HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comment from Nicholson in Opposition6/9/2026
Dear Anna,
As a longtime resident of Hyannis, I felt the urgency to contact you regarding the potential permit for the
relocation of the Shelter to 460 West Main Street.
As a ZBA member, the Town of Barnstable Code of Ethics as well as the ZBA Administrative Code must
be followed. Specifically, Authorities and responsibilities. The Zoning Board of Appeals
hears and decides individual cases brought by persons seeking land use relief;
all as provided for in MGL Chapter 40A, §§ 7 through 17, and the Zoning
Ordinance of the Town.[1] The Zoning Board of Appeals is an advisory and
regulatory committee of the Town. The Board acts as a board of appeals on
matters of subdivision control under the applicable sections of MGL Chapter 41,
§§ 81M, 81Y, 81Z, 81AA, 81BB; and decides on comprehensive permits pursuant
to the provisions of MGL Chapter 40B, §§ 20 through 23, provided that with
respect to comprehensive permits issued under Chapter 9, Article II, of the Code,
said permits shall be determined after hearing by a Hearing Officer appointed in
conformity with § 241-47.5E of this chapter, and provided further that the Hearing
Officer shall be appointed by the Town Manager from among the regular
members of the Zoning Board of Appeals and s/he shall be compensated for
serving as Hearing Officer.
I have numerous concerns, but first off I wanted to mention Traffic.
HAC states – “We believe that this will reduce traffic. The building has previously been used as an
office”.
Well let’s look at this - it will still be an office – with (CC Hospital mental health services & S Costal
Counties Legal Services on 2nd floor), up to 50 residents, as well as the shelter employees and visitors,
plus additional bus traffic and stops. The closest walkway is directly in front of the school, with another
about 1,000 feet down the road in front of Dollar General.
Will the town install new traffic lights, or crosswalks? If not, most likely shelter guests will cross
wherever slowing commutes and causing more traffic and accidents.
According to the CC Commission most recent 2025 report titled: “High Crash Locations for Barnstable
County” - The location right next to shelter - West Main Street at Old Craigville Road at Lincoln Road, is
specifically sited and listed in the report as one of the WORST locations for number of crashes (17 th worst
location for accidents in all of Barnstable!).
Since this site is know for collisions and traffic congestion, I would assume the ZBA required a
TIA – Transportation Impact Analysis, prior to issuing the permit?
If you could please respond and let me know, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you, Jeffrey