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Home My WebLink AboutPublic Comment from Battista 2Re: Letter of Support – Copacabana Realty Investment Inc.  Appeal Nos. 2026-002 and 2026-003  11 Potter Avenue, Hyannis, MA To the Members of the Town of Barnstable Zoning Board of Appeals, I am writing to reiterate and expand upon my previous letter of support for the applications submitted by Copacabana Realty Investment Inc. regarding the property at 11 Potter Avenue. I continue to strongly support both Appeal Nos. 2026-002 and 2026-003 and believe these proposals represent a thoughtful and practical approach to addressing local housing needs. What stands out most about this application is its focus on making better use of what already exists. By converting an underutilized storage area into a two-bedroom apartment within the existing building, the project demonstrates a responsible approach to growth—one that prioritizes efficiency, minimizes disruption, and avoids unnecessary expansion. This kind of adaptive reuse is exactly the type of solution communities like Hyannis should be encouraging. Equally important is the continuity with prior approvals. The proposed modiﬁcations do not introduce a new scale or intensity, but instead build upon what has already been thoughtfully considered and approved. This provides a level of predictability and reinforces conﬁdence that the project will remain consistent with the established character of the neighborhood. From a broader perspective, Hyannis is at a pivotal moment. There is a clear and ongoing need for well- located, year-round housing options that support a diverse and economically active population. The addition of a two-bedroom unit—particularly one that can serve small households or roommates— contributes meaningfully to that need. These are the kinds of units that help sustain a balanced community, supporting both workforce stability and long-term residency. As someone actively involved in creating and managing housing in downtown Hyannis, I see ﬁrsthand how incremental, well-executed projects like this collectively make a signiﬁcant impact. Not every solution needs to be large-scale to be meaningful. In fact, it is often these smaller, carefully considered improvements that strengthen the fabric of a neighborhood over time. The location of this property further enhances its value. Housing within walking distance of Main Street supports local businesses, encourages pedestrian activity, and contributes to a more connected and vibrant downtown environment. This aligns closely with the Town’s vision for a more resilient, year-round Hyannis. For all of these reasons, I respectfully urge the Zoning Board of Appeals to approve these applications. They represent a measured, responsible, and forward-thinking investment in the future of Hyannis. Sincerely,  Susan Battista  Founder, OverHere Hyannis Managing Director, One Neighborhood LLC (15 Newton Street)