater than other sites". Finally, to the best of my knowledge, no consideration has been given or studies done, to determine how capturing the water at Bridge Creek would affect the water supply for the inhabitants of West Barnstable, who are totally reliant on private wells. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to seeing this language removed from the LCP. It's inclusion, in a document of this type, is at best premature. Sincerely, 2 Nancy Trafton 995 Main Street West Barnstable 1 Maldonado, Kaitlyn From:Steve Waller <stevegwaller@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 10, 2025 2:12 PM To:Barnstable LCP Subject:Comments on the BLCP Thanks for assembling a robust plan. It describes today’s situation in nuanced detail, and sets a standard for Barnstable to build upon in future years. I have some comments. p. 35 Hydrilla “an inch and day” typo Long Pond Centerville has hydrilla, but has also had cyanobacteria closures for many consecutive years. Cyanobacteria delay the chemical application to kill invasive hydrilla, so they work together against our desire for clean swimming and boating waters. pp. 76-7 The discussion of TDML reduction is limited to expensive sewers, while not mentioning the much less expensive yet more effective methods like urine diversion and composting toilets. There is also no recommendation for determining which Barnstable properties continue to rely on cesspools, a pre-WWII technology that contributes an unknown amount of nitrogen to our estuaries. No one knows how many cesspools are operating in Barnstable today. That is an astonishing fact that must be faced by Town government, and we should have plans for phasing out all cesspools soon. P. 153 – The CWMP is very expensive and probably unrealistic in cost during lean federal funding years. It also has an unreasonably-long timeline, considering the current levels of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of our bays and kettle ponds, and considering that the final product covers less than 50% of Barnstable houses. The inevitable conclusion is that Barnstable will need to incentivize I/A and nontraditional waste disposal methods, like composting toilets and urine diversion, to achieve the essential long-term clean water levels that are sustainable. p. 161 In the inevitable growth of Barnstable population, limiting the number of stories on commercial structures on Hyannis Main Street and in commercial districts is plainly unrealistic. The ground is fully occupied, so the only way to go is up. Just because we fondly remember the good old days is not a valid excuse for ignoring obvious needs. Thanks for your consideration of my comments. Steve Waller, MD 125 Blantyre Ave, Centerville "Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.” George Bernard Shaw 1 Maldonado, Kaitlyn From:Taylor, Brian Sent:Monday, May 12, 2025 10:14 AM To:Kupfer, James Cc:Barnstable LCP; Paul Everson; Plucinski, Polly; Lawson, Derek; Horn, Jay Subject:WWC Comments Town of Barnstable Local Comprehensive Plan Importance:High Good morning James, Below are some of the topics discussed at the Waterways Committee Meeting (Special) on May 06, 2025.  CTD Access/ long time closure to vehicles; supporting enhancing commercial access  Rising Water particularly CTD concerns parking lot closure/flooding; this has now become a Resiliency Project.  Shellfisheries during dredging; this is a separate Comprehensive Plan but was mentioned.  Baxter Purchase (expanding Reactional/Commercial Access).  Commercial vs Recreation Access Maintain and possible expansion due to demand and being a Maritime Community. In conclusion, the expansion of land/piers/docks/water shed for recreational and commercial access was discussed. Long term planning for Public/Commercial Access along our waterway was a small portion within the Comprehensive Plan; due to Barnstable being a maritime community we should be supporting this venture into the future. Waterways Committee wanted more of a focus on the “Maritime Community” and more to be added to the Comprehensive Plan for the Town’s maintenance of existing structure and expansion of of future community access. Furthermore, we are looking to support the Aquaculture (Oysters) to enhance water quality. These comments are supported and sent for the Waterways Committee Chair, Paul Everson. Thank you, Brian W. Taylor Harbormaster Town of Barnstable 508-790-6273 1 Maldonado, Kaitlyn From:Taylor, Brian Sent:Tuesday, May 13, 2025 4:38 PM To:Kupfer, James; Barnstable LCP Cc:Paul Everson; Lawson, Derek; Horn, Jay Subject:FW: Comments on the Comprehensive Plan Please see email below from WWC member Todd Walantis. Brian W. Taylor Harbormaster Town of Barnstable 508-790-6273 From: Todd Walantis <todd@hylanauto.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 4:00 PM To: Taylor, Brian <Brian.Taylor@town.barnstable.ma.us> Subject: Comments on the Comprehensive Plan To the members of the Committee working on the Local Comprehensive plan, I deeply applaud your e+ort and commitment in tackling this monumental undertaking. As a Barnstable Resident, member of the Waterways Committee, parent and avid user of our waterways I have a few simple suggestions that should be considered. The first is acquisition of waterfront property and creating access to any and all waterways for community use. We are very fortunate to have so many di+erent salt and fresh bodies of water in our community that we need to prioritize the acquisition of abutting properties when the opportunities present themselves. We have all seen how favorable this area has become and unfortunately in the process it has made a+ordability now a community issue. I also believe that the Plan would be remiss without addressing the need to drastically expand the funding and commitment to maintenance and improvements on the waterfront assets that we already possess. We have several facilities in this town that need improvement just to stay usable never mind the kind of investment that is necessary to maximize their community potential. As the fourth largest commercial fishing community in the Commonwealth, it should be apparent that it is necessary to keep our working waterfront at the forefront of daily planning discussions. We need to make it an out right priority to support our existing waterfront / water based businesses while a+ording the opportunity for new ones to form and flourish. Finally, we need to stress the importance of increasing our services and support sta+ that preside over these assets. If we make it a major part of our Comprehensive Plan it will be much easier to incorporate these improvements into daily conversations. I am afraid that too often we take the 2 resources that surround us for granted when in fact we should be working to preserve and enhance them. