Future of Housing in Sandwich Discussed at Workshop

CCB MEDIA PHOTO

SANDWICH – The future of housing along Route 130 in Sandwich was the focus of a community workshop last week.

The town and Cape Cod Commission partnered to gather and present information aimed at growing the town’s southern business corridor and discuss the different types of housing that could be developed along Route 130.

Town Planner Ralph Vitacco said the town can start looking at denser housing options after town voters passed the Water Infrastructure Investment Fund in May.

“The overall goal is to create housing which people can afford, which people can live in, which people can retire to, but also create an environment which is inducive for economic development,” Vitacco said.

The first component of the future development is the housing aspect.

“The ultimate goal is to put forward some zoning that would foster development,” Vitacco said.

Cape Cod Commission Chief of Staff Heather Harper said the town has recognized the need for mixed-use development with additional housing to support local economic activity.

Harper said Sandwich, and Cape Cod as a whole, is trending toward some population growth through 2025.

There is also the potential for increased employment in Sandwich.

“That’s a really positive sign and it is the strongest growth and employment of any community on Cape Cod,” Harper said.

The commission expects to see the housing market and home values continue to grow in Sandwich.

“Down the road, if we continue without addressing some of the diversity issues in our housing market we’ll see continued stress in the housing marketplace,” Harper said.

Several different housing types were presented during the workshop for the Route 130 area, including cottages, duplexes, double deckers and townhouses.

Dozens of residents and business leaders attended the workshop June 17.