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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comment from Moran in Opposition6/9/2026 Dear Ms. Brigham, I am writing to express my strong objection to the relocation of the homeless shelter to 460 West Main Street and to respectfully request that the Board reconsider and reverse the building permit issued for this property. My concerns center on the suitability of this location and the potential impacts on the surrounding community. The proposed site is in close proximity to multiple schools, senior housing, and local businesses, raising significant questions about whether this use is compatible with the character and needs of the neighborhood. I am particularly concerned about public safety and the well-being of vulnerable populations, including children attending nearby schools and seniors living in adjacent housing developments. Given the volume of pedestrian activity in the area, I believe a more comprehensive assessment of safety implications should be conducted before this project moves forward. Traffic and congestion are also major concerns. West Main Street is already heavily congested during school arrival and dismissal times. Traffic routinely backs up as students, parents, buses, and staff travel to and from Sturgis Charter Public School, Hyannis West Elementary School, and Barnstable High School. The addition of a large shelter facility at this location has the potential to further increase traffic, create additional safety risks for pedestrians, and worsen delays on a roadway that is already strained during peak hours. I am concerned that the full impact on traffic flow and public safety has not been adequately addressed. I am also concerned that this location may not be the most appropriate or practical site for the individuals who will be utilizing the shelter. There are other areas within the community that provide better access to essential services, including public transportation, healthcare facilities, social service agencies, and other support resources. Locating the shelter closer to these services would not only better serve shelter residents but could also reduce transportation challenges and improve access to the assistance needed to achieve long-term stability. I respectfully ask the Zoning Board to reverse the building permit for 460 West Main Street and require a more comprehensive review of the proposal. This review should include transparency regarding any studies or assessments that have been conducted on the potential impacts to public safety resources, municipal services, traffic, and the surrounding community, as well as opportunities for meaningful public input. Given the significance of this project, I also encourage consideration of alternative locations that may be better suited for this use and closer to the services that shelter residents are likely to need. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to our community. I appreciate the opportunity to share my concerns and respectfully request that they be given careful consideration during your deliberations. Sincerely, Jessica Moran, a concerned year-round resident of Centerville.