HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-16-2024 - Amanda Converse supportJanuary 16, 2024
Planning Board
Town of Barnstable
367 Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Re: Application for special permit for parking relief, 307 Main Street
To Whom It May Concern:
I am a longtime resident of Barnstable, currently residing in Marstons Mills. I have also been
working in downtown Hyannis for 18 years, and I am writing in support of the application for a
special permit for parking relief at 307 Main Street.
As a local business advocate, I am supportive of the project in general, as it will bring much needed
attainable housing inventory to the Cape Cod region, as well as additional residents to downtown
Hyannis. The area’s small business community has repeatedly expressed that the lack of housing
units for a variety of income levels is the greatest economic development issue facing the region.
Additional housing also provides the opportunity to enhance the continued redevelopment of Main
Street Hyannis, as housing in the downtown area places consumers in proximity to local
entrepreneurial businesses year-round, which typically results in increased diners, extended store
hours, and improved survival rates among local businesses.
I am also in support of the developer’s request to reduce the number of parking spots required for
the building. The location of the building is next to public transportation and has many services,
necessities, and conveniences within walking distance, diminishing the residents’ need for an
automobile.
Additionally, there already exists plenty of parking spaces in the Main Street Hyannis area to meet
current demand, as well as future demand contributed by this development. A 2017 study done for
the Town of Barnstable by consulting agency Nelson Nygaard noted there is “plentiful supply” of
parking in downtown Hyannis, but a “perceived lack of parking.” They also noted in their report that
even at the peak of the summer season there are still 6,300 available parking spaces available,
which represents a little less than half the supply.
Finally, research has also shown that parking minimums often cause an oversupply of parking. I
would hate to see a continued oversupply of parking at the expense of meeting our town’s critical
housing needs.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Amanda Converse