Route 132 Corridor Report - Cape Cod Commission

C. Provide incentives to focus re-development activity
consistent with the vision
A number of the recommendations in this report are best implemented
through providing incentives to property owners to re-invest and redevelop
their properties. A number of options exist, some of which are
described below. In order to successfully implement these recommendations
and identify the actions most likely to succeed, private parties
should be engaged in conversation by the town.
Several locations in the study area have been identified as potentially
being utilized for greenbelt areas. Most of these areas are under private
control, either the Cape Cod Mall (corner of Independence Drive/Route
132, southern parking field of the Mall) or the Kmart Plaza (parking lot
abutting Route 132). Many of the sites are currently used for parking,
most of which is severely under-utilized. In these cases, the town could
provide incentives in local ordinances to create this additional green
space by reducing parking requirements or providing floor area bonuses.
In return for these benefits, private property owners should be required
to meet certain performance standards such as the construction of parking
structures to minimize impervious areas or providing pedestrian
and vehicular interconnections. Alternatively, to offset reduced parking,
additional and more frequent transit options could be provided to reduce
parking demand. In addition, the town could also explore regional regulatory
tools such as Growth Incentive Zones or flexible DRI thresholds to
streamline the development permitting process for projects that are consistent
with the established vision for the area (see Action item E below).
Any new development ordinances in this area must also be carefully
crafted to avoid encouraging additional development that competes
directly with businesses currently located in other parts of Barnstable
(most notably Main Street). The town has prioritized the re-vitalization
of Main Street and therefore any initiatives that are implemented for
the Route 132 area should focus on those businesses that are desired but
unlikely to locate in a downtown setting. For instance, the town could
build on the areas established identity as a regional retail location when
designing zoning floor area limits.
september 2010 | route 132 corridor Report 53