Snow Inn Redevelopment Project Endorsed By Commission Subcommittee

 HARWICH – The Cape Cod Commission subcommittee reviewing the redevelopment of the Snow Inn has determined that the project is consistent with the town’s local comprehensive plan and the Cape Cod Commission Act. 

The subcommittee is recommending that the project be approved by the full commission when it meets today (Thursday, Feb. 5).

 The subcommittee met on Monday, Jan. 26 to assess whether the project put forward by Wychmere Harbor Real Estate LLC, under review as a development of regional impact, was consistent with the town’s local comprehensive plan and the commission act. The project calls for demolition of the existing 32-room inn, built in 1892, and construction of a 72-room hotel, a restaurant and a lounge.

In a letter sent to the commission Jan. 21, Director of Planning and Community Development Christine Flynn wrote that the Snow Inn redevelopment plan is consistent with the town’s 2000 local comprehensive plan (LCP), the latest plan adopted by the Cape Cod Commission.

In Monday’s session, the subcommittee reviewed Flynn’s letter and weighed the project’s possible benefits against the detriments.

The benefits identified by the commission staff included that the project will reduce direct discharges of untreated runoff from Davis Land and Snow Inn Road into Wychmere Harbor and Merkel Beach; move the wastewater treatment facility out of the floodplain; reduce nitrogen inputs into Wychmere Harbor; reduce heavy vehicle traffic on Snow Inn Road; add full-time jobs; provide seasonal housing for seasonal employees; and support the regional tourism economy.

The detriments identified were the increased visibility of the hotel building in the residential area and additional vehicle trips on regional roadways.

Subcommittee member Michele Vion wanted to know why they were using the town’s 2000 local comprehensive plan to weigh consistency. That was the last plan certified by the commission, said Chief Regulatory Officer Jordan Velozo. The town’s plan was updated in 2011 but was not certified by the commission, she added.