Hyannis businesses and residents press school committee after shelter relocation news
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Summary
Business owners and residents urged the Barnstable School Committee to engage after learning a Winter Street homeless shelter is slated to move to 460 West Main Street, near Barnstable High; the committee said it is gathering facts with town counsel before acting.
John Kimball, owner of Stevens (a Hyannis business), told the Barnstable School Committee on Feb. 4 that he and other neighbors only recently learned the Winter Street emergency shelter will move to 460 West Main Street, a site he said is “less than half a mile” from Barnstable High School. "I'm here tonight ... to let the school committee be aware of what's happening real close to the school system itself," Kimball said, adding that local businesses and employees were discovering details through their own digging.
Rick Brigham, who said he worked 27 years at the Noah shelter, echoed concerns about program design and daytime dispersal of shelter guests: "I consider the people neighbors in need," he told the committee, and urged adjustments so shelter operations are safe for both residents and neighbors. Betty Lehi, a Hyannis resident, asked the committee to "get engaged" and help coordinate information for people who may be affected.
The committee did not take action at the meeting. Superintendent Sarah said school and town leaders have already begun coordinating and have asked town counsel for guidance. "We met this morning with town council and we talked about it," she said, and the district and town are arranging additional briefings with the Housing Assistance Corporation and Catholic Charities to collect facts before placing the item on a future agenda.
Committee members stressed both care for people experiencing homelessness and the need for clear information about program rules, daytime supports and neighborhood impacts. Several members suggested a public briefing once legal and operational details are available. The chair said the committee will seek a factual briefing from municipal and shelter operators and return the issue to a future meeting when more information has been compiled.
For now, parents, residents and businesses who spoke at the meeting urged timely outreach and transparency so that any school impacts and mitigation steps can be discussed publicly.