HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comment from Schulte in Opposition6/9/2026
Dear Ms. Brigham, Ms. Ziino and Zoning Board of Appeals Members:
We write to express our strong disagreement with the proposed relocation of the St.
Joseph's Homeless Shelter from 77 Winter Street to 460 West Main Street, both in
Hyannis. For a variety of reasons, this busy corridor is NOT the right location for it.
We are in support of helping the homeless and those in need and did so for years through
our Catholic Church and continue to do so both financially and by directly helping out at
other Cape organizations that provide such services. For over 10 years, we cooked and
served dinner for residents on Winter Street. During that time, there were always people
overflowing onto the sidewalks and sometimes onto Winter Street as they waited to be
allowed to enter the facility. West Main Street is a much busier thoroughfare than Winter
Street. In our opinion, it seems that if the shelter is moved to West Main Street, it will only
be a matter of time before someone is hit and injured. As you most likely know, that
portion of West Main Street on a school morning is very congested. While there are
different start and dismissal times at the various schools in the immediate area, some
coincide and overlap with the timing of the shelter "guests" being discharged from their
accommodations.
The Town of Barnstable's Legal Department disagreed with the Building Inspector who
deemed the Dover Amendment was applicable as the shelter is a protected "religious
use." The Town Attorney ruled that the proposed use is secular - not religious - in
nature. In citing Becker v. First Congregational Church in Somerville as a similar case, HAC
and its defense team have failed to acknowledge that the Church there was actually the
building that was put to use for their shelter. This shelter directly became incorporated
into and part of that Church and its congregation. The proposed HAC shelter, on the other
hand, is proposed for a long existing business building independent of any religious
affiliate(s) and as a separate stand alone building that has catered primarily to social
services. With all due respect, it is our belief that the Town Building Inspector's judgement
was flawed and should be reversed.
Many others have already pointed out the number of businesses and schools in very close
proximity to this proposed location. What many people have NOT pointed out is HAC's
lack of transparency in addressing the public's concerns. They were invited to appear in
front of the Town Council and have chosen to ignore the invitation. The proposed site does
NOT increase the number of beds available. Their financial dealings have not been
transparent - starting with the numerous unaddressed irregularities and questions
surrounding HAC's application for ARPA funds. Other potentially eligible organizations
were not even made aware of the ARPA RFP until AFTER HAC had cut back room
deals. The lack of integrity and transparency by HAC leadership, including the recently
fired Chief Legal Officer, Rob Brennan, has been appalling.
From our years of first hand experience working at the shelter, we agree that Winter Street
is no longer a good option for the shelter but do not feel 460 West Main Street is a
viable solution, either. We feel strongly that additional community input should be sought
and seriously considered by HAC and Catholic Charities before a new location for the
shelter is determined.
We were disappointed that because of a previous commitment, we are not able to attend
Wednesday evening's meeting and appreciate the opportunity to make our feelings known
through email. We ask that our comments be entered into the formal record. Ms. Brigham
and/or Ms. Ziino, we respectively request a copy of this email be provided to all members
of the ZBA.
Thank you for the opportunity to be heard.
Anne & Bob Schulte
Centerville, MA