Trust Amenable To Contributing To W. Harwich Project

 HARWICH – Members of the affordable housing trust were amenable to helping to fund the 40-unit development being proposed at 48 and 52 Route 28 in West Harwich. 

Ten of the units would be deed restricted as affordable housing, Developer John Carey said.

“I want to build more year-round housing for Cape Codders,” Carey said. He did not specify how much he would be seeking from the affordable housing trust (AHT). Carey previously received $605,000 in AHT funds for the three affordable housing units in the 10-unit West Harwich schoolhouse property.

Trust members said they liked Carey’s mixed commercial-residential approach, which they said would bring life back to that part of town.

“Back to the future,” said Affordable Housing Trust Chair Larry Ballantine. “We’re now trying to recreate the village center concept. I think you have our endorsement.”

Carey is proposing to build a replica of the Exchange Building that was the cornerstone of Harwich Center for more than a century but was torn down in 1964.The four-story structure would contain 26 apartment units, with the first floor reserved for commercial businesses, like a coffee shop, that he said would bring life into the village.    

The Captain George Winchell Baker house, built in 1870, would be relocated to the rear of the lot and converted into two apartment units. A third structure that Carey said would look like the West Harwich schoolhouse he is presently restoring would provide an additional 12 units. 

While Carey said he thought the proposal might be too much building for that location, he said he met with community development staff who were supportive.  

“One of the problems down [on Cape Cod] is people see these projects being built within the community as ugly eyesores. We can build historic, beautiful structures,” Carey said. “The Exchange Building was the best-looking building in Harwich. This is an opportunity to transform a part of Harwich, make a real change to the gateway of Harwich.”

He said the most daily trips into town are via Route 28 entering Harwich from Dennis. But that area is a ghost town, he said, but there is potential because it is a “blank canvas,” he said. 

“It is not a bustling place. We have an opportunity to build beautiful stuff there,” said Carey.

The town needs to build more mid-size projects like he is proposing, Carey said, but spread out across town as opposed to building 300 units in one neighborhood.

“I think 40 units is a great win for Harwich,” Carey said.

Trust member Robert Spencer asked about finances. Carey responded that he does not have a lot of money and he would need to partner with the trust. He estimated the project will cost $8 million. His money together with a private lender and a trust contribution would provide the equity necessary to seek bank backing. Carey said he would file an application with the trust for the project by its next meeting. 

Trust member Julie Kavanagh wanted to know about septic plans for the project. Carey said the site coverage for buildings would be 30 percent of the lot, so over 50 percent of the site is available for the septic system. Title 5 would allow 90 bedrooms, and his proposal would provide 50. He also said that should the town install sewers there in the future, the buildings would be connected.    

The Exchange Building replica would have a footprint of 100 feet by 58 feet and be 112 feet high at the top of the cupola. A variance or waiver would be necessary under the West Harwich Special District provisions. Carey said the community development staff said waivers could be addressed.

The mixed use commercial aspect was met with a positive response from the trust. Kavanagh said a childcare center might be a good use in one of the units, adding that whatever commercial businesses go there will help the rest of Route 28. 

“Commercal opportunities will bring people back that have disappeared,” she said. “I love the idea of the mix, we need more of it.”

“For the record I’m very excited about it and happy to be talking to you about it,” Spencer said. 

Regarding traffic, Carey said most in that area is from people driving there to work. Housing needs to be built so people can live near where they work and not be driving, he said.

Ballantine said Carey must file a formal application with the trust defining what he is looking for and the timing of the project. .