HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoals and Strategies Matrix
Local Comprehensive Plan
Draft Goals and Strategies Matrix
Please submit comments to the Local Comprehensive Planning Committee by email at BarnstableLCP@town.barnstable.ma.us or drop off hard
copies to the Planning and Development office located at Town Hall: 367 Main Street, Hyannis 02601, Planning & Development office (3 rd floor).
LAND USE CHAPTER
Goals & Strategies
Strategies/Actions Category Comments
Residential and Rural Areas:
Development in these areas should be limited to residential and small businesses, and what development does occur must be sensitive to
environmental constraints. Residential development should allow various housing types in addition to single-family dwellings including two-
and three-family dwellings, small scale cluster housing, and townhouses.
To preserve open lands, agricultural lands, and cultural, historic, and scenic landscapes, explore locations for an increased lot size requirement in areas
with insufficient infrastructure.Areas to be identified
Consider incentives and tax benefits for agricultural lands to increase intensity and economic possibility. General
Amend the zoning ordinance to enhance requirements to retain existing tree canopy and establish new requirements to increase tree canopy such as
through defined vegetation buffers. General
Consider incentives or requirements for using open space residential development in key areas, such as near mixed-use zoning districts and where the
protected open space can help conserve and connect important natural resources.Areas to be identified
Analyze current standards for lot coverage and building massing in the Residential Areas. Consider creating or decreasing maximum lot coverage
limitations and/or establishing floor to area ratio (FAR) limits in strategic areas to contain the spread of impervious surfaces and to improve coastal
flooding resilience. Consider adopting these limits, at a minimum, in areas targeted for future public sewer service.
Areas to be identified
Conduct a study of Residential Areas within a walkable distance of mixed-use and commercial zoning districts in relation to the Town’s CWMP. Where
future sewer capacity exists, nitrogen sensitive embayments will not be negatively impacted, and the required parking per unit can be accommodated on
site, consider allowing and adopting design standards for:
▪ Two- or three-family dwellings (new construction or conversions) so long as the underlying dimensional standards and massing for a single-family home
are maintained.
▪ Clusters of small-scale single-family or two-family “cottages” designed around common open space on a single lot.
▪ Townhouse communities integrated into neighborhood and providing attainable housing opportunities for families.
▪ The intent is to provide more housing diversity within walking distance of shops, services, and facilities.
Place
Regional Economic Center:
Development in these areas should be limited to residential and small businesses, and what development does occur must be sensitive to
environmental constraints. Residential development should allow various housing types in addition to single-family dwellings including two-
and three-family dwellings, small scale cluster housing, and townhouses.
Develop and adopt standards for residential uses in the Regional Economic Center area to ensure they are part of whole neighborhoods.
▪ Require developments above 12 units to set aside space for usable open space.
▪ Require developments above 50 units to set aside space for ground floor, locally serving retail.
▪ Require connectivity between new residential development and nearby parks, schools, shopping, and services, whether through sidewalks, bike paths,
transit or other such means.
General within this land use area.
Develop and adopt standards, including design standards or guidelines, for additional housing types at a scale between two-family dwellings and multi-
family dwellings. This could include 3- and 4-family dwellings, townhouses, small apartments of up to 6 dwelling units designed to look like large houses,
or small-scale apartment buildings of up to 12 units. Such housing typologies may be most beneficial as a transition from the Economic Center to
neighboring residential areas. Smaller multi-family options may also be easier for local developers to design and build, with less competition from larger
national firms.
Areas to be identified
Downtown Hyannis:
Development in these areas should be limited to residential and small businesses, and what development does occur must be sensitive to
environmental constraints. Residential development should allow various housing types in addition to single-family dwellings including two-
and three-family dwellings, small scale cluster housing, and townhouses.
Continue to refine the Downtown Hyannis Unified Design Guidelines and Regulations, creating a clear, consistent path forward for applicants and
regulators to foster and champion a cohesive style for the historic and maritime character of downtown Hyannis with the opportunity to redevelop and
define the built and natural environment of Hyannis with quality, character, and charm balancing environmental and aesthetic concerns relative to building
materials and incentivizing active public spaces.
Place
LAND USE CHAPTER
Conduct an analysis, at least once every two years, of development and redevelopment in the GIZ, compared with the planned vision and stated purposes
of the Downtown zoning.Together with the general public, identify development/redevelopment challenges and outcomes that are inconsistent with the
vision/purposes and explore options for regulatory amendments to address them. Any future amendments to the Downtown Hyannis zoning resulting from
the analysis should allow for flexibility in regulations in order to respond to the changing nature of the markets and potential infrastructure challenges.
Place
While this area is expected to absorb a significant percentage of future growth, largely through mixed-use infill and redevelopment, adequate open space
must be ensured. The Town should seek opportunities to integrate high-quality open space and recreational opportunities designed to incorporate both
passive and active spaces (playgrounds, sports courts, food trucks etc.) that support interactive engagement and can be used to host community events,
especially for families, on a neighborhood scale into the GIZ. Future development should be required to incorporate and maximize open space and
recreation spaces and amenities during design development to be integrated within the building footprint through improvements such as rooftop decks and
community gardens and at grade with plazas and park space.
General within this land use area.
Continue to coordinate conversion of Main Street and surrounding street networks to two-way circulation to support safe and walkable neighborhoods. Place
Enhance safety by improving public spaces with features such as lighting, wayfinding, etc.General but could be prioritized in
specific places
Village Centers:
Development in these areas should be of smaller scale and continue to focus on walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods in an historic context
considering historic culture and architecture with accessibility to public transportation and a more connected network of bicycle paths.
Development should be designed to preserve community character with small businesses and tasteful signage.
Conduct an analysis, at least once every two years, of development and redevelopment in each of the Village Centers, compared with the planned vision
for each village and the stated purposes of any village zoning districts. Identify any development/redevelopment outcomes that are inconsistent with the
vision/purposes and explore options for regulatory amendments to address them. In particular, explore a prohibition on use variances for Village Centers
where this is not already in place.
Place
Adopt design guidelines for residential, non-residential and mixed-use development and redevelopment for each Village Center lacking them. Include
development guidelines for architecture and site design as well as suggested infill and redevelopment strategies.
▪ Create consistency with the historic and/or maritime character of the area.
▪ Create livable and safe neighborhoods for year-round residents that are walkable with access to local amenities and services.
▪ Preserve views and public access to fresh and coastal waters.
▪ Enhance pedestrian and bicycle access and public spaces.
▪ Preserve existing trees and enhance green spaces with native landscaping.
Place
Commercial Nodes:
Allow these areas to evolve into smaller, walkable, mixed-use centers with dedicated open space and access to important neighborhood
services supported by denser residential housing of market-rate and affordable units within and around the nodes. All of the commercial nodes
should be consistently designed as whole neighborhoods with enhanced public transportation. Each of the commercial nodes should also be
reviewed independently for unique character and economic potential.
Adopt design guidelines for non-residential and mixed-use development and redevelopment to be tailored for each of the following commercial nodes:
West Main Street, the Route 28 Corridor (consider Mashpee Commons with walkable and cohesive design), the Route 6 Interchange (recognize that this
area serves multiple uses), and the Yarmouth Road Triangle. Include development guidelines for architecture and site design as well as suggested infill
and redevelopment strategies. Discretionary review should be coordinated for development design.
