HomeMy WebLinkAbout5063 21 Arlington St Memo from Attorney Pizzuti for ApplicationTown of Yarmouth
Zoning Board of Appeals
In re Harbour Club, Inc. ) Appeal #
Operating Tugboats Restaurant )
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF PETITION FOR SPECIAL PERMIT
Now comes the Petitioner, Harbour Club, Inc. (hereinafter, "Petitioner") and submits this
memorandum in support of its petition for a relief pursuant to Yarmouth Zoning Bylaws.
1. The Applicant and The Property:
Harbour Club, Inc. operates a restaurant which does business under the name Tugboats
("Restaurant") located in the town of Yarmouth, Massachusetts having a mailing address
of l 1 Arlington Street, Hyannis, MA 02601. The Restaurant has been operating at the
property since 1992. The Restaurant is situated on a parcel of land owned by Wayne
Kurker, Trustee of Hyannis Marine Service Realty Trust which land is a part of a marina
complex.
The building and all appurtenances are situated on Parcel 17 shown on Yarmouth
Assessor's Map 28. The property is located in an R-25 zoning district. The building in
which the restaurant is situated was originally constructed approximately 90 years ago and
after various renovations, the building's square footage is roughly 7,600 square feet. The
restaurant is permitted for 254 seats, plus room for 70 persons standing in the waiting area
approved by the licensing authority.
2. Relevant Prior Relief:
Petition No. 3688 (May 10, 2001): Relief was granted to legitimize the existing level of
occupancy within the Restaurant to 324 persons based upon the representation of up to 245
seats and standing room for 70 persons.
Petition No. 3645 (January 3, 2001): Relief was granted to construct a conforming partial
addition within the footprint of the existing building at 11 Arlington Street, including
external stairway to house existing property uses and to construct an underground basement
storage area beneath the existing at -grade parking area with internal access from the
building at 11 Arlington Street.
Petition No. 2912 & 2270 (July 30, 1992) relevant relief was granted to re -dormer the 2"d
floor that resulted in an additional 168 sq. ft of space that allowed for a more efficient floor
plan. Additionally, relief was granted to expand the existing second floor deck which
provided for the relocation of the bar area.
Petition No. 2832 (June 27, 1991): Relief was granted to approve a wooden sign to be
located at the rear of the building, on or near the second floor deck rail and to allow the
petitioner to continue to maintain the string lights on the dining level only.
3. Requested Relief
Special Permit pursuant to Section 104.3.2 4 (Change, Extension or Alteration
The Petitioner seeks approval for the addition of entertainment at the Restaurant. The
proposed entertainment will include live music to take place indoors or under cover of the
existing awnings. The entertainment will adhere to all other regulations set forth in the
Town Bylaws and the Licensing Board. There will be no physical change to the premises
whatsoever. The criteria for obtaining a special permit to extend the use of a lawfully pre-
existing nonconforming uses is set forth in 104.3.2(4) of the Yarmouth Zoning Bylaws.
The Bylaw states, a "lawfully pre-existing nonconforming use may be changed or
extended... if it is determined that such change or extension will not be substantially more
non -conforming and will not be substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood, zoning
district or Town than is the existing non -conforming use."
A. Change or Extension will not be substantially more non -conforming
A change or extension of use may be considered substantially more non -conforming if
it deviates significantly from the original or permitted use of the property. Things to
consider when determining if the new use will deviate significantly are the intensity of
use, traffic and parking, noise and disturbance, community impact, and zoning
regulations.
The Petitioner is seeking approval to allow entertainment and live music as an
accessory use to the restaurant that is incidental to the primary function of the restaurant
and does not significantly change the nature of the Restaurant. Since the 1970's a
restaurant has been permitted at the property. The Petitioner is expecting that
occasional live performances of one or two musicians will complement the dining
experience or a private party. The new use would not involve bringing in significantly
more patrons but will enhance their overall experience. Additionally, the new use
would not significantly increase traffic or parking demand beyond the typical use of
the property. The proposed live music is to take place indoors or under cover of the
existing awning as to not increase the noise to the surrounding neighborhood. The
proposed use is simply to create an enjoyable dining or private party experience. The
Restaurant will be adhering to all regulations for entertainment set forth by the licensing
board. Accordingly, the extension of the use will not be substantially more non-
conforming than the existing use as a restaurant.
B. Change or extension will not be substantially more detrimental to the _neighborhood,
zoning district or Town
A change or extension to the use of a property should aim to balance the needs and
interests of the property owner with the well-being of the surrounding community,
while adhering to local regulations. The proposed entertainment will be conducted in a
manner that ensures minimal disturbance to the neighboring properties and maintains
the overall character of the area. The Restaurant has adequate space and facilities to
accommodate the proposed entertainment without causing overcrowding or safety
concerns. The Petitioner is not seeking to increase parking or the number of seats at the
Restaurant. The entertainment will be taking place indoors or under cover of the
existing awning. In addition, the Restaurant will be adhering to all regulations for
entertainment set forth by the Licensing Board. Thus, an extension of the use will not
be substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood, zoning district or Town.
4. Conclusion
Petitioner kindly requests the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant the special permit to allow
the addition of entertainment at the premises in a manner that ensures compliance with the
applicable bylaws.
Respectfully submitted:
Harbour Club, Inc.
by its aty n y:
Ste n izzu
33 Sou Str t
Hyannis, 0260
(508) 771-1911
Fax: (508) 790-0800
DATED: October 18, 2023