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Hyannis residents urge school committee to challenge proposed West Main emergency shelter
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Summary
Residents told the Barnstable School Committee they worry a planned move of an adult emergency shelter to 460 West Main Street would place a shelter too close to several schools; speakers urged the committee to seek legal clarity about zoning exemptions and press the property owner and operator for more information.
Hyannis residents told the Barnstable School Committee on March 4 that a proposed relocation of an adult emergency shelter to 460 West Main Street is too close to nearby schools and demanded the district press for answers.
At the meeting's public-comment period, Eric Schwab of Hyannis said the Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) owns the building being considered but does not operate the shelter, which he said is run by a Catholic charity. “There are no educational programs currently at that shelter,” Schwab said, and he disputed claims that the Dover Amendment would exempt the project from local zoning because of education-related uses. He said informal measurements show the site would be less than 400 feet from Hyannis West and other school-related activity.
John Julius, also of Hyannis, echoed the concerns and urged the committee to oppose the relocation and press HAC to find another location. "Don't give a nickel to the Housing Assistance Corporation until and unless they agree to move that homeless shelter," he said, adding he has asked dozens of neighbors and found many were unaware of the plan.
Committee members responded by promising follow-up. Chair (name on file with the committee) said the superintendent had already had an initial call with HAC and that the district will schedule a follow-up meeting to seek facts. Committee members asked for legal advice about what the school district can and cannot do, with one member asking the chair to place the topic on a future agenda and to request updates from the school attorney.
The committee did not take any formal action on the shelter at the meeting. Instead, members agreed to pursue more information from HAC and the town attorney and to consider an agenda item for public discussion once facts and legal options are clearer.
What's next: Committee members said they will seek additional factual briefings and legal guidance and will place the topic on a future meeting agenda if HAC accepts an invitation to meet with the school committee.