▪ Create livable neighborhoods for year-round residents.
▪ Enhance pedestrian and bicycle access from surrounding neighborhoods.
▪ Provide for public and accessible open spaces for people of all ages and abilities.
Place
Develop and adopt standards for additional housing types at a scale between two-family dwellings and multi-family dwellings that can be allowed in the
Commercial Nodes. This could include 3- and 4-family dwellings, townhouses, small apartments of up to 6 dwelling units designed to look like large
houses, or small-scale apartment buildings of up to 12 units. Most of these housing types could accommodate mixed-use with ground floor commercial.
Smaller multi-family options may be easier for local developers to design and build, with less competition from larger national firms. Consider prohibiting
multi-family development of greater than 12 units along West Main Street and the Route 28 Corridor.
Place
Conduct an analysis of all non-conforming non-residential uses in the Town.
▪ Some of these existing non-conforming uses are important culturally and/or economically, and it may not be desirable to see them phase out into
residential uses over time. Work with local residents and business owners to determine whether zoning changes would be appropriate for any of these
uses, to ensure that they may continue into the future.
▪ Revise the standards for the expansion or alteration of non-conforming non-residential uses, to ensure that impacts on neighboring residential uses are
improved as changes are made. Consider incentives to encourage areas being developed as housing.
▪ The area in the vicinity of the transfer station contains many non-conforming use properties and includes the intersection of Route 28 and Osterville West
Barnstable Road, continuing north to Flint Street and Old Falmouth Road. Land use management actions for this area include: managing existing
developmentto be more compatible with surrounding residential uses, improving streetscape and overall appearance of the area, and analyzing whether
zoning changes are desired to protect some of these non-residential uses into the future.
Place. Are LCPC members aware of any
non-conforming non-residential uses that
are beloved in the community?
Maritime Areas:
Preserve and improve public access to and view of working waterfronts and harbors and protect maritime areas from overdevelopment.
Preserve and actively support existing water-based and maritime uses including museums and fishing charters and encourage concentration
of additional activities that build upon existing uses such as a fish market or waterfront restaurant to create economically vibrant and
productive waterfronts. Carefully consider highest and best use of waterfront properties considering desire to maintain views and desire to
concentrate activities and amenities like walking, biking, restaurants, and museums similar to Fisherman’s View in Sandwich. Encourage and
support existing educational programs that promote knowledge of and appreciation for our blue economy and maritime traditions.
Protect and strengthen the existing working harbor activities and character, maintain water views and improve public access.
▪ Harbor and marine uses shall provide a public edge to the water where feasible, and provide views, access and vistas while protecting water dependent
activities.
▪ Amend the Zoning Ordinance to ensure that existing water views are protected or enhanced. Consider establishing view corridors that are required to
remain free of view-obstructing buildings, structures, site improvements or landscaping other than low-growing plant material or existing natural vegetation.
Place
Engage in coastal resilience planning.
▪ Amend the zoning ordinance to incorporate requirements for the built and natural environment with best practice strategies related to coastal flooding
resiliency and potential need to retreat.
General within this land use area.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Goals & Strategies
Strategies/Actions Category Comments
Groundwater: The unique maritime character of working harbors, coastal villages and other developed areas should be protected and, if
possible, enhanced. Development in high hazard areas should be limited in order to minimize the loss of life and structures, and to reduce
erosion and other environmental damage resulting from storms, natural disasters, and sea level rise. Coastal water quality and habitat must be
maintained and improved to allow shellfishing and recreation as appropriate, and to protect coastal ecosystems which support shellfish,
finfish, and other coastal wildlife and native coastal plants. Manage the competing uses of marine waters, including fishing, fowling, boating,
swimming, and public access to the shore.
Continue to conduct long-range land use and capital facilities planning for future provision and protection of Barnstable’s public water supply.
▪ The Town will continue to collaborate with independent water districts to analyze data and implement plans to acquire future wells and associated lands
before development occurs and designate Zones of Contribution and Wellhead Protection Zones for future public supply wells.
▪ Include discussions of the impacts of inter-basin water transfers that can effect wetlands, streams, and private wells if water is taken from one area in
town and moved to another.
General and Areas to be identified
Continue to prioritize the public acquisition of lands within 400 feet of a future public supply well (Zone I), as well as Zone II areas most susceptible to
contamination.
▪ Coordinate with adjacent communities, as applicable, when land surrounding a future public supply well expands into or abuts another town.
▪ Maintain a map that depicts all Zone I and Zone II areas overlaid with existing conservation lands.
▪ For unprotected areas within Zone I, proactively work with existing property owners to enact easements to ensure protection. Prioritize aquisition where
property owners are unwilling to establish an easement or otherwise unable to protect the buffer area.
▪ For unprotected areas within Zone II, overlay the map with the latest information on water quality, nearby development, and other threats. Prioritize
agreements with property owners or aquisition for Zone II areas most at risk.
Place (Zone I). Areas to be identified (Zone
II)
Practice water conservation measures to help ensure adequate water supply.
▪ The Town’s Water Supply Division will continue to manage its Water Conservation Program, providing education and free water conservation products to
the public.
▪ Continue to work with water suppliers to identify and repair system leakage.
▪ Explore regulations to require water saving devices for large quantity users.
General
Continue to implement the Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan as it relates to the protection of drinking water, particularly in the
identification and treatment of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) such as PFAS.
General and Place (as identified in the
CWMP)
Continue to prioritize expansion of the public water supply where private wells are vulnerable to contamination from wastewater effluent, saltwater intrusion
or other contaminants.
▪ The cost benefit of an expansion should be researched, including the extent of homes on private wells that may connect as there is no requirement for a
homeowner on a private well to agree to a connection.
▪ Develop a process to identify private wells that have water quality issues. Explore the possibility of using data from the Barnstable County Laboratory.
Place (as identified in the CWMP) and
other areas to be identified
Ensure, in addition to the state’s permitting determinations, that all water supply wells, public and private, are located to avoid water withdrawal impacts on
ponds, streams, coastal embayments, and wetlands.
▪ Make this analysis of water withdrawal impacts part of the initial assessment for a potential new public water supply well prior to investing in significant
site assessment costs.
▪ Include impacts of sea level rise and assocated groundwater rise, as well as changes in annual rainfall totals and patterns.
▪ Prevent groundwater mining or overdraft and ensure that withdrawals do not exceed the safe yield of the aquifer.
▪ Ensure that public and private supply well pumping does not cause saltwater intrusion.
▪ Explore feasibility of incorporating additional treatment options to water supply processes including desalinization.
General and Areas to be identified
Marine Waters: The unique maritime character of working harbors, coastal villages and other developed areas should be protected and, if
possible, enhanced. Development in high hazard areas should be limited in order to minimize the loss of life and structures, and to reduce
erosion and other environmental damage resulting from storms, natural disasters, and sea level rise. Coastal water quality and habitat must be
maintained and improved to allow shellfishing and recreation as appropriate, and to protect coastal ecosystems which support shellfish,
finfish, and other coastal wildlife and native coastal plants. Manage the competing uses of marine waters, including fishing, fowling, boating,
swimming, and public access to the shore.