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to this process. Todd H. Walantis 85 Crystal Ridge Road Cotuit, MA 02635 508.274.3343 Todd@hylanauto.com Draft Local Comprehensive Plan Public Comment Spring 2025 Online Comment Tool Submissions Page # Comment 10 Letter from the Committee 12 Pg. 12; para 2, line 1: Take out comma after “Phase II;” 16 Community Engagement & Process: Complete language to define overall process 23 For 5th bullet point on this page: consider replacing low-carbon energy with "renewable energy"; this would also improve public health and mitigate impacts of climate change 14 The 2025 Local Comprehensive Plan is an impressive compilation of both the opportunities and challenges faced by Barnstable. There are many mentions of the need for community input as our town government seeks paths forward.I submit that a huge part of moving into the future productively is finding new ways to educate elected and appointed town leaders and the interested citizenry about high profile issues. Example one: Continued public tantrums about facing the real challenges in Hyannis. Hyannis is the commercial center for Cape transportation and commerce. No, it is not and can never be what it was when you were a kid. It IS possible to protect some of the old neighborhoods and historic buildings. But it makes no sense to fight about will make Main Street safer and actually better for commercial use. Investors are being chased off by fears that citizens’ will make life impossible by arguing over what color shutters will be painted. Example two: A public tantrum to undermine using one of Barnstable’s major assets to combat environmental disaster….. offshore wind. The outstanding feature of the argument over bringing OSW power under Dowses Beach was the information provided to citizens simply didn’t seem believable. It came either from a powerful company said to be planning to make an unreasonable huge profit….. or from a citizens’ group that feared folks would lose their beloved beach. What if the Town Government had acknowledged the information gap and made it their business to get factual material from impartial sources before the public at the first sign of trouble? A long-range plan needs to include new ways to deal with getting unbiased information to the public at a time when the information can make a difference. That is a tall order but it is truly necessary. 16 As a resident of Main Street in Centerville Village, I strongly support the plan’s emphasis on traffic calming and pedestrian safety. With the addition of the new Centerville Playground and ballfield, it is even more critical that sidewalks be constructed to current safety standards and that curbing be used to limit unsafe or excessive roadside parking. These measures are essential to ensure safe access for families and children and to preserve the walkability of our historic village center. 22 Please drop the performative DEI language, it's tired and meaningless 23 Please drop the ongoing performative DEI language "Foster an inclusive community that values diversity." 26 I think the attention to natural systems is very relevant to the Town. The Town needs to avoid building too much impervious (paved) surfaces to protect its groundwater. That goal is in conflict with other initiatives in this plan such as creating more housing, attracting more business, etc. I’m not sure the planners see that conflict. Page # Comment 30 On page 30 in the Existing Conditions Report, change the Aquaculture title to Shellfishing and Aquaculture. 31 On page 31 in the existing conditions report, check the veracity of the statement that In recent years, contamination of coastal waters has caused a decline in harvests, as harvests have actually increased in recent years. Recommend removing this sentence. 35 Hydrilla “an inch and day” typo Long Pond Centerville has hydrilla, but has also had cyanobacteria closures for many consecutive years. Cyanobacteria delay the chemical application to kill invasive hydrilla, so they work together against our desire for clean swimming and boating waters. Draft Local Comprehensive Plan: Public Comment Introduction General Comments Existing Conditions: Natural Systems 57 the legend should describe “WP” 28 Nitrogen loading is the biggest issue in our town. To tackle this problem it’s going to require more than one solution. For less dense areas, incentives to install alternative title-v “nitro” systems in addition to what already exists could immediately start to reduce the nitrogen load.Place a moratorium on all lawn fertilizers for private residents. One of the easiest ways to reduce nitrogen in our water shed would be to stop spreading it on the ground. Being on the water all year, I see many companies using chemicals regardless of the precipitation forecast. I have even confronted fertilizer company employees and they knew its was going to rain but the customer did not care. The use of lawn chemicals needs to be curtailed. 28 The groundwater pollution section glosses over the true state of contamination and ongoing malfeasance being inflicted on the drinking water supply by over development, over-burdened wastewater treatment effluent being injected back into the ground, and the utterly slow pace of sewering around the Three Bays region. No mention is made of rising sodium levels due to road salt application, and the ongoing permitting of new development based on existing inadequate Title 5 specifications. This is an opportunity to firmly state that our drinking water is deteriorating and is THE single factor that drives future development plan and land use policy. Sound the alarm. The facts support a stronger statement and a call for a complete building moratotium. 29 The town needs to roll back the number of moorings and enact a complete ban on new private docks throughout the town. 30 re Nitrogen contamination and the public health crisis in the town's estuaries: these statements pussy foot around the utter destruction of the marine environment and erroneously pins the problem on climate change when the true causes are anthropgenic and local. This plan should be far more strident in calling for action to replace title 5 septic close to the estuaries in lieu of the expensive and immense disruption of the current sewer boondoggle. Sound the alarm. The lack of urgency and concern in the tone of this section is cowardly. 