HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-8-2022 - Draft Mins 1
Board Members
Stephen Robichaud – Chair Robert Twiss – Vice Chair Tim O’Neill - Clerk Mary Barry Steven Costello Michael Mecena s Raymond Sexton
Mathew Levesque – Town Council Liaison
Planning & Development Dept. Staff Support
Elizabeth Jenkins, AICP, Director
Kaitlyn Maldonado, Assistant Director
James Kupfer, AICP, Senior Planner
Karen Herrand – Principal Assistant - karen.herrand@town.barnstable.ma.us
Town of Barnstable
PLANNING BOARD
Minutes
August 8, 2022
Stephen Robichaud – Chairman Present
Robert Twiss, Vice Chairman Present
Tim O’Neill – Clerk Present
Mary Barry Absent
Steven Costello Present
Michael Mecenas Present
Raymond Sexton Present
Also in attendance via remote participation were Planning & Development Staff; Elizabeth Jenkins, Director,
Kate Maldonado, Assistant Director, James Kupfer, Senior Planner, and Karen Herrand, Principal Assistant.
The Planning Board’s Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. by remote participation methods.
Alternative public acce ss to this meeting shall be provided in the following manner:
1. The meeting will be televised via Channel 18 and may be viewed via the Channel 18 website at
http://streaming85.townofbarnstable.us/CablecastPublicSite/
2. Real -time access to the Planning Board meeting is available utilizing the Zoom link or telephone
number and Meeting ID provided below. Public comment can be addressed to the Planning Board by
utilizing the Zoom link or telephone number and Meeting ID provided below:
Link: https://townofbarnstable-us.zoom.us/j/83201383877
Phone: 888 475 4499 US Toll -free Meeting ID: 832 0138 3877
3. Applicants, their representatives and individuals required or entitled to appear before the Planning
Board may appear remotely and may participate through the link or telephone number provided above.
Documentary exhibits and/or visual presentat ions should be submitted in advance of the meeting so
that they may be displayed for remote public access viewing.
Application materials may be accessed by contacting Karen.herrand@town.barnstable .ma.us or calling
508-862-4064.
Call to Order Introduction of Board Members and Staff Members
Attendance Roll Call:
Town of Barnstable
www.town.barnstable.ma.us/PlanningBoard
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Bob Twiss
Steven Costello
Ray Sexton
Tim O’Neill
Stephen Robichaud
Notice of Recording This meeting is being recorded and broadcast on Channel 18 and in accordance
with MGL Chapter 30A §20. The Chair must inquire whether anyone else is taping this meeting and to
please make their presence known.
Public Comment:
Chair Stephen Robichaud asks if there is any general public comment
Laura Cronin in attendance. Asks why is Planning Board still doing remote participation through Zoom.
Items for this Regulatory Agreement, has a lot of documentation. Public would like to see and provide
feedback, is there a reason why still doing it this way ? Not very convenient for public.
Chair Stephen Robichaud explains that it has been extended to do remote participation. Left up to the
particular Chair. Planning Board has found more public particip ation via remote participation.
Chair Stephen Robichaud, good presentation previously on housing. Advancing a dashboard to keep all
informed, come to fruition possibly?
Jim Kupfer replies – Ryan Bennett presentation was really well done. Data dashboard, have begun
initiation with focus groups. Consultant has started. Will be progressing with that process. Put into
convenient method for all to understand and opportunit ies. Well received. Will be opportunities for
public engagement.
Chair Stephen Robichaud thanks Ray Sexton for his involvement.
Approval Not Required:
Miriam & Brian O’Neill and Dunbar Point, LLC have submitted a request for an approval not required
plan entitled “Plan of Land at 689 & 697 Scudder Ave Barnstable (Hyannisport) Massachusetts, dated
March 24, 2021, being a Re -division of Lots A & B as shown on LCC 14153B, Petitioners: J. Brian O’Neil
and Miriam O’Neill”. (Majority of Full Board)
Attorney Paul Revere III representing the Applicant, Lot 697. House and cottage. Move the cottage
from property. Have worked with zoning approving that. Pre dates subdivision law. Town way.
