Yarmouth Zoning Board Approves Employee Housing Expansion at Harborside Suites Motel
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting, the Yarmouth Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for Hanuman Dashan LLC, expanding seasonal employee housing at the Harborside Suites Motel. This decision allows for the accommodation of more J1 visa workers, essential for local businesses during the tourist-heavy summer months.
The board’s approval came after a detailed presentation from attorney Gary Blank, representing Hanuman Dashan LLC. Blank outlined the plan to increase the use of motel rooms for seasonal employees from 16 to 23, emphasizing the importance of these workers for business operations in the area, including well-known establishments like Star Market and Pelum Hospitality Group. The board deliberated on the impact of this increase, with a particular focus on transportation and potential neighborhood disruptions. Blank assured the board that the employees primarily rely on bicycles for commuting, reducing traffic concerns. Correspondence from the Yarmouth Police Department confirmed no recent complaints or issues at the motel, further supporting the request.
Board members inquired about various aspects of the worker accommodations, such as the countries of origin of the employees and the logistics surrounding their stay. Though specific nationalities were not disclosed, Blank confirmed that three to four workers would share each room, a practice managed effectively in previous years. The board also discussed transportation arrangements, with Blank noting that employers often facilitate this.
The board’s deliberations included a proposal to allow electric scooters or bikes for transportation, though this aspect of the plan remained undecided. The broader implications of accommodating newer modes of transportation were considered, with some members noting the challenge of enforcing regulations on private properties. Ultimately, they decided to focus on the primary request and its immediate feasibility.
When it came to voting, the board unanimously supported the special permit, with the condition that existing codes of conduct and previous regulations be maintained. These included quiet hours, prohibiting overnight guests, and weekly inspections to ensure compliance.
Following the employee housing discussion, the board turned its attention to a petition from Daniel and Kathleen Sheret. The Sherets sought a special permit for setback relief to replace an existing deck with a sunroom at their property on High Bank Road. Due to the peculiar shape of their lot—a triangular corner with dual front setbacks—the Sherets required a special permit rather than a variance. The board reviewed the proposed plans, which included minimal excavation to protect an existing septic tank and structural considerations for family needs.
The board’s discussion highlighted the potential impact on the neighborhood, ultimately deciding that the sunroom would not be detrimental. After a roll call vote, the special permit was granted unanimously, allowing the Sherets to proceed with their plans.
The board also considered a request from Sydney Horton to build a barn on Denver Drive for personal use, including boat storage and restoration projects. Horton clarified that the barn would not interfere with the surrounding vegetation and assured the board that activities within the barn would not generate noise or odors. The board approved the special permit, recognizing the barn’s minimal impact on the wooded neighborhood environment. Horton’s request for a variance was withdrawn without prejudice, as it was determined unnecessary.
Robert L. Whritenour
Zoning Board Officials:
Steven DeYoung, Sean Igoe, Jay Fraprie, John Mantoni, Dick Martin, Doug Campbell (Board Member Alternate), Timothy Kelley (Board Member Alternate), Barbara Murphy (Board Member Alternate), Richard Neitz (Board Member Alternate), Anthony Panebianco (Board Member Alternate)
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
05/28/2026
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Recording Published:
05/28/2026
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Duration:
52 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Barnstable County
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Towns:
Yarmouth
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