30 Support our town’s aquaculture businesses to use more floating aquaculture gear which is the most efficient way for oysters to clean the water. Allow aquaculture in bays that don’t currently have any by removing the moratorium and allowing new applications. 31 Barnstable is the 4th largest commercial fishing town in the state, but despite this statistic we have minimal public shoreline infrastructure, much of which is failing or poorly maintained.The Cotuit Town Dock for years was a key component to fishermen, marine contractors, and land based boat yards who used the dock to drive up to their boats for easy loading and off loading. The town recently deemed it unfit for vehicle use due to the condition on the pier.Despite Hyannis Harbor’s deep water channels, it has a very small area for commercial loading/offloading with no offloading equipment. The possibility for the town to buy Baxters and turn it into an asset similar to the Chatham Fish Pier is a once in a lifetime time opportunity to bolster our blue economy and connect the public with our fishing heritage. Boat ramps around town, especially in Barnstable Harbor have significantly deteriorated. The largest aquaculture fleet in the state relies on these Barnstable Harbor ramps. The ramp on Bay Street Osterville that has been rebuilt was poorly designed and has restricted the ease of use with unforgiving curbs in the parking lot and slipper riprap bordering the ramp. Maximum stakeholder input needs to be considered for future projects.Dredging of Water Ways is crucial for our blue economy, however there are a few of these areas that are of great concern to shellfishermen as there are existing shellfish beds. Some of these areas are the Centerville River, Sepuit River, Marstons Mills River, and isolated parts of the Three Bays. Closely working with the Shellfish, and Water Ways Committee will reduce the impact to these beds by either removing the shellfish before dredging, or possibly avoiding small areas that dredging isn’t particularly necessary. 38 Coastal development, particularly private land, needs to be halted. These ecosystems are dying from a thousand cuts and help sequester the nitrogen that reaches the rivers and bays. Our conservation regulations are out dated and are not doing enough to protect our most precious ecosystems. The development in our south side bays is out of control, yet legal through the current regulations. An overhaul is needed. 40 A major goal of the LCP should be to protect in perpetuity the 570 acres of open space in town that currently have no protection.Another goal should be encouragement and enforcement of Chapter 61 land use provisions. 56 many towns do not publicize the location of their zone 1 water wells as this can invite people with malevolent purposes to compromise the water quality. I recommend removing zone 1 from this map. Page # Comment 90 Pg. 90: “Public Safety,” line 3: Strike “in” between “sworn” and “Officers.” “Sworn Officers” is a term of art in the law enforcement profession. “Sworn in Officers” is not; General Comments Existing Conditions: Built Systems 218 Update crash data from the Cape Cod Commission 66 Multi-family dwelling development is a cancer on the town and needs to be called out for its impact on traffic, drinking water, services, parking, etc. The town does not need any new housing and to claim "affordable" housing is a pressing concern in this plan is a figment of the real estate lobby's greedy imagination. All those quarter-acre cheap subdivisions of the 70s and 80s? That's the town;'s affordable housing stock. Stop permitting dense four story multifamily housing before the town turns into Long Island 69 "The Town's Zoning Ordinance is complex" --- duh, you think? How about suggesting a drastic simplification? 71 "In February 2001, Barnstable nominated the entire town as a DCPC to address the rate of residential growth" ---- and yet this plan is committed to multi-family development? 76-77 The discussion of TDML reduction is limited to expensive sewers, while not mentioning the much less expensive yet more effective methods like urine diversion and composting toilets. There is also no recommendation for determining which Barnstable properties continue to rely on cesspools, a pre-WWII technology that contributes an unknown amount of nitrogen to our estuaries. No one knows how many cesspools are operating in Barnstable today. That is an astonishing fact that must be faced by Town government, and we should have plans for phasing out all cesspools soon. 82 p.83 also - the report does not discuss or mention the cost per passenger mile of cars versus buses or any other modes of transportation. It is well known that the cost per passenger mile (including operating and capital costs) is much less than public transit options. One source indicates the cost per passenger mile of an automobile is 0.25 dollars based on data showing 1.57 people per car) while a transit bus costs $1.01, a four-fold difference. I searched for the term “passenger mile” and found no hits in the town’s draft comprehensive plan. Subsidizing bus transit means that residents who own and pay for a car must also pay more in taxes to run a bus system that they do not use. I am skeptical about adding more public transportation. The cost per passenger mile must be very high for the public bus system as compared to that for a private auto. There are new models to provide Uber like service to those who cannot afford a car. Has there been a cost benefit analysis on that as an alternative to the multi-millions beings spent on bus service in the Town? The bottom line is that the Town is a car centric town. Can you add the cost per passenger mile for the buses that serve the Town of Barnstable? 85 P.85, 172, 229 – The investment in the Cape Cod Rail Trail in the Town of Barnstable seems worthwhile to me since 1) it can help as an alternate means of transportation for those who cannot afford a car and 2) it is good recreation for Cape residents and visitors. 