HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comment from Fredberg in opposition8/8/2026
Dear Ms. Brigham,
We are in receipt of the notice for the zoning appeal No. 2026-016 for which we are
abutters. We respectfully request that the appeal be denied for rationale as follows.
First, Little River Rd. Is a small side street with 16 single family homes located between Old
Post Rd. and Putnam Ave. Despite the fact that this road is barely 1 ½ lanes wide it has
become a well-traveled, two-way short cut for many vehicle types with no specific
business on this small side street. Traffic volume and speed has become a safety and
annoyance issue especially given the quantity of children and walkers.
Reviewing the homes on this stretch of Little River, 7 of the 16 single family homes have
structures which could conceivably be modified and permitted as ADUs. If several owners
were to follow the lead of #205, the residential occupancy could potentially be increased
by the 44% increase in family dwellings. I myself own a dwelling, that with a variance for
oversize similar to #205, could be modified to accommodate a second family. An increase
in this residency volume would obviously carry adverse traffic impact. The current traffic
volume has already significantly impacted quality of life on this once sleepy side street. A
potential residence increase would obviously increase traffic.
Secondly, is the question of septic loading. While I have no specific data, there is
reportedly a nitrogen loading concern. Increasing the number of occupants on the street
will increase the local septic loading. Again this issue is not just a concern for a single
home, but for additional potential ADUs which may follow this precedent.
If one homesite becomes a multiply family dwelling, others may follow, changing the
character of the neighborhood. When I built my lofted garage, the ZBA delayed permitting,
for fear that I may add a kitchen and rent it out. ZBA prohibited us from permitting my
lofted area as a bedroom. We agreed with the restrictions to preserve the character of the
neighborhood which is now at risk.
Lastly is the question of the ADU usage. ADU usage restrictions that can be found on-line
for Barnstable, not surprisingly, have conflicts in terms of owner occupancy of the ADU
and the primary residence, resident count, rental duration, and enforcement. As abutters,
we are concerned about not only traffic density, but also transient noise, parking and
property care.
For the above reasons, we oppose the permitting of an oversize ADU, not just for its size,
but because of the potential neighborhood impacts on traffic and noise as well as the
increased environments impacts.
Respectfully
Marvin and Sandra Fredberg
204 Little River Rd.
Cotuit