Control erosion in barrier beaches and coastal banks to the greatest extent possible to protect important wildlife habitat and recreational amenities and
provide storm surge protection.
▪ Development and redevelopment shall be controlled to the greatest extent possible on barrier beaches or coastal dunes as identified and defined by the
Wetlands Protection Act, the latest DEP wetland regulations, and Barnstable Conservation Commission regulations.
▪ Redevelopment on a coastal bank or dune or within 100 feet landward of these resources shall be designed to have no adverse effect on the height,
stability or use of the bank or dune as a natural sediment source. Consider prohibiting new development within these areas and partnering with property
owners in these areas to relocate existing structures further inland.
▪ In areas where dunes or banks are eroding, the setback for all new buildings and septic systems from the top of the bank or dune crest shall conform
with Conservation Commission policies and Board of Health regulations.
▪ Natural solutions are strongly prefered over hard structures or artifical beach renourishment to improve the resiliency of our public beaches and ways to
water.
General
NATURAL RESOURCES CHAPTER
Establish regulations to require that buildings and infrastructure in areas of projected sea level rise are at a minimum designed for protection from flooding
as well as to minimize risk to human health and safety.
▪ Regulations for structures within areas of projected sea level rise should ensure that any protective measures do not impact neighboring properties or
prevent longshore drift of beach sediment.
General and Areas to be identified
Where sea level rise projections show the most imminent risk of innundation, establish a procedure for managed retreat including identification of land for
relocation of existing structures.
▪ Develop specific policies on when retreat can be accomplished versus simply removing a structure.
▪ Develop specific policies on where structures can be relocated, including minimizing the clearing of forested lands to accommodate retreat.
General and Areas to be identified
Develop a long-term restoration plan for the town’s salt marshes.
▪ Build on the work conducted to date by the Ecosystem Restoration Program of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod.
▪ Establish techniques to increase accretion of saltwater marshes to help them keep up with sea level rise over time.
▪ Identify and map potential areas for marsh migration, and prioritize protection of these areas.
General
Continue to refine and implement strategies for complying with the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) established as part of the Massachusetts
Estuaries Program (MEP).
▪ Refine plans to address the new Title 5 Septic System and Watershed permit regulations, including updates to the CWMP and filing for watershed
permits, as needed.
General
Protect environmentally fragile areas and reduce nitrate-nitrogen loading in marine recharge areas.
▪ Conduct a town-wide assessment of impervious surface lot coverage standards for all zoning districts. Consider options for significantly reducing the
impervious surface allowed on any given lot, particularly in the more rural residential zoning districts and marine recharge areas.
General but need to identify priority areas
Update and expand the scope of the Town’s Coastal Resource Management Plan (2009) to provide guidance for the various competing uses of all the
Town’s harbors and coastal resources, including marine services and facilities, fisheries and aquaculture, natural resources, coastal landforms, coastal
structures, and coastal land uses.
▪ The Town will explore options for the zoning of coastal waters as a mechanism for balancing and regulating competing interests such as protecting
habitat, protecting overall coastal water quality, and providing coastal access for passive and active water dependent recreational activities.
▪ Consider moratoriums on new (non pre-existing) or expansion of existing docks and moorings until the plan is updated to evaluate the effects of these
structures on shellfish and other habitat.
General but ultimately with specific place-
based standards for all coastal water
areas.
Continue to expand the Ways to Water program, to re-establish and/or designate through appropriate legal means traditional rights of way to marine
waters to ensure that these are not lost or abandoned.
▪ Continue to develop and maintain signage, and outreach programs, including GIS mapping for posting to the Town website and internet sites.
▪ Develop a system to allow people to report on Ways to Water violations, such as removal of public signs and obstruction of public ways.
General but need to identify priority areas
Accomplish the Sandy Neck Beach Park coastal resiliency project, acknowledging that all land around the parking lot and buildings are considered rare
and endangered species habitat
▪ Coordinate with NHESP on the viability and effectiveness of relocating existing structures.
Place
Continue to identify and protect the Town’s remaining eelgrass beds.Areas to be identified
Freshwater Lakes and Ponds: To the greatest extent possible, the water quality of Barnstable's freshwater water bodies should be maintained
to standards that support living organisms appropriate for the lake or pond, and allow recreation for the surrounding neighborhood, Town
residents, and other recreational users.
Wherever possible, land within 100 feet of any freshwater lake or pond should be maintained in its natural, vegetated condition. Where significant
populations of rare, endangered or threatened species have been identified, every effort should be made to ensure permanent control over these buffers
through acquisition by the Town or a conservation organization through acquisition, conservation restriction or deed restriction.
▪ Develop a map showing parcels appropriate for acquisition.
▪ Coordinate consistent and frequent enforcement of protected natural resources areas. Develop a plan for town staffing needs to implement the required
enforcement to insure any inappropriate clearing is identified and restored.
▪ Provide outreach to property owners within buffer zones to insure they comply with the wetland buffer regulations.
Place
Within lake and pond recharge areas, development or redevelopment located within 300 feet of freshwater water bodies shall be required to meet critical
nutrient loading standards. Where existing development exceeds identified critical loading standards for a freshwater recharge area, redevelopment
should maintain or improve existing levels of nutrient loading.
▪ Investigate and implement new strategies to reduce nutrient loading as research and technology evolve.
▪ Develop a Board of Health regulation that requires septic systems with leach fields within 300 feet of the upgradient (or 100 feet of the downgradient)
side of a freshwater pond to provide phosphorus treatment using I/A technologies, or shallow leachfields sited in the subsurface soil layer.
▪ Research the need to provide nitorgen removal as well as phosphorus removal.
▪ Provide outreach to property owners so they are aware of and take advantage of the state tax credit for installing an I/A system.
Place
Continue to expand the Ways to Water program, to re-establish and/or designate through appropriate legal means traditional rights of way to freshwater
lakes and ponds to ensure that these are not lost or abandoned.
▪ Continue to develop and maintain maintenance, signage,and outreach programs, including GIS mapping for posting to the Town website and internet
sites.
▪ Enhance communication strategies to educate residents of the Town’s Ways to Water program to promote opportunities to access the town’s various
waterbodies.
▪ Develop a system to allow people to report on Ways to Water violations, such as removal of public signs and obstruction of public ways.
General but need to identify priority areas
Maximize the ecological health of the Town’s 5 herring runs.
▪ Identify and map obstructions along the herring runs. Place
Coordinate an inventory and analysis of all of the Town’s freshwater ponds and lakes to evaluate the status of each waterbody including water quality and
additional impacts like flooding.
▪ Reflect upon existing conditions data to develop a prioritization plan for the Town’s ponds and lakes with consideration of future sewer infrastructure.
▪ Identify current and historical sources of nutrients impacting water quality including wastewater, stormwater runoff, the removal of vegetative buffers and
historical sources such as farms.
General but ultimately with specific place-
based standards for all water bodies.
Establish a trust fund to incentivize homeowners within proximity of the Town’s ponds to improve existing levels of nutrient loading by implementing best
practice strategies such as vegetated buffers.
