Committee narrows Madaki site options; MassWorks grant to fund feasibility work

The Yarmouth Community Housing Committee on May 11 received an update on the Madaki site and next steps for moving the concept toward feasibility.

Staff reported that the original set of five options has been narrowed to three alternatives: two variants focused on significant housing and one option that reserves space for a school. The preferred housing plans include a multifamily cluster of about 60 units near the police station, two small cluster subdivisions of single-family homes (one proposed as a Habitat build and one for municipal employee rentals), and a configuration of athletic fields and associated parking.

The town has secured a $200,000 MassWorks community planning grant to fund the next phase. Committee members were told the grant will be split between soft-cost engineering and design work by engineers to assess site capacity, and a financial/market feasibility analysis to test demand—particularly whether a sports complex could attract sufficient year-round or seasonal use given Cape Cod’s summer hotel constraints. Staff emphasized that a separate school study began in January 2026 and is not expected to conclude until late 2026, which will affect timing and options.

Members raised concerns about seasonal demand for a sports destination on Cape Cod, noting summer hotel availability and peak-season constraints; they also discussed marketing the site as a destination if a sports complex is pursued. Sharon Wymer, chair of the Madaki utilization committee, encouraged committee members and the public to attend or view the select board meeting that will consider the narrowed options. The select board agenda item is scheduled for the next day.