123 ADD to Economic Development Resources "Offshore wind is expected to create thousands of high-quality jobs, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and operations. This offers a unique opportunity for local workforce development, sustainable economic growth, and strengthening the regional supply chain.Supporting local businesses and engaging with workforce development programs can help ensure that Barnstable residents benefit from these economic opportunities." Page # Comment 167 Map 4.6: This map shows only Phase I of the sewer project. Should we add a note in the margin of the map saying that a map showing Sewer Phases II and III is located at Map 7.2 on page 225? 153 ADD to Town wide Issues and Opportunities for Land Use section "Offshore wind offers a strategic alternative to land-based solar, helping Barnstable meet its renewable energy goals without the land-use conflicts often associated with large-scale solar installations." General Comments Land Use General Comments General Comments Existing Conditions: Community Systems 153 The CWMP is very expensive and probably unrealistic in cost during lean federal funding years. It also has an unreasonably-long timeline, considering the current levels of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of our bays and kettle ponds, and considering that the final product covers less than 50% of Barnstable houses. The inevitable conclusion is that Barnstable will need to incentivize I/A and nontraditional waste disposal methods, like composting toilets and urine diversion, to achieve the essential long-term clean water levelsthat are sustainable. 161 In the inevitable growth of Barnstable population, limiting the number of stories on commercial structures on Hyannis Main Street and in commercial districts is plainly unrealistic. The ground is fully occupied, so the only way to go is up. Just because we fondly remember the good old days is not a valid excuse for ignoring obvious needs. 166 P.166 and other maps- your area of proposed intensive development around Independence Park (“regional economic center”) seems to include a number of zone 1 locations. Most towns want to own their zone 1s and avoid development in their zone 1s. Again, the press for more housing and more business is in conflict with protecting the natural systems of the Town 180 Future housing in the less dense villages: the town should heavily subsidize the installation of alternative septic systems that remove nitrogen, instead of waiting decades for sewers to be installed. The town needs to act with speed to address the housing ‘crisis’ and the water quality crisis, and the problem could be alleviated more efficiently and quickly with the use of alternative septic systems in Phase II and III areas. 186 Protecting Natural Resources is the Town’s Number 1 priority. All else is secondary. We’re already overusing our water supply by nearly 2 million gallons per day, projected to rise to 4mgd in 15 years. We’ve already degraded 90% of our bays and estuaries. We cannot support an increase in population in this town. We cannot continue to neglect the enforcement of environmental regulations.Hire staff to enforce water regulations, noise, light, and chemical pollution regulations. Ban lawn fertilizer altogether - no one needs lawn fertilizer. Improve storm water controls. We must do more than ‘talk’ about sustainability and resiliency, we must take real and perhaps drastic action if we want to continue living in this fragile and vulnerable environment. 194 ADD to Coastal Resiliency & Climate Mitigation "For communities committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, offshore wind represents a key local resource that can improve air quality and reduce pollution from fossil fuel plants, leading to better health outcomes for residents, especially for children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions.Communities can have a voice in responsible offshore wind development by planning for the future, ensuring that projects are sited far offshore to minimize visual and ecological impacts, and that measures are taken to protect wildlife and marine life." 195 ADD to the Issues & Opportunities Section "The revenue from offshore wind projects can help offset the costs of major infrastructure needs, such as the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP), offering a unique opportunity to address both energy and infrastructure challenges simultaneously." 196 ADD to section on Climate Change "Clean energy, including offshore wind development aligns with Barnstable's community priorities for environmental sustainability and energy resilience by delivering clean, reliable energy that reduces dependence on fossil fuels and lowers long-term electricity costs. Offshore wind supports sustainability and resilience by reducing emissions and stabilizing electricity prices. With proper local engagement, we can ensure that offshore wind development minimizes environmental impacts, while also protecting public health and preserving Barnstable’s marine heritage." On page 114, it talks about how Barnstable has higher wind speeds, which seems like an opportunity to harness that energy to support the communities’ environmental and energy independence initiatives, while reducing the cost for residents. ADD this to the Climate Change section: “As noted on page 114 of this report, Barnstable was noted to be chosen as a Greening the Gateway Cities in EJ Communities due to higher winds. While higher winds pose a challenge to the Barnstable community, they also present a simultaneous opportunity to harness this wind as a clean and renewable energy source to benefit the community.” 199 Encourage responsible public use of open space parcels. With exception of environmentally sensitive areas, maintaining passive recreation trail access would discourage damaging activities such as camping, dumping, and motorcycle encroachment. There currently are numerous abandoned campsites throughout Barnstable’s many publicly owned parcels; responsible users are often the first to detect and report damaging activities. Natural Resources General Comments Housing General Comments Page # Comment 215 RE: the section "Water Supply New Source Alternative Report". I respectfully request that you REMOVE the last sentence from this section: "The Bridge Creek Conservation Area in West Barnstable was deemed an advantageous site due to a potential yield almost 10-times greater than other sites" for the following reasons: (1) six of seven sites were deemed "hydro-geologically favorable. It's inconsistent that Bridge Creek is the only site specifically cited in this document. (2) what studies have been done to determine how capturing the water at Bridge Creek would affect the water supply for the inhabitants of West Barnstable, who are totally reliant on private wells? (3) the pump yield and water quality referenced was based on a test utilizing a small wellhead pumping for a short period of time which is inadequate for accurate data about actual volume and pressure. More detailed studies would be required for this information as well as the environmental impact of developing & operating this infrastructure in critical wetland habitat. 