▪ Establish an income cap for eligible homeowners to ensure this support is targeted to households who would otherwise be unable to afford implementing
these strategies.
▪ Provide information on other resources available to homesowners, including the I/A septic system tax credits.
General but need to identify priority areas
Wetland Resources: Preserve and restore the quality and functions of Barnstable's coastal and inland wetlands. Reclaim filled or non-
functioning wetlands where possible, including cranberry bogs. Preserve, and restore where feasible, the quality and functions of isolated
lands subject to flooding and in need of additional protection, including vernal pools.
Where the size of the lot permits, a vegetated buffer of at least 100 feet from the edge of coastal and inland wetlands, including isolated wetlands, shall be
maintained in an undisturbed, natural state to protect the natural functions of these areas, including but not limited to mitigation of stormwater impacts and
wildlife habitat value. Where the lot size does not permit a 100 foot buffer, the maximum feasible buffer shall be maintained but in no case shall this buffer
be less than 50 feet.
▪ The Conservation Commission shall establish objective and consistent criteria for requirin a larger buffer (e.g. where the standard buffers are inadequate
to protect sensitive areas or where the site conditions such as slopes or soils suggest that a larger buffer is necessary to prevent adverse impacts).
▪ Coordinate educational opportunities for members of the Conservation Commission to learn best practices strategies pertaining to vegetated buffers to
establish more stringent requirements.
▪ Coordinate consistent and frequent enforcement of protected natural resources areas.
▪ Further staff support to insure enforcement of the buffer zone regulations is needed to maintain compliance.
▪ Develop a public outreach plan to inform residents with properties in the buffer zone how they can best manage their property.
Place (100 feet from the edge of coastal
and inland wetlands). Areas to be identified
(where larger buffers are needed). General
(consistent enforcement).
Continue state and federal grant funded measures to restore impaired ponds, salt marshes and estuaries. Place
Continue to identify, certify, and map vernal pools, and ensure that they are not used for stormwater management. Place (where known) and Areas to be
identified.
Require expanded notification to abutters for large-scale proposals before the Conservation Commission.
▪ Amend the Conservation Commission regulations to set a threhshold for "large-scale" proposals.
▪ At a minimum, require notificaiton of actions within 300 feet of a pond to all property owners and residents along the pond shoreline.
General
Habitat: Prevent loss or degradation of critical wildlife and plant habitat, minimize the impact of new development on wildlife and plant habitat,
maintain existing populations and species diversity, and maintain areas which will support wildlife’s natural breeding, feeding, and migration
patterns.
In mapped Sensitive Habitat Areas, clearing of vegetation should be limited.
▪ In areas that have multiple habitat attributes, no clearing or cutting of vegetation should be permitted.
▪ In less sensitive areas, clearing may be permitted, but will be limited to the minimum area needed for building construction, roads, driveways and
accessory structures, and as needed for safe sight distances.
▪ Coordinate consistent and frequent enforcement of Sensitive Habitat Areas.
Place
In undeveloped areas outside Sensitive Habitat Areas, clearing of vegetation and alteration of natural topography shall be minimized, with appropriate
vegetation planted as needed to enhance or restore wildlife habitat and serve as carbon capture to help mitigate climate impacts.
▪ Clearing should be limited to the maximum lot clearance under current and future zoning regulations.
General
Continue to expand the establishment of greenways and wildlife corridors of sufficient width to protect edge species and species that inhabit the interior
forest.
▪ Protect or acquire large unfragmented areas and enforce the use of open space residential development.
▪ Wildlife should be provided with opportunities for passage through developed areas where such opportunities will maintain the integrity of wildlife
corridors.
Areas to be identified
Continue to actively maintain wildlife habitat through controlled prescribed burns, removal of dead trees and brush, etc. General
Encourage proactive planning, zoning and permitting to protect endangered species habitat while still providing recreational opportunity to the public.
▪ Develop clear standards for which conervation lands should be off-limits to public recreation and which should be available for limited recreation.
▪ Develop clear standards for responsible recreational use of designated conservation lands, along with posting on signage and online.
General
Explore opportunities to increase aquaculture on the south side of Town. Areas to be identified
Establish a living list of native and climate resilient tree and shrub species of all sizes that can thrive in current and future climate conditions projected for
the region, paired with a list of complementary best practices for planting and maintenance.
▪ The tree and shrub list should promote biodiversity especially within wetland buffers and forested areas and provide guidance for urban vs rural
streetscaping and for open space environments.
▪ Additionally, this list will prioritize local species and forestry practices that maximize the benefits of tree canopy development (ex. carbon capture, energy
savings, pollution mitigation, stormwater surge protection, urban agriculture, recreation, etc.).
▪ Establish mechanisms for ongoing care and maintenance of canopy trees with an emphasis on education and civic participation.
General
Coordinate zoning amendments to increase tree canopy and wildlife habitat.
▪ Amend the Town’s zoning to require that residential and commercial properties are improved with or maintain existing vegetated landscape buffers.
▪ Coordinate zoning to require a new tree to be planted whenever a significant tree is removed.
▪ Consider tax incentives for properties that maintain tree canopy.
General
Analyze town-owned properties to identify areas, especially within the right-of-way, that can be improved with vegetation, such as existing medians.
Coordinate with the state and utility companies to promote enhanced vegetation as well.
▪ Ensure that there is staff capacity and budget to consistantly maintain any newly planted areas before they are planted.
▪ Prioritize low-maintenance native perrenials that require minimal trimming.
Areas to be identified
Open Space: The Town will pursue the goals of its Open Space and Recreation Plan, adopted in 2018, including:
• Protect and maintain a maximum amount of open space to enhance environmental protection, recreational opportunities and community
character.
• Use land protection to protect water supply, protect fresh and marine surface waters, preserve historic, scenic and cultural resources, and
provide opportunities for farming and agriculture.
• Provide diverse recreational opportunities and access throughout Barnstable and ensure that the current and future needs of all user groups
are met appropriately.
• Provide adequate public access to and safe enjoyment of the Town’s open space and recreational resources and programs, particularly its
fresh and marine shoreline areas.
• Promote greater coordination and communication about community open space and recreation needs within government and among
stakeholder groups in the Town.
The Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) is incorporated herein by reference. The Town will pursue the objectives and implement the
actions laid out in Sec. 9.3 of the OSRP.General
The Town will pursue the goals defined within the Recreation Division’s Priority Plan.General
Expand recreational opportunities across Town for residents of all ages and abilities. In particular, coordinate recreational opportunities and activities
accessible to people who are visually impaired and incorporate ADA accessibility.
▪ Suggestions for recreational opportunities include additional trails, playgrounds (equip with shade structures, water features, and interactive board
games), pickleball and basketball courts, and outdoor fitness stations.
▪ Suggestions for recreational activities include community gardens and farmers markets.
General
Other Regulations and Processes:
The Town will consider regulations that place more responsibility on property owners regarding environmentally sound practices, and lead by example with
its own practices, including, but not limited to:
• Establish requirements and incentivizes for ecological landscaping and the reduction of lawn areas.
• Requirements for vegetated buffer zones/wildlife corridors along water bodies including installation of permanent markers to denote the extent of a buffer
if a violation is cited.
• Bans on fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides.
