The Yarmouth Zoning Board of Appeals concluded a multi-year oversight process on March 12, signaling a stable future for the Kingsway Golf course while addressing long-standing signage hurdles for a prominent West Yarmouth resort. The board’s unanimous support for continued public play at Kingsway Port comes as the town continues to lean heavily on golf as an economic engine, with recent town records showing the industry generates upwards of $6.3 million in local revenue.

Attorney David Reid, representing Kingsway Trust, presented the results of a third-year mandatory review of Special Permit 4977, which originally lifted an 8,000-round annual cap on public play in 2022. Reid reported that the course saw 14,421 rounds this year, a 10% decrease from the previous year. He noted this stood in contrast to Yarmouth’s municipal courses, which experienced a 10% increase in play during the same period. There does not appear to have been any impact from our advertising and for public play adversely affecting the town courses, Reid told the board, adding that police and management reported zero complaints from neighbors regarding traffic or noise.

Board members viewed the data as evidence that the private-to-public transition has stabilized the neighborhood without straining town resources. Member Richard Neitz emphasized the broader fiscal impact of such facilities, noting that golf in general... is a big benefit to the town for filling motels and restaurants... the town benefits from that from rooms taxes. Member Rich Chwastiak sought clarity on the term unlimited play, asking, specifically does unlimited play mean operationally? Is that hours, events, outside users? Reid explained the designation allows the course to remain economically viable by accepting non-resident play, which offsets the financial burden on the resident condo association.

Chair Sean Igoe praised the petitioner's diligence over the three-year review period, noting that initial neighbor concerns from 2022 have largely evaporated. Motion Made by D. Martin to find that the petitioner has met the three-year review requirements under condition two of the decision of November 4, 2022. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Following the vote, the board took a moment to recognize Attorney Reid for his decades of service to Yarmouth as he prepares for retirement.

The board also tackled a long-standing signage conflict at 135 Route 28 involving Green Harbor Village. Mr. O'Laughlin, representing RJ Resorts, requested permission to update a sign located on the adjacent Uncommoner property—an arrangement that has existed since 1980. The applicant sought to refresh the branding with a new blue logo to align with the Red Jacket portfolio. We're looking to update the inlay of the sign so the sign dimensions, colors, nothing will change, O'Laughlin explained.

While the Building Commissioner had technically denied the permit because the sign does not meet modern bylaw criteria, Chair Igoe suggested a variance was the appropriate path forward rather than an appeal. I think it would be a very big hardship to take away their sign, Igoe stated, noting the sign has served as the primary way for visitors to locate the resort for decades. Member Neitz agreed, adding that the new design is an attractive sign that fits in probably better than the one that's there. Motion Made by R. Neitz to grant a variance for the sign as suggested by the Chair. Motion Passed (5-0-0).