11-10-2022 - FPenn Dockside Comments
Felicia R Penn 15 Daisy Bluff Lane Hyannis, MA 02601
TO: Steve Robichaud, Chair, and Planning Board Members
FROM: Felicia Penn, Hyannis, MA
Re: Dockside Condominium Project Comments
Date: November 10, 2022
In previous communications with the Planning Board, I have outlined my concerns in detail about the
proposed condominium project at 110 & 115 School Street, in Hyannis.
They are as follows:
▪ The project’s height exceeds double the allowed height.
▪ The project’s density is 4x the allowed density. (Only 7 units per acre are allowed, while 34 are
proposed)
▪ The project is at least 20 parking spaces shy of accommodating its need.
The ‘concessions’ the applicant has made up to this point, are not acceptable to the public. The
applicant must find a way to reduce the two building’s height at least 26’, so that the overall height of
each building does not exceed 49’. A 7’ reduction in height, as offered, is not suitable.
The applicant must reduce the number of units from 34 to a more workable number so the density is not
as intense, which may help him comply with the needed parking.
I have heard the applicant state many times: “…this project is my legacy.”
With all due respect, it is not the job of the Planning Board to elevate the needs of an applicant over the
standards and needs of the community. The height, density and parking parameters in the Harbor
District are well defined and exist to preserve the character of the community and public wellbeing.
This project, as proposed, is a flagrant contradiction to not only the height, density and parking
requirements, but also to the personality of Hyannis Inner Harbor. You, the Planning Board, are charged
with implementing our village standards. I hope you will inform the applicant that he needs to comply
with the parameters as set in the HD zone. If absolute compliance cannot be attained, then a
reasonable alternative may be proposed. Thus far, this has not occurred. (A ½ story reduction in height
is not reasonable when the maximum is 2.5 stories, and the building is proposed at 5.0 stories)
The Planning Board has done an admirable job negotiating for more off-site affordable housing units,
since no affordable units are planned on-site. I can only hope that you put the same amount of time and
energy into negotiating a more acceptable height and density which will help this project conform to the
town’s zoning code, and sustain the harbor’s charm.
If not you, who?