• Discourage use of water for lawn and coordinate restrictions on irrigation such as a mandate for automatic irrigation shut-off during rainfall.
• Investment in staff time and training to properly enforce existing and new regulations.
General
HOUSING
Goals & Strategies
Strategies/Actions Category Comments
Planning, Policy and Zoning
Pursue the extension of Barnstable’s residential property tax exemption to Barnstable property owners that provide year-round rentals to income-eligible
tenants with incentives forlocal preference. Coordinate partnerships with local and regional organizations to incentivize year-round rentals. Explore
opportunities to address rising utility costs through installation of solar panels and by improving energy efficiency of existing structures through
weatherization.
▪ Consider opportunities to use the residential property tax exemption incentive to strengthen the Accessory Affordable Apartment Program.
General
Develop strategies that will address the seasonal housing challenges unique to the region, including pursuing the ability to place year-round deed-
restrictions on residential units, ensuring that the seasonal units are tailored for J-1 and H-2B programs.
▪ Consider opportunities for community workforce housing development through which businesses could secure units for their staff.
▪ Explore increasing taxes for seasonal properties to support housing efforts.
General
Support contextual, village-scaled mixed-use and multi-unit development and redevelopment, enabling better use of existing development by implementing
community-supported planning initiatives and zoning amendments, and studying what design, scale, and type of housing may be appropriate in
commercial corridors and pedestrian-oriented village centers. Coordinate efforts for each unique village and ensure future development within the regional
commercial center enables a walkable and connected network with access to community open space
Areas to be identified?/Place
Explore opportunities to incentivize amenities including open space, active family-oriented recreation, and opportunities for farmers markets in addition to
flexible neighborhood-scale and community-based retail and services considering future changes to the market.Areas to be identified
Identify zoning amendments and other strategies to support missing middle and "living little" forms of housing, such as allowing single-family home
conversions enabling multiple units, duplexes, cottage clusters, townhouses, tiny homes, cohousing, and infill designs.
▪ Explore options to implement M.G.L Chapter 40Y, “Starter Home Zoning Districts” and other opportunities that promote attainable and affordable equity
and wealth building long-term homeownership opportunities.
Areas to be identified/Place
Amend zoning to incentivize development and redevelopment of affordable assisted or independent living units for low-income residents of all ages and
abilities including, but not limited to, seniors, the town’s workforce population, young adults, and residents with disabilities, such as expedited permitting,
zoning relief, and density bonuses.
▪ Explore opportunities to build upon existing feasibility studies at the Cape Cod Community College to develop a community node with housing and public
transportation.
Areas to be identified/Place
Strengthen the inclusionary affordable housing ordinance by requiring a higher percentage of affordable units at a variety of income levels, and making
the required percentage proportionate to the size of the development.
▪ Look for opportunities to provide expedited permitting, zoning relief, density bonuses, and financial subsidy for developments that provide affordable
housing beyond what is required.
▪ Establish an in-lieu of fee that is comparable to the housing market and can be utilized to support local housing initiatives.
▪ Enhance public value with new development through incorporation of amenities and by requiring additional affordable units at lower Area Median Income
(AMI) in addition to workforce housing at median income levels.
General
Consider regulations and other policies focused on short-term rentals to the extent they impact year-round affordable housing. General
Pursue the creation of affordable year-round housing on vacant and/or underutilized land or properties as consistent with the Local Comprehensive Plan. Areas to be identified
Consider a zoning amendment to define "underutilized properties" in locations consistent with the Local Comprehensive Plan to allow redevelopment and
re-use for multi-unit housing through expedited permitting, zoning relief, and density bonuses.Areas to be identified
Explore opportunities to incorporate year-round housing ensuring walkable communities with access to public transportation and open space at the Cape
Cod Community College, within Independence Park (Regional Economic Center), and underutilized properties along Route 132 and within Downtown
Hyannis such as on North Street.
Areas to be identified/Place
Plan and partner with entities to produce permanent supportive housing for unhoused people, temporary housing for seasonal workforce, and affordable
housing for members of the community who are housing stressed but do not need services.General
Local Initiative and Programmatic Strategies
Pursue community-supported opportunities to add housing on Town properties, especially the Marstons Mills School (730 Osterville West Barnstable
Road, land around the Barnstable Adult Community Center, and other opportunities as may be identified as appropriate.Areas to be identified/Place
Closely coordinate implementation of the Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan and housing planning to address both natural resource
protection and housing needs and continue to support upgrades to wastewater infrastructure in the Downtown Hyannis Growth Incentive Zone.
▪ Coordinate a build-out analysis, for the entire town, overlaying future sewer services areas, and current and anticipated land dedicated to water supply
and protection, with the town’s zoning to comprehensively consider opportunities for future housing and open space.
Place
HOUSING
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Goals & Strategies
Strategies/Actions Category Comments
Placed Based Economic Development: Support a market-driven, place-based approach that builds on our existing assets, a tradition of
entrepreneurship, and encourages economic balance, diversity, and sustainability.
Proactively share development and comprehensive plan policies with developers. General
Implement a balanced real estate tax policy that is fair to residents while preserving the tax base. Tax assessing methodology specifically regarding
commercial properties shall be re-examined as part of this policy development.General
Inventory and analyze impacts and capacity to implement mitigation formulas for development and redevelopment projects. Create an economic impact
assessment tool to determine the net fiscal impact of development proposals. The project’s tax revenue, infrastructure, service, and resource impacts shall
be analyzed. This economic impact analysis shall be completed before the commencement of Site Plan Review.
General
Determine feasible and attractive incentives to encourage local developers and business owners to reinvest profits in Barnstable and implement this
incentive program. General
Work in partnership with the County to coordinate economic development and related planning efforts. General
Identify areas for “down-zoning” or undevelopment to offset areas designated for higher density. Areas to be identified
Zoning: Revise and simplify land use regulations including zoning to foster economic development.
Facilitate the Growth Incentive Zone and Design and Infrastructure Plan. Place?
Promote Smart Growth principles, including cluster developments, green space planning, mixed uses and public open space that promote social exchange
and the building of community.General
Design Review: Establish a design review process for commercial development.
Amend the town’s Site Plan Review Zoning Ordinance to add design review criteria for coordination of design standards throughout the Town of
Barnstable.General
Local Business: Retain and strengthen business in the Town of Barnstable.
Increase the commercial tax base by encouraging economic development in areas identified as appropriate for growth. Areas to be identified
Make the permitting process predictable and timely through the creation of Development Agreements with the town and other regulatory agencies. General
Determine feasible and attractive incentives to encourage locally owned developments to reinvest profits in our community and implement a program to
utilize these incentives.Areas to be identified
Provide resources and technical assistance to applicants and investors including public/private entities, outsourcing, local initiatives, and data sharing. General
Retain in-house community development and planning resources. Collaborate with economic development efforts at the municipal and county levels. General
Infrastructure: Provide infrastructure required for growth centers and redevelopment areas.
