Press & Commentary

Barnstable Patriot Column - September 9, 2005

I had to turn away from the constant barrage of the news coverage of the horrendous tragedy in the Gulf, because I felt so powerless. I felt mixed emotions about Governor Romney's announcement that Otis would house 2500 evacuees - tremendous pride that we stepped up to the plate, relief because I could now channel my need to help in a positive, meaningful way , but admittedly, some angst about what such a sudden influx of misplaced persons would do to our fragile Cape economy. As I write this, news has come over the wires that the plan to use Otis is on hold. However, my friends and neighbors in Barnstable and elsewhere have shown and will continue to show just what we are made up of. Good hearts and strong hands. I am so proud to be a Cape Codder.

When the evacuees do come, housing will continue to be one of the more difficult issues the Cape faces. Increasing and accessing housing has long been a priority of the Town. Barnstable Village will reach its 10% goal when Village Green is built on Independence Drive. Even though only 37-44 units will actually be affordable (depending on whether the project ends up to be 135 units or 148 as now being proposed by the developer), the entire complex will count as affordable because the units are rentals.

Barnstable Village's Local Comprehensive Plan, however, envisions small affordable units scattered through the village or units created from dividing up some of the old captain's houses, rather than large complexes like Village Green. But how do we make that a reality with the cost of housing so high?

While campaigning door to door, I noticed we actually do have a plethora of exactly that type of housing, but we do not always get credit for it. Did you know that some of you, who have in law apartments but no in laws living in them, may be renting out illegal apartments. I hope you will consider the Barnstable Accessory (formerly called Amnesty) Housing Program to "legalize" those apartments. I have found out by talking to some of you that there are some misconceptions and misinformation floating around about the program. Here are some brief facts.

In order to participate, the property owner must agree to:
1. Be owner occupied and contain a preexisting unpermitted unit, new unit within a new or attached structure (basement/garage) or a new unit created within an existing detached structure (detached garage).

2. Bring the unit into compliance with state building and sanitary codes. The Town can access Community Block Grant Funds up to $5000 to reimburse property owners for eligible costs associated with bringing a unit up to code.
· Rent only to households whose income is 80% or less of the area median income (one person can make no more than $36,800; two persons no more than $42,050). Tenants are selected by the property owner and therefore, the relationship is a typical landlord/tenant arrangement in which all state and federal laws apply including those which govern the eviction process.

3. Charge no more rent than $920 for a studio, $985 for a one bedroom and $1182 for a two bedroom (all rents include utilities).

· A recorded deed restriction, which is revocable upon the sale of the property or if the owner voluntarily chooses to cancel the comprehensive permit, in which case the property must revert to compliance with the underlying zoning.

The permitting process from referral to certificate of occupancy is a short and hassle free journey. Staff stands ready to assist you along the way.

Many of you now have Accessory Housing qualified units occupied by eligible tenants. Please take the time to educate yourself and consider participating in the program so that Barnstable can increase its affordable housing stock on the books as well as in reality. For more information, please call or email me (acanedy@comcast.net) or Beth Dillen, Special Projects Coordinator, Office of Community and Economic Development. (elizabeth.dillen@town.barnstable.ma.us. )

Roads: I was a member of the Roads Committee which met over the summer to consider Councilor Crocker's proposal to place a municipal stabilization fund (tax) devoted entirely to a roads program on the November ballot. The Committee reviewed several funding mechanisms including a debt exclusion override and a capital exclusion override in addition to Town Manager John Klimm's proposal to fund a public roads only improvement program within the current CAP. We concluded that it was premature to put a funding question before the voters without developing comprehensive road maintenance and improvement program and a private roads policy, which will be undertaken this fall.

Cummaquid Heights traffic issues: I was privileged to meet with fifty or more Cummaquid Heights residents about ongoing traffic issues (speed, congestion, truck traffic) especially along the Althea, Oakmont and Marstons Corridor. The consensus of the group was to experiment with temporary speed humps (as of this writing to be placed on Marstons Lane) and, after a period of time, evaluate the effectiveness of that particular calming device. If you missed the meeting and want a copy of a summary of it, please contact me.

Hathaway's Pond: The Recreation Commission along with the Recreation Department has begun a study of the feasibility of a zero discharge bath facility on site. This is in conjunction with Recreation Commission's desire to put a 64-200 tent campground along the pond edge. A report will be prepared and shared with Barnstable constituents for your input in the next few months. Whether or not the campground becomes a reality, the improvement of the bath facility at the pond is a positive development.

Freezer Point: Developer Stuart Bornstein has gone before the Planning Board and gotten permission to pursue a preliminary plan to divide the point into four lots. Since this area remains zoned for marine business use, it is assumed that Mr. Bornstein has abandoned the idea of placing condos in a vulnerable flood and wind velocity zone. In view of the tragic circumstance in New Orleans, this seems to be a wise decision.

Barnstable Harbor Dredging: Plans are underway to apply for state and federal grants for a major harbor dredge that is probably one to two years away. A committee has been formed to coordinate efforts to dredge in the channel as well as the inner harbor.

Barnstable Harbor Improvements: Thank you to all Harbor denizens for your patience while we, under the guidance of the local Advisory Group, try new ways to deal with congestion and parking issues. The Town has issued parking placards for slip holders and has tried to redirect nonresident parking to the appropriate lots. The bathrooms have been open for an extended period of time; the necessary repairs to balusters and piers have been made. New signage has been put up at the bulkhead and along Commerce Road. A traffic officer has been on site to direct traffic at the ramp whenever possible. There are more improvements to be made and more tweaking to be done. A comprehensive parking plan will be developed this winter. Please contact one of the Advisory group members-Kate Plettner, Dana Bassett, Kevin Anderson, Pete Jasin or Paul Venditti or contact me directly for your welcome input and suggestions.

I urge all of you to give of your time and/or money to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Beware of scams and only donate to a group you have heard of, appreciate your good fortune every day and savor the Cape at its best time of year. Thank you for allowing me to serve you in this way.

--
Ann B. Canedy
Barnstable Town Council Precinct 1
Box 23, Cummaquid, MA. 02637

I invite your opinion.

What’s your issue? Send me your comments. Thank you, and it continues to be a pleasure to serve the people of Barnstable.