215 I'm writing with regard to the section "Water Supply New Source Alternative Report" shown on page 215 of the draft LCP. The final sentence in that section states "The Bridge Creek Conservation Area in West Barnstable was deemed an advantageous site due to a potential yield almost 10-times greater than other sites". I respectfully request that this sentence be removed from the document. First off, according to this section, six of seven sites were deemed "hydro-geologically favorable. It's inconsistent that Bridge Creek is the only site specifically cited in this document. Second, the pump yield and water quality test referenced was based on a test utilizing a small wellhead pumping for a short period of time. More sophisticated testing would need to be done to determine if, as the draft LCP states, that the potential yield is in fact "...10-times greater than other sites". Finally, to the best of my knowledge, no consideration has been given or studies done, to determine how capturing the water at Bridge Creek would affect the water supply for the inhabitants of West Barnstable, who are totally reliant on private wells. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to seeing this language removed from the LCP. It's inclusion, in a document of this type, is at best premature. 215 Disagree with the idea listed on page 215 regarding seeking new wellhead sites in the Bridge Creek Conservation Area. Advocate instead for the Town to seek potential new wellhead sites on private land. 215 I do not support the language surrounding the town's effort to drill in bridge Creek being included in the LCP. As WB residents, living with a private well that is within a mile of the proposed drill site, we have strong objections about such a project being undertaken. Our water here in WB belongs in West Barnstable, both now and in the future.The statement that is included is one sided and makes no mention of the damage that would be done to bridge Creek conservation area along with the probability of damaging the water quality/quantity that the vast majority of WB residents rely on. Again, I respectfully ask that any mention of Bridge Creek being a potential well site be removed from the LCP. 218 Replace "a Silver Express" with "The Village Van" and "elderly individuals" with "55+ and disabled residents" 218 There is limited attention to the problem of unaccepted roads or private roads. The Town has a huge amount of private roads – 190 miles compared to 260 miles of public roads. This seems like quite a serious problem over time as the roads will become substandard over time. The dollar figures cited for Barnstable maintenance of private roads seem minimal at best. That seems like a primary function of the Town as opposed to planting non-native trees that won’t survive. 222 ADD in the Energy Section of Issues & Opportunities "Offshore wind provides stable, locally-generated electricity that helps shield communities from global energy price shocks, contributing to energy independence and affordability for Barnstable residents. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, offshore wind offers a strategic step towards more predictable, affordable energy prices, which will benefit Barnstable for generations." Page # Comment Facilities Infrastructure General Comments 234 Add the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) within Policies, Priorities & Plans 236 Replace "Senior Center" with "Council on Aging" 239 "Community Centers" Suggest adding the following sentences to this section after "The Barnstable Adult Community Center (BACC) and the Hyannis Youth Community Center (HYCC) continue to serve as focal points for many community recreation programs and services." Barnstable is an Age & Dementia Friendly Community. An Age & Dementia Friendly Community is a place that actively supports the well-being of its older residents and those living with dementia by creating inclusive and accessible environments. As the Town evolves and its residents' age, planning efforts have grown to incorporate age and dementia friendly features that promote quality of life, inclusivity and accessibility. The Barnstable Adult Community Center Master Plan project is currently analyzing available development and recreational opportunities on the property around the BACC. Built in 2009, the Hyannis Youth and Community Center offers a year-round indoor sports complex with two ice rinks, a multi-sport gymnasium, and a walking track. This property has the opportunity for master planning and expansion of recreational amenities. There is also an opportunity to replace the now-demolished Osterville Recreation Building with a new, modern recreation center. 240 The statement on page 240 Opportunities to enhance public waterfront access should be explored when they arise needs to be strengthened and more pointed. Recommend instead stating: "Opportunities to enhance public waterfront access should continuously be sought out, with plans to track, and quickly act upon where possible." Page # Comment 255 Pg. 255, Heading “Housing supply/Lack of Afforability”: Should we use the phrase “housing which is affordable,” as opposed to “affordable housing” in this section? “Affordable housing” is a term of art tied to % of area medium income, which isn’t really what we are talking about in this section. In addition to “affordable housing,” we are talking about housing for that segment of our working population who exceed the “affordable housing” thresholds, but none-the-less cannot afford to live here, either in housing which they are able to purchase or in housing which they can afford to rent. Page # Comment 273 Pg. 273, Right hand column, 2nd line from the bottom: put a comma between “example” and “to promote.” Page # Comment Page # Comment Economic Development Culture, Heritage & Design Future Land Use Maps Targeted Action Plan: Land Use 171 286 Conduct an analysis of the parcels in areas with sufficient infrastructure and consider amending the RPOD for development potential. 