Barnstable Land Trust Shares Alternative Visions for Twin Brooks Development Project
West Barnstable, MA – Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) announced that it has concluded the final phase of an alternative vision project for the proposed 40-acre Twin Brooks Golf Course apartment development, which sits on one of the largest open spaces remaining in Hyannis. The project’s goal is to generate community-driven alternatives that integrate land conservation with healthy, human-scale development in the West End of Hyannis. The resulting ideas revealed several different housing designs, densities, and site locations that are compatible with land conservation goals, while also offering the public a variety of passive and active recreational uses.
Three examples were selected to illustrate a range of possibilities: 1) Mid-Density/250 units/100% Open Space preserved; 2) Mid-Low Density/200 units/85% Open Space preserved; and 3) Low-Density/150 Units/92% Open Space preserved. All scenarios include some degree of redevelopment of the conference center site for multi-family or townhouse units. The Open Space concepts include a mix of passive and active recreational uses, access to public space via bike and pedestrian paths, and regenerative landscapes that protect natural habitats.
“Our goal was to provide some inspired alternatives to help reframe the conversation, providing the public and local decision-makers with community-generated ideas that recognize the importance of both housing needs and environmental priorities. This is an opportunity for innovative solutions that are consistent with the Town of Barnstable’s own Open Space and Recreation Plan, as well as Town housing and zoning goals. Such approaches are especially critical in Hyannis, where development density has limited greenspace, which everyone needs and deserves.” explained Janet Milkman, Barnstable Land Trust’s Executive Director.
“We also view this downtown Hyannis project as precedent-setting, with the potential to affect every Cape Cod community, because recreational open spaces like golf courses, ballfields, and farms have become particularly vulnerable in today’s hot real estate market,” said Karen Hanesian, Barnstable Land Trust’s Board President. “BLT is actively working with the Cape Cod Commission and others in the conservation community to revisit how recreational lands are viewed when considering development projects. We believe that this work is critical in protecting the future of Cape Cod as well as the Town of Barnstable.”
The public can access a pre-recorded presentation that outlines the process, findings, and alternatives at www.blt.org/twin-brooks or click here. Groups are invited to contact Barnstable Land Trust directly at info@blt.org if they are interested in hosting an in-person or online presentation about the project and its findings.
The Lennar Multifamily Communities, LLC has a purchase and sale agreement with the owner of Twin Brooks Golf Course site at 35 Scudder Ave in Hyannis’ West End. The developer’s proposal for the site includes 312 new rental homes in 13 three-story multi-family residential buildings, with 468 parking spaces and a clubhouse. Of the units, 10% will be affordable. This will be one of the largest developments in Hyannis and is bordered by two already nutrient impaired creeks running into the estuary. On January 5, 2022, the Cape Cod Commission determined that the development application is now complete, enabling it to proceed with regional and Town of Barnstable review meetings.
Working with the Boston-based architecture and planning firm Utile, the project launched in September 2021, and included extensive research, site analysis, and a community engagement process that engaged several hundred 2 community members reflecting diverse perspectives. Visit the Barnstable Land Trust/Twin Brooks webpage for more information on the project.