Develop, apply for, and support creative funding mechanisms to build and maintain infrastructure needs: workplace housing, renewable energy,
wastewater treatment, public water supply, educational support, public transportation, parking, and efficient roadways.General
Seek out and support upgrades to telecommunication infrastructure for public and commercial broadband access within Barnstable. Support the creation
of Wi-Fi networks such as Open Cape.com or other similar networks.General
Continue to participate in and implement solutions from the state Hyannis Access Study to improve traffic flow. Place
Recreation: Support the maintenance and development of recreational activities for residents and visitors. Fund and implement findings and
actions from the state approved Open Space and Recreation Plan.
Increase availability of public access to the water. Increase maintenance of existing public access to the water. Use Chapter 91 for this purpose. Areas to be identified
Develop and maintain essential recreational facilities such as fields and parks with supporting amenities. Place
Increase maintenance for trails, walking trails, riding trails, public beaches, and scenic destinations. Place
Complete bike and walking pathways throughout town connected to the County pathway network. Publicize and maintain walking and riding trails, public
beaches, and scenic destinations.Areas to be identified
Support water-dependent activities with amenities both public and private. General
Support and maintain town owned golf course(s). Place
Support the youth and community center. Place
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Retain the Hyannis Mets and Cotuit Kettleers. Place
Economic Sector Growth and Development: Provide for the growth of existing sectors and development of new sectors and enterprises that
create stable employment and livable wages for residents at diverse economic levels.
Establish, through data collection and analysis, an economic development sector database to make town and County economic data available for use by
private developers, the public, and town staff engaged in economic development efforts.General
Identify, plan, implement incentives and fund infrastructure for redevelopment opportunities. General
Identify and actively support the development of economic sectors offering stable employment, livable wages, and career advancement opportunities General
Provide technical support for projects that conform to the CP. General
Education Sector: Continually work to establish the Town of Barnstable as a place where education “happens”. Emphasize educational efforts
that serve as economic drivers to expand collective intellectual capital and support an emerging workforce. Our educational focus begins at
kindergarten level and includes higher educational opportunities.
Support development of educational curricula that connects to existing or desirable employment opportunities and career advancement such as renewable
energy, medical services and sciences and technologies focusing on coastal, marine, and environmental sectors.General
Support the development of entrepreneurial enterprises. General
Cultural Sector: Support and promote arts and culture in the Town of Barnstable to make its seven villages vibrant and economically
prosperous communities for the well-being of its residents. Encourage continued development of the creative economy to increase cultural
tourism, capture sector dollars and to position the Town as a year-round cultural destination.
Reconstitute the Cultural Council to advise policymakers about the Town’s creative economy. General
Facilitate the development of arts economic development in Downtown Hyannis. This development should include artist residences, studios, classrooms,
galleries, related retail, performances space and public assembly space.Place
Work with local creative, cultural and economic development entities to identify funding, planning and development resources to support the creative
economy.General
Foster support of new and existing local cultural entities and expansion of museums. Areas to be identified?
Visitor Based Sector: Strengthen and enhance our visitor-based economy to make Barnstable a year-round destination.
Conduct a feasibility study for a Hyannis Conference Center. Areas to be identified
Dedicate 7-10% of the current room occupancy tax revenue to visitor marketing and promotion. General
Enhance and expand the Walkway to the Sea to encompass more of the harbor front, the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, the end of Ocean Street and
Kalmus Park.Place
Improve traffic plans for visitors including a roadway signage system. Mark roadways, travel lanes, barriers, and limit access where necessary for safety
and efficiency.Areas to be identified
Create a simple, legible wayfinding system for attractions, destinations and parking where needed. Areas to be identified
Publicize walking trails, riding trails, public beaches, and scenic destinations. Areas to be identified
Provide user-friendly hours for beaches and parks use. General
Work with appropriate public and private transportation entities to ensure provision of year-round, reliable transportation and trolley service. General
Identify locations for parking garages downtown, at the Regional Commercial Center, the Transportation Center, the hospital, and the harbor. Where
feasible, expand existing facilities to provide adequate parking for recreational areas.Areas to be identified
Support the continued development of eco-tourism, tourism that explores, experiences, and observes nature. General
Consolidate all restaurant, hotel and motel operating permits and fees into one process with a single time frame. Continue to allow Town department
inspections on an appropriate schedule.General
Healthcare Sector: Support the healthcare sector by fostering economic growth, improving access to healthcare, and enhancing the overall
well-being of the community.
Encourage healthcare providers to locate offices and services within the designated medical services districts in Hyannis. In addition, determine
alternative “campus sites” for major expansions that require significant additional infrastructure support.Place
Improve access to healthcare services for all residents, including underserved populations. General
Support the expansion and modernization of healthcare infrastructure. General
Hyannis Growth Incentive Zone: Continue business retention and expansion work through Town economic development, partnerships with the
Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District (BID), and Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) partnership.
Identify specific actions designed to support and attract businesses to the GIZ over the next five years. This should be a collaborative effort with BID,
Hyannis Chamber, and other stakeholders. This strategy should link to other plans including the Harbor Plan and the Historic Properties Inventory.Place
Continue to build an inventory of potential redevelopment sites, procedures for preparing sites for redevelopment from remediation to clearing title issues,
site planning / pre-permitting for specific parcels.Areas to be identified
Blue Economy: Blue Economy balances our economic and environmental health, creates a new regional identity focused on pride in our water
and coastal resources, and supports a sustainable year-around economy for its residents. By leveraging partnerships with organizations such
as the Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation and the Cape Cod Commercial Fisherman’s Alliance, we aim to cultivate innovative initiatives that
stimulate economic growth, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for our residents.
Support the development, growth, and retention of innovative technologies that can be shared and exported. General
Establish Blue Tourism Education Program to ensure the linkages between a healthy environment and a healthy economy are understood. General
Identify skill gaps in marine industries for workforce development and conversion from jobs to careers. Work with educational community and workforce
development organizations to help them target curriculum.General
Establish Blue Enterprise Zones where permitting can be expedited and related organizations can thrive on peer-to-peer relationships. Areas to be identified
Improve access to water and support infrastructure needs. General
INFRASTRUCTURE
Goals & Strategies
Strategies/Actions Category Comments
Transportation: The Town will improve safety and quality of traffic circulation and will coordinate an integrated transportation system that
encourages use of alternate modes of transportation, including transit, walking, and biking.
Actively participate, submit projects, and seek priority on the Cape Cod Transportation Improvement Program to leverage State and Federal funding for
local and/or regional priority transportation projects such as improvements to Route 132, the Cape Cod Rail Trail, Airport Rotary, etc.Place
Continue to pursue roadway easements for sewer installation on private roads impacted by the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. Develop a
policy for the town to take over ownership and responsibility of private roads, and a corresponding implementation plan that considers long-term financial
and operational implications for the Town, and the needs of residents using private roads.
General
Expand routine seasonal and year-round transit options within and to essential destinations, commercial and employment centers, village centers, and
areas of concentrated residential development. Explore options for increasing Barnstable’s connectivity with off-Cape destinations, including by rail.Areas to be identified
Integrate Island ferry service facilities and operations with other multi-modal facilities and operations including, but not limited to, remote parking access,
bicycle access, enhanced pedestrian access, and other transportation hubs such as the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority’s Hyannis Transportation
Center and the Cape Cod Gateway Airport to reduce vehicle travel and land dedicated to parking in Downtown Hyannis.
