Neighbors Get Pitch On Snow Inn Redevelopment

 HARWICH – Residents in the area of the Wychmere Harbor Club were invited to a redevelopment discussion last Thursday as the owners work to reshape plans for the property. 

“Our goal today is to continue the dialogue, listening to your questions, explaining the potential benefits of the project, and providing additional context about the thoughtful mitigation efforts our team is pursuing as we prepare to submit a revised application to the Cape Cod Commission,” Stephen Cullen, Wychmere’s asset manager, told the nearly 100 people in attendance.

The Wychmere Harbor Club complex was expected to return to the Cape Cod Commission this fall with a new plan to expand development of the waterfront site. A previous development of regional impact application was before the commission earlier this year, but it was withdrawn without prejudice after commission staff raised issues about the project not meeting the coastal resiliency objectives in the agency’s regional policy plan.

The project that was put forth by Wychmere Harbor Real Estate, LLC called for conversion of the historic Snow Inn, a 32-unit hotel, to an 80-unit hotel and 80-seat restaurant. The proposal also met with protest from neighbors, with traffic issues being a major objection from homeowners along Snow Inn Road and Davis Lane.

Cullen said the plan is to move forward with a submission later this fall, and last week’s meeting was another important step in ensuring that “we hear from all our neighbors before finalizing those plans.”

The Snow Inn redevelopment is the final piece of the puzzle in transforming Wychmere into a world-class coastal facility, Cullen said. The plan is to make Wychmere more of a year-round destination, he said, bringing it in line with primary competitors such as Chatham Bars Inn, the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club and Ocean Edge.

 “This growth offers meaningful benefits to both Wychmere and the broader Harwich community,” he said, “including more consistent, year-round employment for our existing team, the creation of several new jobs, increased visitation to local attractions, bars, cafes and other lodging establishments, as well as a significant increase in local tax revenue for the town. Our goal is to retain a cornerstone of economic vitality and hospitality excellence on Cape Cod.” 

 Traffic flow and vehicle speeds were major concerns during hearings on the initial application. Cullen laid out traffic mitigations plans, which included rerouting 80 percent of deliveries to the recently purchased commissary at 752 Route 28, which he said will significantly reduce large vehicle traffic on Snow Inn Road. Employee parking will also be relocated there.

Large passenger motor coaches will be banned from accessing the property. Customized traffic plans will be developed for all events. Deliveries from the commissary will be made in a small electric refrigerated van during off-peak hours. An electric shuttle for employees and guests will be used on a scheduled route to the commissary, local businesses and nearby attractions.

 Neighbors did not appear satisfied in last week’s session.

“It’s a repeat of what we heard before the Cape Cod Commission,” said attorney Jonathan Polloni, who represents the neighbors.

 Neighbors wanted to hear what the newly proposed development plans entailed regarding the size of the hotel and restaurant facility. Cullen said there are three options under consideration, but the proponents wanted to first hear from the neighbors so that their concerns are addressed. 

Residents wanted to know when they would get to see the plans that would be presented to the Cape Cod Commission. As soon as the plans are finalized they will be made available on Wychmere’s website, Cullen said.

Several people were concerned with traffic and safety along Snow Inn Road and the use of Davis Lane. Cullen said Wychmere is willing to purchase a gate for Davis Lane, a  private dirt road.

“The traffic today is unsustainable,” Karen Clark of Davis Lane said of truck traffic.

“You are not able to absorb the traffic from this infrastructure,” added another attendee.

Barbara Nickerson also took issue with truck traffic and said the owners haven’t figured out a reduction for passenger trips. 

Several people spoke about the increase in guests at the new hotel and trips back and forth to the restaurants and shops in the village. One business operator in the village supported the expansion.

“The people who come here will walk up [to] town,” said Christopher Tracy of O’Neill and Associates, a public relations firm working with Wychmere. “We want to encourage foot traffic.”

Cullen said people staying at the hotel will primarily be involved in events at Wychmere. He said Wychmere monitors the behavior of guests, who primarily stay onsite.

A full valet operation will be provided for all guest arrivals, Cullen said. The owners are also seeking to partner with the police department to improve signage and safety on Snow Inn Road and have requested town approval for seasonal speed tables. 

“I live on Davis Lane and I don’t walk Snow Inn Road any more because of the traffic,” said one woman. “Snow Inn Road, Freeman Street and Route 28 is one of the more dangerous intersections. Now you’re looking at another 14 weeks where we have to worry about that intersection.”  

“We want to be part of the solutions here,” responded Tracy. “See if we can advocate with the state and work to get help with [the intersection].”

Bob Nickerson raised questions before the commission on the previous application about new buildings impeding views and the impact on wind necessary for sailboats to negotiate Wychmere Harbor channel. Cullen said those issues are being looked at.

Davis Lane resident Dan Rae asked whether there are plans to sell the property in the short term. Cullen said the owners have a long-term development interest in the property. 

 There were questions about the number of parking spaces that are planned beneath a redeveloped hotel. Cullen said that the parking area will be at ground level, but the number of spaces are presently unknown given the lack of a final decision on the number of hotel rooms that will be proposed in the structure. That will come when a decision is made on which of the three options would be included in the new application to the commission, he said. 

There was no discussion on what steps will be taken to meet the coastal resiliency objectives in the commission’s regional policy plan.