HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Art Wall Support Letter TDI
April 28, 2022
Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District Commission
Town Hall
367 Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Planning and Development, 3rd Floor
RE: 430-438 Main Street Community Art Wall
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to express the Transformative Development Initiative’s (TDI) support for the community art
wall project located on the west-facing wall of 430-438 Main Street. Not only is this project being led by
local community members, but it is also expected to enhance the vibrancy and economic activity of
Main Street Hyannis. The wall in question is repeatedly tagged with graffiti, which requires valuable
time and resources to continually cover up. The community art wall is designed to not only provide a
legal outlet for those who are spray painting directly on the buildings in the neighborhood, but also offer
the programming and training for these people to harness this energy and perhaps begin to transition
them into professional muralists in the future.
In addition to providing a space that can be more easily maintained and helps protect the long-term
historic integrity of this building and the surrounding buildings, the added programming, events, and
activity in the alley will increase the perception of safety and promote greater utilization of this pathway
between the North Street parking lot and the businesses on Main Street. The community art wall will
also serve as yet another attraction and focal point for the district that will embody the unique character
of the neighborhood. This will be enhanced by the work of Cape-based artist, Joey Mars, who will set a
high baseline for artistic quality on the wall.
Not only does MassDevelopment’s TDI program support this project conceptually, but we are also
supporting it financially with a grant of $12,500 to assist with the materials, installation, and
programming. This is an exciting moment for Hyannis as it continues to establish itself as a center for
arts and culture on Cape Cod. I hope that you look upon the community art wall and its ability to
preserve the long-term historic integrity of the surrounding structures favorably.
Sincerely,
George Durante
Deputy Director, Fellows Program