The focal point of the meeting was the discussion surrounding petition 5219 from RJ Resorts Green Harbor Village Resort Owner LLC. The resort, located on Route 28 West within a B2 zoning district, sought a variance to refresh its off-premise sign with the new resort logo. This move was necessary after the building commissioner denied their initial permit request, citing non-compliance with section 303.4.2 of the town’s bylaw. The sign, a fixture since the 1980s, had not been updated for decades and was deemed critical for the resort’s visibility and business operations.

During the hearing, the absence of written correspondence from the building commissioner regarding the denial was noted, prompting a discussion of the sign’s history and importance. The board members acknowledged the sign as an essential identifier for the resort, contributing to the town’s tax revenue through real estate and room taxes. One member pointed out the aesthetic value of the sign, emphasizing that the update would improve the property’s appeal without changing its character. They remarked, “I think it’s a valuable attribute for the property to have, obviously to get people in that may be looking for a place to stay.”

Another member, Rich, confirmed that the sign’s lighting was seasonal, operational from April to November. The members collectively recognized the sign as a longstanding feature of the community, and its removal would create an undue hardship for the resort. They concluded that granting the variance was consistent with the bylaw’s intent and did not detract from the neighborhood’s character.

The board agreed to grant the variance, with a unanimous roll call vote in favor. The next steps for the applicant were outlined, involving a waiting period before the variance could be officially filed and recorded. The applicant expressed gratitude for the board’s understanding and support, noting the process had been enlightening.

In another matter, the board reviewed the special permit for Kingsway Trust, located on Kings Circuit in Yarmouthport. The review was part of an annual assessment mandated under the permit’s condition, which allowed for unlimited public play on the Kingsway Golf Course. Attorney David Reid, representing Kingsway Trust, presented the board with an overview of the past year’s operations. The course saw 14,421 rounds of golf played, a 10% decrease from the previous year, with public play accounting for 77% of the total rounds.

Reid emphasized that the management company, Sterling Golf Management, had performed well, resulting in a contract extension. He reported no complaints, accidents, or service calls related to the golf course, according to the Yarmouth Police Department. Reid stated, “It seems like we’ve gotten things under control,” addressing previous concerns from nearby residents about the impacts of public play.

Board members expressed satisfaction with Reid’s report, with one suggesting that the increase in play at other town courses might have alleviated concerns about overcrowding. Another member sought clarification on the term “unlimited play,” to which Reid explained it referred to the golf community’s historical expectations of course access, which required public play to maintain economic viability.

With no public opposition or support expressed during the meeting, the chairman acknowledged the board’s satisfaction with Kingsway Trust’s compliance with the permit conditions. The board voted unanimously to affirm that Kingsway Trust had met the review requirements.

Before concluding the meeting, the chairman recognized Attorney Reid’s long service on the board, acknowledging the possibility of his retirement. Reid reflected on his history with the board since 1985, expressing appreciation for the acknowledgment.