HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comment in Support from D Boschetti
My name is Debbie Boschetti and I am a homeowner in Hyannis. I am
writing this letter in support of NANN.
HAC and Catholic Charities are using the protection afforded them by
the Dover Amendment of 1950, which prohibits discrimination of
educational and religious institutions when applying for building
permits, to move their shelter from 77 Winter Street to 466 West Main
Street.
No one argues that housing our unhoused is necessary. What is
arguable is the location of these shelters. When the Dover
Amendment was enacted in 1950, “unhoused” or “homeless” meant
just that. Those words have a different meaning in 2026. These
same people that we are trying to house, unfortunately can also be
burdened with addiction. The Courts, in drafting the Dover
Amendment, did not anticipate the emergence of the Opioid Crisis
which began in the late 1990’s, and has increased in intensity since
that time. It is time for our courts to review the shortcomings and
loopholes of the Dover Amendment with respect to these shelters in
our local neighborhoods, and for our towns to challenge the legitimacy
of the use of the Dover Amendment. The Hyannis Police Department
will be able to provide data on the calls for assistance by the existing
shelters, or by their neighbors seeking help.
In Norwood v. Adams-Russell (1992), the court held that towns retain
the authority to impose reasonable conditions to address traffic
congestion, scale, density and neighborhood compatibility.
Where is the “neighborhood compatibility” with allowing this shelter to
be located in a family neighborhood, near our elementary schools.
HAC and Catholic Charities also have an obligation to be a good
neighbor. The residents of this shelter have to leave early in the
morning, to wander the residential neighborhoods, far from needed
services. This is not compatible with being a good neighbor. This is
not about NIMBY, but the very safety of the children who live, play and
go to school in these neighborhoods.
I respectfully request that the Barnstable Zoning Board of Appeals
deny the permit sought by HAC and Catholic Charities and protect the
family neighborhoods of Hyannis.