Zoning Amendment Seeks to Protect Route 28 Businesses During Road Widening
Key Points
- Article 29 proposes a zoning amendment to address building setbacks on Route 28
- The change prepares for a 2029 MassDOT project that will widen the road for shared-use paths
- The amendment prevents local businesses from falling out of compliance due to road widening
The Planning Board is proposing a technical zoning amendment in Article 29 to protect local businesses along the Route 28 corridor. The change is being introduced in anticipation of a major MassDOT streetscape project scheduled for 2029, which will span from Parker's River to the Barnstable town line.
Town Administrator Robert Whritenour explained that the road expansion, intended to include shared-use paths, could inadvertently penalize business owners. The planning board is being proactive to ensure that if the road is widened, local businesses don't suddenly fall out of compliance with town setbacks,
Whritenour said. This ensures businesses stay within the zoning after the road improvements.
By adjusting the setback requirements now, the town aims to avoid a scenario where existing buildings become legally non-compliant due to the state's acquisition of land for the new road layout. This measure is part of a broader effort to maintain the viability of the Route 28 commercial district during significant infrastructure upgrades.