OPINION: Ideas for creative solutions needed to solve the Cape's housing crisis.
By Karen Weston Hanesian
HYANNIS --Many people believe that golf courses, ballparks and farms in their community will always exist as green open spaces. The surprising truth is that these lands are considered already developed and may be re-developed as, for example, a 312-unit apartment complex.
This is exactly what is proposed for the Twin Brooks golf course, the largest parcel of open space in Hyannis. Barnstable Land Trust views this project as precedent-setting, with the potential to affect every Cape Cod community, and we (the land trust) have been asked by our community to get involved and advocate for the best possible result.
In our view, the dialogue should not be framed as simply a housing versus open space choice. There are many voices and perspectives regarding the Twin Brooks proposal and we are using our voice to encourage a plan that incorporates open space, housing and environmental concerns.
Our community outreach and research revealed that there are many creative possibilities for housing designs, densities, and site locations that integrate a variety of recreational uses and open space concepts. Of course, we recognize the urgent need for workforce and affordable housing, but we also recognize community support for right-sized developments that incorporate open spaces such as playing fields, community gardens and bike trails.
There are examples in Massachusetts of developments that are striking a balance between housing and the environment. In Stow, a private developer, a golf course owner and the town formed an innovative partnership and worked together to develop a plan that successfully addressed housing, recreation, and open space needs. In Woburn, real estate developers recently re-imagined a mall-makeover plan and added a multi-use green space that will benefit the entire community. Hyannis residents deserve creative solutions that include access to open space and recreation while protecting the environment.
We are working with the Cape Cod Commission, the conservation community, regional organizations, and local businesses to revisit how certain lands are viewed when considering development projects. We believe this work is critically important to protect Cape Cod as well as the town of Barnstable. Advocating for a more balanced approach benefits everyone – today, tomorrow, and into the future.
Karen Weston Hanesian of Cotuit is a lawyer and board president for the Barnstable Land Trust.