Michael Mecenas in attendance now.
Ray Sexton, does moving the cottage create a vacant lot?
Attorney Revere , no, cottage was an accessory use. No new developable lot. Zoning Board has
conditioned so it will be subsidiary to the house property , just changing which lot attached to.
Chair Stephen Robichaud entertains a motion to endorse/approve, moved by Bob Twiss to endorse
the plan entitled “Plan of Land at 689 and 697 Scudder Ave., Barnstable (Hyannisport)
Massachusetts”, prepared by CapeSurv, dated March 24, 2021, has been submitted to the Board for
endorsement as an Approval Not Required ANR plan, specifically adopting and incorporating Staff
Report, seconded by Steven Costello,
Roll Call Vote:
Bob Twiss - aye
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Michael Mecenas - aye
Steven Costello - aye
Ray Sexton - aye
Tim O’Neill - aye
Stephen Robichaud - aye
Regulatory Agreements:
Shoestring Properties, LLC seeks to enter into a Regulatory Agreement with the Town of Barnstable to
construct thirty-four (34) condominium units in two (2) buildings with associated improvements at 110
School Street and 115 School Street, Hyannis . The Applicant seeks waivers from dimensional bulk
requirements including building height and stories, setbacks, and lot coverage standards as well as
waivers associated with density, parking design standards and dimensions, lightin g and landscape
improvements.(Majority of members present and voting)
Chair Stephen Robichaud explains how this will proceed. Get info rmation, then comments, thoughts
from the Planning Board, then open to the public for public comment.
Chair Stephen Robichaud entertains a motion to open the public hearing, moved by Steven Costello,
seconded by Ray Sexton,
Roll Call Vote:
Bob Twiss - aye
Michael Mecenas - aye
Steven Costello - aye
Ray Sexton - aye
Tim O’Neill - aye
Stephen Robichaud - aye
Jim Kupfer explains how the Regulatory Agreement works. Chapter 168. Defined by district, mainly
downtown Main Street area, to incentivize growth. This location tonight is within the district. Process
for an agreement between an applicant and the Town of Barnstable. First review by the Planning Board
through a recommendation, once reviewed then to Town Council (TC). Then TC will hold a public
hearing and they will decide whether to recommend to the Town Manager.
Attorney John Kenney representing the A pplicant, Stuart Bornstein, also Attorney Pat Nickerson, and
Dan Ojala and architect in attendance tonight.
Attorney Kenny gives a history/background. Applicant has owned property since 19 96. Was a hotel
here previously. Hotel and motel were removed. 1997 condo project, denied and then 2015, another
proposal , which was withdrawn . Site still vacant, 25 years later. This proposal is for 34 high end
condominiums. Need the height for ocean view units to help pay for this. Underground garages.
Security cameras. Height is not unprecedented. Renderings shown. Heights of buildings in the area
shown - elevations. Existing are Cape Cod Hospital. Lewis Bay Condominiums. Communications tower.
Photos of the area shown/waterfront views. Community benefits from this project. Underground
utilities. Sidewalks to be replaced and be compliant. Town will be granted an easement. Road i s in very
bad condition. A new water main to improve water pressure. New paving of School Street and roads in
between. Lighting will provide for the street as well. Tax revenue. Electric car plug in stations will be
provided. Has been before Site Plan Review and Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District
(HHDC) and HHDC Appeals Committee and was upheld. Approved by Conservation also.
Dan Ojala – shows Site Plan Layout. Most all utilities will be underground. Sidewalks to be ADA
compliant. School Street doesn’t have a lot of traffic. Most will have a garage space underground. Sea
level rise, the ground is 26 ft. above sea level. Well above even a 500 year event. Basement 22 ft. above
sea level. Street to be upgraded, street trees, buffer landscaping. Parallel spaces/dedicated. Guest
spaces. Elevators. Wants to sell as high end units. Adequate parking. All drainage through conveyance
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system on north side. Steamship Authority looking for additional information. He will get the
information to them. Fencing. Zoning relief for density and height, and setbacks. Going to create much
nicer street scape. Drainage easements. Enclosed trash areas. Massing does go with the
neighborhood.
