HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comment from Kanaris in Opposition6/9/2026
Dear Ms. Brigham,
I am writing to you to express my wholehearted objection to the proposed relocation of the
Homeless Shelter to West Main Street.
The total lack of forethought in the initial approval beggar's belief. A shelter that is open to
anyone who is homeless (and not limited to the local community) and which will not be
undertaking any screening of its occupants, is not an acceptable addition to our
neighborhood.
No thought has been given to the safety of some of our most vulnerable citizens namely the
children and the elderly; as well as the other residents of the neighborhood; as well as for
the employees and customers of the business establishments here.
Given its proximity to 3 schools, including a primary school, the prospect of Homeless
people having to vacate the Shelter from 7 am without a place to go to, at the same time
that children are on their way to school is unacceptable. Likewise, after school, those
same children will again be exposed when the homeless start queuing up early for
readmittance to the shelter.
Where will the homeless go during the day when the shelter is closed? Will they congregate
around the entrances to the local businesses or the schools, or our homes?
Do we have any assurances that there will be no drug taking or alcoholic inebriation from
the shelter residents? Do we know what measures are being taken to help any of the
homeless with psychological issues? What is the plan to assure us of our safety, or are we
to face each day with fear of the unknown?
Hyannis has a reputation of being a go-to family destination, and I fear that putting the
shelter on a major roadway leading to the center of Hyannis, across the street from a
minigolf course and ice cream store, and a short walk from the Melody Tent will have
negative value and repercussions for the town, its community, and the real estate value of
our properties. No one appears to have taken into consideration the economic impact of
such a relocation, namely increased security costs for the businesses, lost revenue if
customers stay away from the businesses and the possible loss of value for those
individuals who own their own property.
Putting the shelter in the proposed location has not been well thought out by the zoning
board and the continued support of it by the zoning board is an insult to the neighbors who
will be most impacted by this decision.
I urge you and the rest of the Zoning Board to reject the application in the interest of the
safety of our community, the negative impact of increased costs to our local businesses,
and the loss of property values and the reputation al risk to Hyannis as a vacation spot.
Please wake up, do the right thing and RESCIND the approval!
Kind regards
Nick Kanaris
45 Pine Valley Rd, Hyannis