Barnstable Receives Roadways Improvement Grant to Help Spur Investment

Sandwich State Rep. Randy Hunt, Barnstable Town Manager Mark Ells, Cape & Islands State Senator Julian Cyr, Centerville State Rep. Will Crocker and Brewster State Rep. Tim Whelan at check presentation ceremony Friday

HYANNIS – The town of Barnstable will receive nearly $4 million in grant funding from the state to make infrastructure improvements to spur private investment.

Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash made the announcement with town officials and local legislators Friday at Town Hall.

The MassWorks grant will help cover the costs of the Hyannis Regional Commercial Center Traffic & Pedestrian Improvements project, which will upgrade roadways and increase pedestrian access at two intersections.

The project will make improvements at the intersections of Wilkins and Attucks Lanes, and Independence Drive and Breeds Hill Road.

“It’s all part of our plan to be able to improve the major roadways in and out of Barnstable to make them look better to present a positive aspect for people who come in here to work, for people who come in here as visitors in the summer time,” said Will Crocker, the 2^nd Barnstable State Representative.

“It’s just very important.”

Barnstable Town Manager Mark Ells said the project would also include extensions of a sewer line and the installation of hydrants and a water line.

A major goal of the improvements is to also jolt private investment in the area by supporting surrounding developments, including the $12 million Total Athletics of Cape Cod sports complex and more than 370 new or permitted housing units.

Ells said the support of housing is needed in the town.

“There’s a demand for housing in Barnstable, all aspects of housing – the full range from market to affordable – and this is one piece of that,” he said.

Cape and Islands State Senator Julian Cyr said the project will help to supply more than 300 homes in a region that desperately needs workforce housing and move forward the Total Athletics development.

“It’s going to mean that anyone who is looking to invest in this part of Hyannis knows that they are going to have access to those basic things that you need to have access to whether that is transportation, whether that is water or electricity,” Cyr said.

“This $3.7 million really leverages a lot more in resources and that is what is really important about it.”

Cyr said the funding will give a “shot in the arm” to the area of Barnstable.

By BRIAN MERCHANT, CapeCod.com NewsCenter