Hyannis Growth Incentive Zone, Route 132 Plazas latest RESET project

At the December 3, 2015 meeting of the Cape Cod Commission, a request to extend the Town of Barnstable Downtown Hyannis Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ) until October 6, 2017 was granted.

A GIZ is a designation by the Commission that aims to direct development and redevelopment into areas with existing development and adequate infrastructure, and away from sensitive resource areas. Through designated GIZs, towns may enhance designated Economic Centers by encouraging a concentrated mix of residential and commercial uses within these locations while ensuring that all growth is properly served by adequate infrastructure.

The Town of Barnstable requested a short-term extension to effectively plan for another 10-year GIZ designation, a collaborative process with the Commission that will include extensive outreach to local residents and business owners in the Route 132 area. Initially isolating these two distinct areas for individual review, the importance of addressing both simultaneously became obvious. Each location informs the other. They are complementary commercial hubs with different economic purposes and unique obstacles.

The Commission and town will look at historical development patterns for both areas, as well as the neighborhoods that directly support each.

The original Hyannis GIZ was enacted on April 6, 2006 and the designation was in place ten years. During this time, over $100 million in private investment was made in the GIZ, and 101 net housing units were created. The Walkway to the Sea was established, and the shanty program brought in over $1.7 million in sales.

The current extension will allow the approved GIZ Development of Regional Impact threshold modifications to remain in effect until October 6, 2017.

To read the original application for the Hyannis GIZ, please visit: http://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/ComprehensivePlanning/051114-V01-FINAL-GIZ%20application.pdf