10:42The most topic of the meeting was the predicament of John Tally, a lobsterman affected by zoning bylaws prohibiting the sale of seafood from residential properties. Tally, whose family has been selling seafood locally since 1930, argued that his business should be grandfathered into the current zoning regulations due to its longstanding presence. He recounted his family’s history in the industry and his own experience selling lobsters since the age of 16, emphasizing that his sales primarily attract customers from outside Cape Cod. The complications arose after complaints about a sign used for advertising, which escalated into a broader zoning dispute. Tally expressed concerns that the upcoming special town meeting would not resolve his situation in time for the current lobster season, stating that the issue originated from the sign rather than his actual sales practices.

26:46Community members expressed strong support for Tally, urging the planning board to consider the historical significance of fishing in Yarmouth and the necessity of preserving local traditions. Jerry O’Connor and Tracy Bird were among the residents advocating for Tally, with Bird emphasizing the importance of supporting local agriculture and fisheries. Attorney Ari Baril from the Institute for Justice criticized the current zoning code as inconsistent, highlighting the allowance of farmers markets while restricting Tally’s operations. Baril argued for a more business-friendly environment and suggested amending the regulations to align with practical health and safety concerns.

49:46The board grappled with the challenge of adhering to zoning laws while addressing the needs of local entrepreneurs like Tally. Suggestions included creating a grandfathering clause for Tally’s business and exploring alternative locations for his operations. However, members acknowledged their limitations in providing immediate relief, with one member suggesting potential locations on Route 28 for Tally to sell his lobsters during the summer months. The board emphasized the need for thorough discussions with Tally, his attorney, and town officials to find a viable solution.

01:13:57In addition to Tally’s situation, the meeting explored amendments to the bylaws concerning boat storage in residential areas. These discussions focused on revising existing regulations to allow more flexibility for residents to store boats on their properties. Current bylaws require boats to be stored behind the front face of the building, a stipulation that many residents find impractical. The proposed amendments aimed to allow one lawfully registered boat to be parked on a residential lot without adherence to the building’s location, as long as safety hazards are avoided. Despite the Planning Board’s recommendation, the Select Board rejected these amendments, citing concerns about aesthetic impacts and the distinction between seasonal and off-season storage.

01:37:39Residents like Alden Childs and Richard Gallagher shared their experiences with boat ownership, emphasizing the economic contributions of recreational boating to Yarmouth. The board acknowledged the need for a balanced approach that considers community standards while accommodating the practical needs of boat owners.

01:56:33The meeting also addressed broader development plans along Route 28, where discussions centered around mixed-use development opportunities. Jeremy Lake from Union Studio Architecture and Community Design presented hypothetical site scenarios, outlining potential mixed-use designs for 1-acre, 2-acre, and 3-acre lots. These designs aimed to illustrate a range of commercial and residential ratios, with a focus on maintaining a balance between the two. The board discussed the impact of current zoning regulations on development, emphasizing the importance of adapting these regulations to support mixed-use objectives while considering community needs and market demands.