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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParkers River Resort ZBA Petition 021623 FINAL T O W N O F Y A R M O U T H 1146 ROUTE 28, SOUTH YARMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS 02664-4492 Telephone (508) 398-2231, Ext. 1276, Fax (508) 398-2365 MEMORANDUM To: Zoning Board of Appeals From: Planning Board Date: February 16, 2023 Subject: Seasonal Employee Housing at Motels/Hotels The Building Commissioner, Town Planner and Planning Board Chair have engaged in recent discussions with the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce Community Partnership group that represents the interests of several of our important hospitality merchants operating hotels, motels and restaurants that are the foundation of our successful tourism sector. These discussions have focused on the continuing urgent need for temporary housing for seasonal employees. As you know, amendments were approved at the 2022 Annual Town Meeting to Zoning Bylaw Section 404.5 – Seasonal Employee Housing at Motels/Hotels. This amendment was developed in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce to help address the temporary housing needs of seasonal workers, mainly J1students and H-2B visa workers needed to support our tourism economy. The main modification from the Article was the expansion of the pool of seasonal employees who can stay within the designated hotel/motel rooms from just employees of the hotel/motel owner to employees from other Yarmouth businesses. Although the Operational Standards limit this use to 15% of the hotel/motel rooms, Section 404.5.2 does allow for applicants to seek a Special Permit if they wish to operate in a manner that does not fully conform with the Operational Standards. This Special Permit option was utilized by the Parkers River Resort at 759 Route 28, South Yarmouth for the 2022 summer season. The ZBA issued Special Permit 4950 to allow for 100% of the 24 available rooms to be used for seasonal employee housing for one calendar year. All the seasonal employees were employed by EOS Hospitality (Red Jacket Resort) and included meals provided by the employer. No one spoke in opposition to the proposal at the Hearing and the ZBA noted the current housing crisis for temporary employees when issuing their favorable decision. Subsequent to the 2022 summer season, the Planning Board held a public meeting on November 2, 2022 to review how Seasonal Employee Housing at Motels/Hotels fared for the season. In preparation for this meeting, discussions were held with property owners and Town Staff, consisting of Planning, Police, Fire, Health and Building Departments. For the Parkers River Resort, the endeavor appeared to be a success with no Police calls to the property during the 2022 season, only one medical and one fire alarm call to the Fire Dept and no known abutter complaints. The property owner and the employer undertook some specific actions which helped to make the season successful by providing a bi-lingual full-time on-site manager, weekly room inspections, shuttle van transportation to and from employment along with bikes/bike racks. In addition, meals were provided through the employer and picnic tables with grills were provided by the motel. Planning Division Zoning Board of Appeals February 16, 2023 Page 2 of 2 The Parkers River Resort will be coming before the ZBA again on February 23rd for 100% seasonal employee housing for the 2023 summer season. The Planning Board supports the petitioner’s application. We believe the applicant has shown that they can successfully operate their motel in this fashion without negatively impacting the neighborhood while providing much needed seasonal employee housing. The Planning Board will continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce on this important issue and looks forward to incorporating your insights and suggestions on possible future amendments.