Place
Continue to build out the Town’s system of bike lanes, bike paths, bike routes, and related amenities, prioritizing safety and connections with other existing
bikeways, the future Cape Cod Rail Trail, and linkages to public facilities, recreation and conservation areas, village centers, educational facilities, the
CCRTA Hyannis Transportation Center, etc.
Areas to be identified
Continue to implement the Town’s Complete Streets policy and Prioritization Plan, pursuing transportation improvement alternatives that will reduce
conflicts, improve traffic flow, and incorporate integrated multi-modal transportation options in Barnstable, while furthering the creation of vibrant,
pedestrian- and bicycle-oriented mixed-use centers throughout the town.
General
Address accessibility deficiencies across Barnstable’s transportation system, making transportation options safe and accessible for people of all ages and
abilities, languages, and cultures.General
Use parking facilities to their full capacity, including looking at opportunities for: shared parking; potential for future housing development; addition of solar
canopies; inclusion of green infrastructure and additional landscaping; and opportunities for flexible or seasonal uses.
General but priority parking areas could be
identified.
Identify and prioritize improvements to low-lying roads to improve resilience to sea level rise, storm surge and flooding, focusing on evacuation routes and
other key areas that represent a public safety concern during flood events and other hazardous conditions. Consider traditional “hard” infrastructure and
green infrastructure solutions and evaluate the need for managed retreat.
Place
Continue to plan for the end of the useful life of the town’s bridges, monitor their condition, and make repairs or replacements as needed. General
Wastewater Infrastructure: Provide wastewater treatment facilities to adequately treat wastewater discharges and address nitrogen and
phosphorous, known contaminants of emerging concern, and other pollutants to protect the quality and quantity of our sole source aquifer.
Because water use equals sewage flows, effective wastewater management begins with water use conservation. To reduce impacts to Town wide
wastewater infrastructure, the Town will partner with water districts to continue to implement water conservation programs, regulations, and incentives to
incorporate new technologies into the system, as well as homes and businesses.
General
The current Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) will be implemented and updated as required by such factors as growth,
environmental impact or regulatory requirements to address the community’s wastewater needs as prescribed by regional, state, and federal regulations. General
Create a decentralized wastewater management plan that aims to eliminate aging wastewater solutions (cesspools), introduce innovative/alternative
technologies in priority areas that will not be sewered, and ensure appropriate management of septic systems.General
Water Supply Infrastructure: Plan for adequate drinking water supply, quality, flow, and pressure to meet current and future drinking water and
fire protection demands.
Continue to update water treatment technology to address regulatory mandates and emerging and known contaminants. General
Coordinate next steps on expanding water supply infrastructure to comply with redundancy requirements and plan for long-term resilience, including
selecting one or more new public well sites and developing associated financial strategies.Areas to be identified
Continue to encourage coordination between water system purveyors with joint meetings of drinking water suppliers, water committees/commissioners,
and the Town.General
Stormwater Infrastructure: Have all stormwater discharge treated to appropriate levels through adaptive and best management practices.
Protect saltwater estuaries, freshwater bodies, the aquifer, shellfish and other natural resources from stormwater impacts; better manage
flooding from storms; and provide high quality stormwater recharge to water resources.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The community will comply with all Clean Water Act requirements (the MS4 permit) and implement and enforce regional, state, and federal regulations to
eliminate pollutants or untreated water discharge into our waterways and maintain stormwater infrastructure to protect public and environmental health.General
Incorporate green stormwater management techniques where appropriate to improve water quality and flood mitigation. General
Continue to update aging and undersized culverts to improve coastal resiliency, emergency hazard response, and water quality, and restore wildlife
habitat, where feasible.
General, but priority culverts can be
identified
Energy: Encourage energy conservation and improved energy efficiency and promote investment in distributed power generation and
renewable energy systems on municipal property.
Develop and adopt design standards for development and redevelopment that promote efficient energy use such as orienting structures for solar gain;
maintaining solar access for adjacent sites and using energy efficient landscape and building methods and materials. General
Continue to increase use of alternative fuels for Barnstable's municipal vehicle fleet, as well as partner and support electrification of fleets at the CCRTA
and Gateway Airport. Increase access to and public knowledge of charging stations.General
Continue to update and monitor existing greenhouse gas emissions inventories and execute projects to reduce emissions, including pursuing grants and
alternative funding for the expansion of solar and biomass energy systems at Town owned properties.General
Waste Management: The Town shall work towards a holistic system for waste management and disposal that increases source reduction,
recycling, composting, and to dispose of hazardous waste in an environmentally sound manner.
Encourage a commitment to reduce consumption of materials and promote reuse of items in the workplace where practical. General
A coordinated town-wide hazardous waste emergency response plan shall be maintained by the Town and the independent fire districts. General
Continue and expand the Household Hazardous Waste Collection program. General
Land uses that require treatment, generation, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes or hazardous materials, with the exception of household
quantities, are prohibited and should continue to be excluded from drinking water protection districts. The Town will continue to refine the hazardous
materials ordinance and regulations to ensure maximum protection of drinking water supplies and public safety.
General
Public Safety: Invest in infrastructure improvements that improve overall public safety, reduce/eliminate vehicle and pedestrian deaths, create a
safe and welcoming public realm, public parking lots in village centers, beaches, and open spaces. Collaborate with public safety officials on
roadway, intersection, and public space improvements.
Target improvements to roadways and intersections with the highest crash rate to reduce the number of vehicle and pedestrian crashes to improve the
safety of all users; improvements should be designed to reflect the scale and character of the neighborhood. Consider major roadway/intersection
reconstruction projects as well as smaller interventions such as crosswalk improvements and traffic calming methods.
Areas to be identified
Research and execute options for roadway improvements to improve safety for all users, for example daylighting at intersections and other low-cost,
nimble efforts to improve the safety of our transportation network.General
Develop a town-wide lighting survey to determine where additional street lighting is necessary to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety, focusing on
frequently traveled roadway, bike and pedestrian corridors used for daily travel to work.Areas to be identified
Design new roadways and incorporate into roadway projects interventions to calm traffic, reduce speeding, and incorporate public spaces where possible. General
FACILITIES
Goals & Strategies
Strategies/Actions Category Comments
Public Facilities and Services:
Provide well-maintained public facilities and services that serve the current and future social, economic, cultural, safety, traffic, and
communication needs of the community; that are equitably distributed; and are provided with minimal environmental impact.
When allocating resources to meet capital needs, the Town will consider major maintenance of existing facilities, revenue from the disposition of existing
facilities and the provision of new or expanded facilities.General
The Town will ensure that those facilities and services necessary to support development and redevelopment will be adequate to serve the development
at the time the development is available for occupancy or use, without decreasing levels of service adopted by this plan. General
Funding of major capital facilities will typically rely on long-term financing and not on current revenues. The term of the financing should generally be no
longer than the useful life of the facility. General
The Town may apply various alternative funding mechanisms in the development of capital improvements identified in the Capital Facilities Section to
optimize use of limited Town resources. Such mechanisms include joint ventures with the private sector, grants, or other means. General
The Town will support and encourage the joint planning, siting, development and use of public facilities and services with other governmental or
community organizations in areas of mutual concern and benefit in order to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize impacts on the environment. General
Services provided through enterprise accounts including, but not limited, to Water Pollution Control, Solid Waste Division, Sandy Neck, Barnstable
Municipal Airport, Fairgrounds and Hyannis Golf Courses and Town Marinas will be paid primarily by users, except in unusual circumstances where the
public benefit may justify the use of general funds. When facility improvements provide benefits primarily to a limited group of users the costs will
generally be paid by the benefited parties through Local Improvement Districts (LIDs) or other means.