Mike Nee, Gienapp Architects in attendance. Important to not be an imposition to the neighborhood.
Two buildings that will create a gateway. Taken massing higher towa rds the water. Trying to hide all
the parking, beneath the buildings, so the architecture is more visible. A lot of pedestrian elements.
Keeping with the other buildings that are also of height/larger buildings.
Marty Reilly has been going around and speaking to stakeholders.
Attorney Kenny reads the petition into record: Exhibit A.
We, the undersigned residents, neighbors, businesses and visitors to Hyannis, support the proposed
luxury 34-unit condominium project located at 110 and 115 School S treet – overlooking Hyannis Harbor,
as a beautifully designed, transformative residential development that will bring many positive benefits
to Hyannis Harbor, Downtown Hyannis and the Town of Barnstable in the future.
The Dockside Condominium Project as designed and shown on plans dated February 2nd, 2022, consisting
of 5.5 stories with 34 luxury residential units; underground and surface parking, beautifully landscaped
grounds, sidewalks, lighting, and enhanced security for residents and neighbors will i ncrease property
values and be a tremendous improvement to the surrounding neighborhood and the current year round
landscape where homeless people presently congregate at the site, which has in the past, contributed to
increased crime in the area.
The Dockside Condominium Project, if built as proposed and designed, will contribute to the positive
transformation of Hyannis Harbor and revitalization of Downtown Hyannis, benefitting local businesses
neighboring marinas, restaurants, hotels and retail stores, c reating jobs, raising the stature of Hyannis as
“The Capital of the Cape” and “Gateway to the Islands” promoting tourism and generating an estimated
$700,000 +/- annually in much needed new tax renenue for the Town of Barnstable.
We respectfully urge all Town Officials, the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Barnstable
Town Council to approve this project as designed for the benefit of the village of Hyannis and the Town
of Barnstable for posterity.
Attorney Kenney - Relief requested/waivers requested – See Exhibit B, entitled “Exhibit A Zoning Relief
Requested” 3 pages.
Bob Twiss – Harbor area is a huge asset. Concept to have people living here is a good thing. Desirable
structures is a good thing. Hyannis is going to contin ue to develop. The building looks attractive. Based
upon the projected photos, it seems to fit nicely without overwhelming. Height is not completely out of
context with what is in the area. Development in this area. Wants to spend more time and review each
of the requests being asked. Affordable housing issue. Three units to be off sight. Requires 10 percent
to be onsite. Concern is in the housing. Troubled by the amount of zoning waivers being asked for.
Some are guidelines. Three affordable ho using units is less than 10 percent. Like to see in return for all
the waivers, like to see 6 affordable un its offsite. Make some improvement with our requirement for
affordable housing.
Michael Mecenas – would like more information and become more educ ated about the project. He
would like to research it more.
Steven Costello in favor of improving the Harbor and that site. What gets built here will set a precedent.
Interested in the process. Do something simultaneously with Town Council. It does se em quite large,
understands the height needed. Maybe do a visual for what this type of height might look like.
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Ray Sexton. Affordable units and how will be managed. Three is not enough, as discussed, critical to
have affordable housing. Maybe form a subcommittee with some others involved so that time is not
spent ineffectively. Should be done collaboratively.
Tim O’Neill, unique property. Housing production, new development, groundwater. Density is going to
be the new thing. Go through and fully vet and think about from every angle. The two processes are
time consuming. Agrees with forming a subcommittee possibly.
Chair Stephen Robichaud, this is a big ask/negotiation. Affordable housing concerns as well.
Collaborate with other boards as w ell.
Chair Stephen Robichaud asks for any public comment. Five minutes to speak. No open dialogue with
the applicant. This is recommendation to Town Council.
