Community Preservation Committee | March 17, 2025

The meeting focused on housing updates and discussing letters of intent for community preservation funds.

Watch the meeting. AI supported summary below. Corrections welcome; see contact page.

Key Points

• Housing Update: Jim Kupfer, the Planning Director, presented a comprehensive overview of housing projects in Barnstable, highlighting the use of programs, incentives, and regulatory changes to encourage development. He detailed numerous projects, categorized by stages (permitting, permitted, under construction), specifying the number of units, affordable units, and locations. Concerns were raised about the monotonous architectural style of some projects and the lack of green energy initiatives, although the building codes were noted to already enforce high efficiency standards. The need for more affordable housing units was emphasized.
• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the February 24, 2025 meeting were approved after a minor correction regarding a roll call vote.
• Letters of Intent:
  • Centerville Congregational Church: Requested funds for the restoration of gravestones in their historic cemetery. Discussion included the need for a full cemetery evaluation, potential involvement of Boy Scouts, and the cost of a consultant for paperwork. A site visit was planned.
  • Odd Fellows Lodge: Requested funds for preservation and restoration work on their historic building. Discussion centered on public access, the need for a full building assessment, and the creation of a historic preservation restriction. The address of the building was clarified (354 Main Street).
• Project Updates: Several conservation restriction applications were slated for Town Council review. The DPW's applications were scheduled for the April 28th meeting. A request for funding to research public rights for portions of Boulder Road and Flint Rock Road was approved, despite some concerns about the feasibility of the project.
• Meeting Format: The committee decided to maintain the current Zoom meeting format for the April 28th meeting, pending an extension of the COVID-related allowances for virtual meetings.

Highlights

• The significant number of housing units (over 1500 permitted) in various stages of development in Barnstable.
• The ongoing efforts to balance new development with the preservation of historic character and the inclusion of affordable housing.
• The detailed discussion of the processes involved in obtaining community preservation funds, including the roles of consultants, the Mass Historic Commission, and legal review.
• The interest in improving livability, particularly in downtown Hyannis, such as a grocery store.