171 286 Pg. 171, Goal 4, Action B: Thank you for modifying the language recognizing that some trees should be removed and don’t necessarily require replacement. The word “consideration,” however, is somewhat confusing. Sometimes “consideration” is used as a “term of art” to indicate the payment of money. Sometimes, like here, it is not used as a term of art suggesting that the landowner is entitled to some form of payment from the town for taking down a tree. I can see the “consideration” language leading some landowners thinking that they are entitled to some form of payment from the town to take down a tree for safety reasons, however. Perhaps we should substitute something like “except where necessary for safety purposes, etc.”; 171 286 Land Use Goal 4B add a space between "removed" and "with" 171 286 Land Use Goal 4B should be amended so that two trees need to be planted whenever a significant tree is removed – this suggestion was echoed by a second resident. 173 290 Land Use Goal 9C: Remove extra space at the end of the sentence before the period 292 Land Use Goal 12B: Remove “for” before Master Plan 292 Land Use Goal 12D: Delete "Study the Light Commercial corridor as shown on the Future Land Use Map to study traffic impacts and analyze proper land uses." 170 286 Goal 3 is your most important goal. Goal 4B; there should not be a fee in lieu of planting. Planting at least 1 and preferably 2 (per state law) replacement trees must be enforced. Goal 4C: why would there be ANY development on open space that’s been protected in perpetuity or designated as sensitive habitat? Goal 6:what is “open space residential development”? It sounds like an oxymoron. Goal 7: There should be a total moratorium on new residential development in the “Regional Economic Center”. Section 8:There should absolutely be undevelopment in Hyannis.it is totally overdeveloped, a miserable hodgepodge, a dumping ground for the other other villages so they can maintain their “quaint” character. Stop abusing Hyannis. Goal9: NO MORE HOUSING IN HYANNIS. Time for the other villages to take responsibility for the so-called housing crisis. Hyannis is full. 170 286 p.170,171,286 - The existing draft calls for one tree to be replaced by another tree. I am okay with that. Expanding the tree canopy maybe problematic as follows: The Town has an active commitment to trees in Town I oppose doing more than that. The Town’s past investments in trees have a checkered history because many planted trees in town got damaged and died. We saw this in Barnstable Village with the brick sidewalk project – perhaps 15 years ago – much of those trees died within a few years of the project. Today, most of the trees in the Village appear to be anemic or dead. It may be the narrowness of Route 6A which exposes trees to dog urine, car accidents, being bumped into, road salt, etc. Of course, trees can suffer severe damage when exposed to saltwater flooding, leading to browning, leaf shedding, and even death. Barnstable is a town with many estuaries and flood zones that can bring salt water to damage or kill trees. The estuaries are noted for their poor water quality (p.347, Mr. Gottlieb). Trees are very expensive to remove when they are dead; A large tree can cost $3000 to remove. They also need to be pruned due to power lines. More generally, the natural trees growing on the Cape tend to be scruffy pitch pine trees (pinus rigida) rather than desireable specimen trees like pin oaks, Zelkovas tupelo trees or Cherry trees. Pitch pines are known for a lot of space between branches, having twisted and irregular branches, and a history of falling down and damaging property in significant ways. I had a property on the Cape where 7 or 8 very large pitch pines were knocked down by a micro-burst storm and could have destroyed the house. I don’t think you want to plant scruffy pitch pines along Rt 6A or elsewhere in Town when you talk about planting more trees. I understand that trees help planners to “sell” their plan but I’m not sure it is thought through well enough. 173 290 On Land Use Goal 9B – how can the goal be stronger so that Hyannis is more walkable? General Comments Page # Comment 182 294 Pg. 182, Goal 2, Action A: Put a comma between “Vail” and “Colorado”; 296 Housing Goal 9A: Service should not be plural 182 294 Town should look at ways to prioritize locals in housing. Disagree with Housing Goal 1B as the Town should not pay property owners to convert short-term rentals to year-round housing. Advocate exploring more short-term rental regulations like have been implemented in other seasonal communities. 182 294 P. 182, 294 – I oppose Goal #2C on increasing the residential tax exemption for principal residences of taxpayers – the Town already heavily taxes summer home owners and those owners use few services. There is already a residential tax exemption. 182 294 In favor of housing goals #1 and #2. 184 296 Not in favor of housing at the Marstons Mills School property. (housing goal 8A) Page # Comment 205 300 I feel a much stronger statement is warranted regarding water conservation for the Action in response to Goal#3. Here is my suggestion Here is a more specific, hard-hitting, and action-oriented rephrasing of your proposed water conservation action, aligned with **Goal #3**: **Revised Action Statement for Goal #3:** Action #3:. The Town will aggressively expand its Water Conservation Program by combining public education with incentives and regulatory tools to drive measurable reductions in water use. This includes free or subsidized distribution of WaterSense-certified fixtures, rebates for low-water-use landscaping, and targeted outreach to reduce excessive irrigation. The program sets a clear target: a 5% annual reduction in per capita water use over the next five years. This initiative is driven by the increasing frequency of drought and fire risk, and recognizes the added benefit of energy savings from reduced water treatment and pumping. Achieving this conservation target may also delay or eliminate the need to secure new drinking water sources. Proven models such as San Antonio, TX—which achieved a 10% annual reduction per capita for five years—demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. The Town will also evaluate implementing progressive water rate structures to further encourage conservation. 