General
Provide high quality public safety services for the residents of Barnstable through cost effective maintenance and upgrades of facilities and
equipment.
Maintain and purchase vehicles and equipment as necessary to meet applicable standards. General
Upgrade and maintain emergency communication equipment. General
Consider the impact of new development presenting extraordinary impacts on Barnstable's public safety services during project review and mitigate those
impacts to the extent feasible. General
Provide educational facilities to meet the present and future needs of Barnstable residents.
Continue to work with the school department to plan for and fund facility maintenance and upgrade of school properties. General
Because of the scarcity of developable land and the cyclical nature of population trends, the Town should identify and secure or retain land for future
school facility expansion. Areas need to be identified
Ensure that buildout projections and residential development approvals are communicated to the affected public school district in a timely manner so they
can plan effectively for future needs. General
Continue existing operations at the Barnstable Municipal Airport.
Enhance coordination between the Airport Commission’s master planning activities and the Town’s Planning and Development Department. General
Actively explore integration of multi-modal transportation services with airport services. Areas need to be identified
Implement goals established within the Airport Master Plan. Place-Based
FACILITIES
CULTURE, HERITAGE &
DESIGN
Goals & Strategies
Strategies/Actions Category Comments
Historic Preservation:
Protect key historic and cultural features of Barnstable’s landscape and built environment.
Pursue education and outreach to owners of National or State Register of Historic Places properties, as well as contractors and realtors, about the
benefits and responsibilities of these designations. General
Create an historic building preservation fund, and leverage façade improvement and other district level programs, to assist owners in maintaining and
adapting historic structures.General
Provide education and support for property owners, contractors and realtors on restoration methods, resources, materials and design standards for
historic properties.General
Expand historic inventories and educational materials to include homes, landscape features and other cultural elements that may have been missed in
previous historic preservation efforts – including those associated with native American, African American and Cape Verdean communities. Areas to be identified
Pursue Certified Local Government (CLG) designation for the Barnstable Historical Commission, opening up access to additional funding and technical
assistance General
Assess and expand existing national, state, and local historic districts and recommend appropriate additions and expansions.
Consider additional Local Historic District designations, including: Pondville, Marstons Mills Village, Santuit, especially along Route 28, Cotuit Village
Center, Wianno, Osterville Village, Centerville Village Center, Craigville, Hyannis Port, Yarmouth Campgrounds.Place
Expand the Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District boundaries as appropriate to ensure preservation of historic resources. Consider use of
Neighborhood Conservation District designation as an alternative.Place
Assess additional properties for National Register Nomination, including the Burgess House and the Cape Cod Airfield, both in Marstons Mills. Place
Ensure that all archaeological sites are protected.
Continue town wide archaeological inventory and assessment process to identify important sites. General
Adopt development review standards to provide for professional evaluation and preservation of archeological resources before site disturbance and
construction. General
Obtain additional funding to preserve and restore historic structures, landscapes, and sites.
Convene partnership of the Barnstable Historic Commission (BHC), Local Historic District Committees, village historical societies and civic associations to
work together to identify capital and programmatic requirements and prioritize funding goals.General
Work collaboratively with the Historic Commission, committees and societies, Community Preservation Committee, Town staff and elected officials to map
out the use of available local funds and access available state and federal grants.General
Broaden Representation and Engagement in Historic Preservation
Reach out to underrepresented populations to participate in town boards, committees and preservation initiatives, and make it easier for people to
participate on their own terms through hybrid meeting formats and asynchronous collaboration.General
Involve younger generations, especially teens, in historic preservation through hands-on education and training, living history initiatives, collaboration with
Scouts, and engagement through arts, food and entertainment.General
Preserve and maintain Barnstable’s scenic resources.
Ensure that Barnstable’s vistas and viewsheds, both landward and seaward are protected and preserved to retain their community character defining and
value enhancing functions. Areas to be identified
Expand on the 2009 Barnstable Landscape Assessment with specific strategies to preserve the town’s most significant natural and cultural landscapes. Areas to be identified
Design and Community Character:
Revitalize commercial districts while celebrating Barnstable’s historic character and development patterns.
Foster redevelopment that creates livable, walkable mixed-use neighborhoods designed at a human scale and with an understanding of historic
architecture and urban form.General
CULTURE, HERITAGE, AND DESIGN
Pursue a visioning process leading to a masterplan, zoning revisions and design standards customized to the character of each of the seven villages and
other activity centers. Areas to be idenfied
Ensure that Barnstable’s roadways provide an attractive setting that enhances all areas of town – rural, residential, and commercial.
Create and implement consistent signage standards, including public wayfinding and other signage consistent with Barnstable’s image and visual
branding.General
Pursue roadside beautification, including landscape maintenance, mitigation of invasive species, planting and pruning of public shade trees, and design of
utilities. Areas to be identified
Improve streetscape character, especially in key gateways, with design standards for landscaping, paving, signage, lighting, tree planting, furnishings, and
other elements.Areas to be identified
Adapt to climate change and sea level rise while protecting historic resources and visual character.
Assess vulnerability of properties and/or neighborhoods in historic, scenic, or culturally significant areas. Areas to be identified
Provide education and outreach on historically-appropriate tools and techniques for adapting to sea level rise, extreme storms and other changing
conditions.General
Establish regulations and design standards for threatened properties, including retrofitting structures in place, building elevation and relocation/retreat. General
Arts and Culture:
Build out the physical and programmatic Infrastructure of the Arts & Culture Economy
Enhance and expand the cultural district and work with partners to plan for long-term program funding and facilities maintenance needs. Place
Pursue safety and connectivity improvements, including improving paths to parking lots, and enhanced lighting, signage and general aesthetics. Place
Facilitate private development of arts & culture related spaces, including artist residences, studios, classrooms, galleries, related retail, performances
space and public assembly space.Place
Work with local creative, cultural and economic development entities to identify funding, planning and development resources necessary to pursue shared
marketing and support for the creative economy.General
Promote year-round visitation
Further develop the brand strategy to enhance the image of Barnstable as a place where arts & culture are thriving. General
Collaborate with cultural partners to expand programming, marketing and outreach to generate year-round interest and increase visitation throughout the
town’s seven villages.General
Collaborate with cultural partners to assess the feasibility of a year-round convention and performing arts venue. General
Enhance Place-Based Arts & Culture
Use the arts to education and inform on complex local and regional issues, including water quality, climate resiliency, housing, transit, language isolation
and food insecurity.General
Collaborate with cultural partners to support art that reflects local history, landscapes and culture. General
Collaborate with local farms and farmers to create art, music and events that celebrate local food and agricultural landscapes. General
Collaborate with boating, fishing, environmental and other members of the Blue Economy community to promote art, music and events that celebrate
Barnstable’s connection to the water.General