Public Comment
Attorney David Lawler in attendance, representing Wayne Kurker . Height. Picture of structures. The
front faces the water. Property sits above 26 ft. - 8 ft. looks like from the water. Visual impact is
tremendous. The front of the property, balconies. Greenery and hospital, none of those buildings are
directly on the water. Nothing in front of these to mask them, no break from the visual and view from
the water. Massing in units – to much for this lot. This is a small lot, to o much for this area. The scale is
tremendous. 90 bedrooms total. If high end, will have two veh icles. Where are you going to put the
vehicles. Bottom of site plan is his cl ients property. He already has an issue here. Absolutely
insufficient for parking. Bottom of hill are police boats. Delivery, no place for this other than two spots.
34 uni ts. Height of the truck. Garbage, insufficient for a truck. High end will have more uses and more
parking needed. Fire truck, access/egress issues. School Street is a bottleneck. Safety issues. Retaining
wall. What is the height from sea level? Ma ybe do a visual, crane with something on the top of it to
show how will look. Other buildings have height, but the contour to the land is back and farther away.
Wayne Kurker in attendance , Hyannis Marina. Has to man his lot every day to keep parking for
Steamship Authority away. Police and Fire boat down here. Dumpsters way to close and will tie up the
road. Would like to see a development, but this will set us back and the traffic pattern will be awful.
This is the tallest spot at the harbor.
Che ryl Powell in attendance, Chair of Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District Commission
(HHDC). This will set precedent. Agrees with having a subcommittee. Scale of views. Inaccurate
pictures. Argued height issues. Public safety. Underground parking. Sixth story described as a loft.
Affordable housing, this would not bring in people who would be in this situation. Rentals. Restrictions
for.
Valerie Moore in attendance, of Nutter Mclellan & Fish, represents the Steamship Authority. Has been
working with the developer. Concerned about the height, antenna located on Lewis Bay Rd. to provide
signals for vessels. They are working to find a possible solution. Storm water systems. Developer is
reviewing this now.
Felicia Penn in attendance. Refers to her memo, dated August 2nd, Exhibit C. Believes the project need s
to be modified, to big, to high, to dense. May be public safety issues. Aisles. Not enough landscaping.
The project blocks public access to the waterfront. Access to th e waterfront is key. No regional harbor
front allows this. Why have zoning height and density guidelines and don’t adhere to them. 5.5 stories
in a 2.5 area is way too much. Maybe compromise to 3.5. Town needs a harbor plan, we don’t have
one. Approving this project before approving a plan is not good. Process – Regulatory Agreements are
cumbersome, but it’s Planning Board’s job to renegotiate it. Used to be very well vetted and
renegotiated with the Applicant. Then it would go to Town Council as revised. Sometimes would have
joint meetings/hearings. Has to be done in public. Comments on photos. This project is on a hill, Cape
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Cod hospital is not on a hill. This is a total self -serving project. Only the affordable housing mentioned is
not. It’s in a small area, but too much building for the area. No community benefit. Where’s recycling
going? Steamship passengers do not disembark on School Street. Marty Reilly petition, who are these
people, who are the 14 people signing this? Should not more than double the height. Negotiate this.
Laura Cronin in attendance. Important that we recognize that the design is good looking. From the
waterfront view you are up eight stories. The hospital is not required to follow the zoning. The
Greenery is off the waterfront. Town buildings are existing and don’t follow same type of development.
5.5 stories is for the benefit of the developer. This would be setting precedent for the harbor. Belongs
up off the waterfront. Density issue. Public safety issues. Traffic issues. 3.5 stories would make a big
difference as more acceptable.
Marie LeBlanc in attendance. President of Board of Lewis Bay Condo Association. Visitors will park in
our lot, as they do now. We tow regularly and heavily all thr ough the summer. The Anchor Inn changed
hands recently to corporate ownership. This may be another organization that this situation may
happen here as well with height. Renter issues. They have a regular rotation every month with these
types of renters.
