A proposed apartment complex that would replace the Twin Brooks golf course in Hyannis went before the Cape Cod Commission last night for its first public hearing.
The plan for 312 units has drawn criticism from people who say Twin Brooks is the last large, open space in central Hyannis and should be preserved. But supporters of the project say Cape Cod is in a housing crisis, and only more units can really alleviate the problems of scarcity and cost.
“The only way landlords aren't going to be able to raise their rent 16 percent every year is if we increase inventory,” Cape resident Chris Gregory said during the online hearing. “ It's simple supply and demand.”
Another resident, Christina Bologna, said that when she moved back to Cape Cod after some time away, she had to keep moving around for several years because stable housing was hard to find.
“We are in such a state of crisis, that if something isn't done now, I'm just — I'm afraid of what the Cape will become, this place that I love so dearly,” she said.
The Cape Cod Commission hearings on Twin Brooks have significance beyond this one property, according to Janet Milkman, executive director of the Barnstable Land Trust. What the commission decides about these apartments could set a precedent for development of other recreational and agricultural parcels, such as camps and playing fields, she said.
A subcommittee of the Cape Cod Commission held the hearing. The group heard a presentation from the developer, Lennar Multifamily Communities, before taking questions and comments.
Commission member Fred Chirigotis said he wants to know how the apartments, known as Emblem Hyannis, will help make housing more affordable.
“One of the benefits mentioned by the proponent is that this project is intended to increase housing affordability,” he said. “I think we're going to need to hear more about how this project will do that, other than adding to the inventory, which I know helps.”
Residents who oppose the development have formed a group called Save Twin Brooks. Its president, Karen “Kim” McGuire, said Twin Brooks is part of Cape Cod’s natural setting, which is important to the Cape’s economy and quality of life.
“The green space reduces the heat footprint of an otherwise densely settled area,” she said. “It is surrounded by underserved, environmental justice communities that currently have no nearby parks.”
Others say Twin Brooks is an ideal location for housing because it’s within walking distance of downtown Hyannis and has sewer service.
The Cape Cod Commission plans to hold more hearings and set terms for an agreement with the developer.