205 300 Goal 3A: Current drought conditions should be recognized. Development should be limited according to quantity and quality of water available. 205 300 I am submitting this comment in response to the Town of Barnstable 2025 LCP’s Natural Resources Targeted Ac on Plan, Goal 1, Action 1. As a resident of West Barnstable, I am strongly opposed to using the Bridge Creek Conservation Area as the site for water well drilling that would bene fit Hyannis. This proposal could catastrophically reduce and endanger the water supply for those of us with wells residing in West Barnstable. There are no plans for a public water system for homes in the West Barnstable community, ultimately placing the consequences of diversion of Bridge Creek water onto the backs of West Barnstable homeowners. It is not fair for West Barnstable to be, as one resident said, “the water bucket for the city” if accommodations are not in place to ensure our existing water supply. 302 Pg. 302, Goal 5, Action A” : Should “Mass Audon” be “Mass. Audubon?” 302 Natural Resources Goal 7: Replace (I/A) with emerging technologies for septic systems Targeted Action Plan: Housing General Comments Targeted Action Plan: Natural Resources 209 304 P.209, 304 – I oppose creating a tree farm. That is not the role of a Town. The Town needs to avoid adding new functions and new costs to the tax payers. 304 Natural Resources Goal 11: Add period at the end of the goal 312 Infrastructure Goal 10B: septic systems actions (remove "s" from systems) Page # Comment 308 Goal#1A Identify and coordinate designs and improvements for priority low-lying roads including Bridge Street and Ocean Street. 312 Goal #10B Replace (I/A) with emerging technologies for septic systems 312 Goal #11 Identify the needs to develop one or more new public well sites and develop associated financial strategies. 312 Goal #12A Explore future expansion of water treatment plan for emerging contaminants. Add a goal for installing sidewalks on Route 132 from the Cape Cod Mall to the Airport Rotary. Page # Comment 242 316 Goal #1: Add new actions: "Provide/Prioritize inter-generational spaces and programing to diminish feelings of isolation. Stregthen social engagement among the older adults in the community." Page # Comment 262 326 P.262, 326 – I oppose tax increment financing (TIF) because it reduces town tax revenues from new businesses. What is the point of attracting more business if you are going to exempt them from some or all future taxation? This seems short sighted to me. 263 326 On page 263, Goal #10, Action C, amend to read Continue to seek ways to support the commercial finfish and shellfish industry, including investment in relevant waterfront facilities. This should include conducting a feasibility study to examine locating a new commercial finfish/shellfish offload facility in Hyannis. Page # Comment 280 330 P.280 - Trees are not a panacea. They require expertise, proper soil, the right sun conditions, etc. DPW staff typically do not have these skills. Page # Comment Targeted Action Plan: Facilities Targeted Action Plan: Economic Development Targeted Action Plan: Culture, Heritage & Design Implementation Targeted Action Plan: Infrastructure Page # Comment 345 Pg. 345, 4th Bullet Point: Put a “.” After the word “level” and put 2 spaces between the words “level” and “ Some”. 343 The new ADU by right law is intended to lead to more housing. However, the 10th edition of the Building/energy code becomes fully effective on July 1st. After that, builders expect the cost to build a standalone ADU will be around $300 per square foot if it uses sewer; more if it relies on a septic system which may need to be enlarged for added bedrooms. Given that the intent of the Resource Protection Overlay District is to minimize development with its 2 acre zoning, the construction of many ADUs in that district may lead to more development, more impervious space, more nitrogen from septic systems, etc. It should be a requirement that Starbucks may NOT teardown a historical building that was moved by oxen from Cotuit to Hyannis.. the Christian Scientist Church. They should be required to move it to another location. My friend was not allowed by the town of Yarmouth to tear down his barn. Why is Hyannis allowing historical destruction? 1 Overall, while the draft plan has good features, it avoids less sexy topics like private road betterments and buying up zone 1 watersheds in favor of expanding town functions, raising taxes, and planting trees. The action plan is so extensive that it may set up the Town Government for failure in the eyes of citizens –“why haven’t you done these 3 things? They are all in the master plan”. I think the action plan should be more targeted and more focused on the limited municipal staff resources. I’m concerned that this plan will drive the hiring of more staff in the town government when taxes are already high and augmented by various additional taxes such as the lodging taxes, CPA tax, short=-term rental tax, beach sticker tax, parking permit taxes, mooring fees, etc. Consider zoning options that allow for “generational housing” (allow two families to share one property) in currently “single-family” homes. These would be larger spaces than allowed by the ADU rules Move toward sustainable energy options Improve public transportation access across all of the seven villages Incentivize developers to improve non-car solutions and public transportation instead of asking them to improve our roadways General Comments General Comments Appendix Draft Local Comprehensive Plan Public Comment Spring 2025 Community Meeting Comments Local Comprehensive Plan Spring 2025 Public Meeting Comments Barnstable/West Barnstable (April 15 th, 2025)  One resident inquired about the status of the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike path and advocated for the Town to incentivize its use and connection to the village of Barnstable.  Enhance public transportation options for the Town, specifically covering more territory in rural areas like West Barnstable.  Land Use Goal 4B should be amended so that two trees need to be planted whenever a significant tree is removed – this suggestion was echoed by a second resident.  Bury power lines in Town and work with Eversource to do so.  Town needs to develop long-term coastal resiliency plan for the next 50 years, especially in regard to coastal flooding.  What options does the Town have to allow people to convert single-family homes to multi- housing units, such as adding ADUs or converting to duplexes?  