Marty Reilly in attendance. Has represented community people. Thinks this project could be
transformative for this area. Has spoken to people about homelessness in the area and crime. Thinks
travesty that this property continues to sit here and no t be developed. Will enhance lighting and
security helping with crime. High end units will create - and affordable will create units as well.
Something positive has to be done with this site . Compromise needed. This will benefit the surrounding
businesses as well.
Chair Stephen Robichaud – references Chapter 168, section 5, offers Planning Board to establish a
subcommittee, believes this would allow us to work through concerns and then placed back on our
agenda. Propose to be held via Zoom and pu blic viewing for full transparency.
Jim Kupfer, Chapter 168-5 Planning Board as lead negotiator - any subcommittee formed can consider to
do so. Planning Board (PB) can do Zoom or in person. Would be a couple members from PB and from
TC, and Housing Committee. Can work with the Applicant vital details and bring back for full Board’s
consideration about those concerns.
Attorney Kenney – wants to clarify that the initial photo, developed that way. Di dn’t represent that.
Access to the waterfront. Mr. K urker owns and controls all of that. There aren’t many views from South
Street. Woul d like to work with the subcommittee.
Chair Stephen Robichaud moves to form a subcommittee, per Chapter 168-5 of the general ordinance
between authorized parties and a qualified applicant shall be led by the Planning Board or its
designee and shall include representatives from other municipal boards, departments and
commissions where said joint participation will assist the negotiation process, and be comprised of
members of the Planning Board, Town Council and the Housing Committee, as they see fit and shall
adhere to the Open Meeting Law, seconded by Steven Costello,
Roll Call Vote:
Bob Twiss - aye
Michael Mecenas - aye
Steven Costello - aye
Ray Sexton - aye
Tim O’Neill - aye
Stephen Robichaud - aye
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Chair Stephen Robichaud entertains a motion to continue to Sept. 26th, 2022, moved by Ray Sexton
that this Regulatory Agreement, Dockside Residences, 110 School Street and 115 School Street be
continued to Sept. 26th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., seconded by Bob Twiss,
Roll Call Vote:
Bob Twiss- aye
Michael Mecenas - aye
Steven Costello - aye
Ray Sexton - aye
Tim O’Neill - aye
Stephen Robichaud - aye
Jim Kupfer will send recommendation to Town Council with request for this subcommittee, and will
notify online as well to get the word out.
Staff Updates
Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP)
Kate Mal donado next LCP meeting will be held Thursday, August25, 2022. Community outreach and
engagement.
Matters Not Reasonably Anticipated by the Chair
Approval of Minutes
July 25, 2022, draft minutes
Chair Stephen Robichaud entertains a motion to approve the draft minutes of July 25, 2022, moved by
Tim O’Neill, Seconded by Ray Sexton,
Roll Call Vote:
Bob Twiss - aye
Michael Mecenas - aye
Steven Costello - aye
Ray Sexton - aye
Tim O’Neill - aye
Stephen Robichaud - aye
Future Meetings: August 22nd and September 12, 2022, @ 7:00 p.m.
Adjournment
Chair Stephen Robichaud entertains a motion to adjourn, moved by Bob Twiss, seconded by Steven
Costello,
Roll Call Vote:
Bob Twiss - aye
Michael Mecenas - aye
Steven Costello - aye
Ray Sexton - aye
Tim O’Neill - aye
Stephen Robichaud - aye
The meeting adjourned at 9:29 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Karen Herrand, Principal Assistant, Planning & Development
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Further detail may be obtained by viewing the video via Channel 18 on demand at
http://www.town.barnstable.ma.us
List of Exhibit Documents
Exhibit A – Shoestring Properties, LLC - Regulatory Agreement submitted petition (14
signatures)
Exhibit B – Shoestring Properties, LLC - Regulatory Agreement - “Exhibit A Zoning Relief
Requested” 3 pages as submitted by Attorney Kenney.
Exhibit C - Shoestring Properties, LLC - Regulatory Agreement - Felicia Penn memo,
dated August 2nd, 2022