HARWICH – Efforts to revitalize the Stone Horse Motel in Harwich are finally moving forward.
After years of failed attempts to use the property for workforce housing, a purchase and sale agreement is in place with a plan to develop the parcel into two dormitory buildings for seasonal employees.
Tom and Trish Kennedy, who own the Zudy software company, have agreed to purchase the former motel parcel which is currently owned by Outer Cape Health Services.
The project received support from Selectmen last week.
“The people who are staying in these places are generally Europeans, although there are some folks from Asia as well,” said William Riley, the project attorney for developer Ron Rudnick. “They are over here trying to make money. They don’t have cars. Most of them have two jobs instead of one and they bicycle around.”
Riley said the property is also right on the bus line which is also helpful to the occupants.
Plans call for each of the buildings to house 90 people.
Developer Ron Rudnick has experience constructing similar facilities including one in Chatham.
The project does require a special use variance from the Appeals Board, which will take up the proposal Wednesday, October 31.
Fire Chief Norman Clarke said he has been concerned about the property since a large fire in 2012 and is praising the developer for agreeing to take proper safety measures. The fire department was requiring sprinkler systems which previously prevented the sale of the property.
“I think it’s important to our economic growth,” Clarke said. “This is a huge, huge step forward for the town of Harwich – to have someone like Mr. Rudnick and the Kennedy’s do this project. It’s a great project.”
Clarke said the developer has done everything asked when it comes to life safety.
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