How does the Town balance preserving historic character and incentivizing redevelopment? West Barnstable has had many businesses fail so how can the Town incentivize continued investment in village centers?  Town should look at ways to prioritize locals in housing. Disagree with Housing Goal 1B as the Town should not pay property owners to convert short-term rentals to year-round housing. Advocate exploring more short-term rental regulations like have been implemented in other seasonal communities.  Incentivize multi-modal transportation and public transportation to decrease car dependency and increase walkability in the community.  Explore mixed-use smart growth development that promotes walkable areas.  Add a goal for installing sidewalks on Route 132 from the Cape Cod Mall to the Airport Rotary.  Disagree with the idea listed on page 215 regarding seeking new wellhead sites in the Bridge Creek Conservation Area. Advocate instead for the Town to seek potential new wellhead sites on private land.  Town should add more spurs off the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike path that lead to Barnstable Village. In general, the Town needs more biking options so folks can avoid biking on Route 6A.  Town should preserve the West Barnstable train station building.  The statement on page 240 Opportunities to enhance public waterfront access should be explored when they arise needs to be strengthened and more pointed. Recommend instead stating Opportunities to enhance public waterfront access should continuously be sought out, with plans to track, and quickly act upon where possible.  Town should prioritize the development of an energy-efficiency plan for the Town’s energy sources.  One resident inquired about the status of the sidewalks on 6A from West Barnstable to Barnstable. Town of Barnstable Department of Planning & Development https://www.townofbarnstable.us/departments/planninganddevelopment/  On page 30 in the Existing Conditions Report, change the Aquaculture title to Shellfishing and Aquaculture.  On page 31 in the existing conditions report, check the veracity of the statement that In recent years, contamination of coastal waters has caused a decline in harvests , as harvests have actually increased in recent years. Recommend removing this sentence.  On page 263, Goal #10, Action C, amend to read Continue to seek ways to support the commercial finfish and shellfish industry, including investment in relevant waterfront facilities. This should include conducting a feasibility study to examine locating a new commercial finfish/shellfish offload facility in Hyannis.  Fix the title of the West Barnstable Library to the Whelden Memorial Library. Cotuit/Marstons Mills (April 30th, 2025)  Not in favor of dense multi-family housing development, especially at the Marstons Mills Elementary School. Cape Cod is full.  Town should develop a village plan for Marstons Mills to figure out how much housing is needed.  There should be more goals in the plan for how to preserve existing neighborhoods and more equitable representation of community interests. Too often voices with concerns regarding housing are ignored.  Preserve historic land in Marstons Mills.  Will this plan be followed or ignored by the Town boards and Town Council?  Clean drinking water is a top priority – where is the water coming from to accommodate future development?  Are the effects of future wastewater infrastructure on development density considered in this plan?  Can we change housing policies to increase the number of locals moving into new housing developments?  Not in favor of housing at the Marstons Mills School property.  In favor of housing goals #1 and #2.  Can the current wastewater treatment plant handle future flow needs?  Who will help residents resolve issues they have with the Town? How can we hold the Town Council accountable?  Town needs to control the impacts of future wastewater infrastructure.  Town should keep 2-acre zoning in place.  Town should examine increasing 2-acre zoning to require larger lots. Osterville/Centerville (May 5th, 2025)  Strengthen the language on the preservation action items.  On Land Use Goal 9B – how can the goal be stronger so that Hyannis is more walkable?  How does this plan address the effects of additional housing development?  The quality of life is suffering in Hyannis and this plan should address this issue.  Public safety in Hyannis is an existential issue.  Increase the affordability requirements in new housing developments (amend inclusionary housing ordinance). This thought was seconded by another resident.  Encourage the development of more high-end retail in Hyannis.  Prioritize workforce housing solutions in existing structures.  Prioritize the development of housing for residents aged 45 years and under by building on smaller lots.  Incentivize smaller cluster developments for houses that will cost under $600k.  Single-family housing should be preserved.  Historic village center designations are important.  There are better ways to regulate short-term rentals in Barnstable and stronger language should be developed. Hyannis (May 8th, 2025)  Information on the aquifer should be added to the Future Land Use Map.  The LCP should be closely tied to the CWMP buildout analysis.  2-acre zoning is exclusive and discourages creation of affordable housing.  Evaluate the Resource Protection Overlay District (RPOD) to determine what percentage of land could be developed and of that land what the total number of potential lots (1-acre verses 2-acres) could be developed.  In favor of prioritizing the creation of additional short-term rental regulations.  Town must work to preserve existing neighborhoods.  Not in favor of wind farm development in Town.  2-acre zoning undermines community and promotes sprawl while not helping solve housing or environmental issues.  Town should explore Transferrable Development Rights to balance development and environmental protection.  Town needs to take a holistic look at the Western part of Town where the Resource Protection Overlay District exists.  How can the Town better incentivizing saving old trees?  2 parking spaces should be required per unit for new housing development.  Development is focused in Hyannis because of access to sewer and there are no boundaries or guardrails for future development.  Incorporate an initial cost analysis for the actions.  In favor of prioritizing the Independence Village Area Master Plan.