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EASTHAM/MID-CAPE HOSTEL | ||
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Hostel Backers Glean 2 Appeal Paths By Derek Burritt EASTHAM-Supporters of the youth hostel on Goody Hallet Drive showed up by the dozens to Tuesday's board of selectmen meeting, but unfortunately it's going to take more than a simple show of community support to keep the 40-year-old hostel open past Sept. 15. Over the last couple weeks, Ken Fishman, a Governor Prence Road resident, began a petition in favor of the hostel that currently includes more than 400 signatures. While addressing selectmen and those in attendance, he said that "people couldn't pick up the pen quickly enough" to sign. Fishman carried out his campaign and submitted the petition to the town knowing full well the selectmen don't have the authority to overturn the zoning board of appeals decision that closed the hostel in accordance with Eastham zoning bylaws. He said he did it so the board would know the sentiment of residents, to which he received thunderous applause from the gathered audience. Robert Freeman, an abutter on Jeremiah's Look who has acted as a spokesperson for neighbors, spoke out against allegations that he's "greedy." He said he's not profiting in any way from the situation, and he only became concerned with the hostel when it solicited input from the neighborhood about plans to expand. During this process, Freeman alleges that he was "talking to an organization that wasn't listening" to the concerns of the neighborhood. Deborah Ruhe, executive director at Hostelling International USA, said "her heart is full" from the people who came forward to sign the petition and support the hostel. It was about a year ago this week that she made her first presentation to abutters addressing the conceptual expansion. She vowed "never to show a building concept to anyone again." Selectmen heard from every side as well as from those in the audience, who spoke in support of the hostel for a variety of reasons ranging from its longstanding tradition to the opportunity it offers foreign workers to live in town cheaply while finding summer jobs and accommodations. However, at this point, the issue is a matter of fact and law. Selectman Dave Schropfer says he believes the ZBA made an "appropriate decision under the law," and vice chair Martin McDonald echoed his opinion by saying the hostel is simply "not in compliance" with town zoning bylaws. Going forward, the only recourse the hostel has is to appeal the decision of the ZBA within 20 days of its filing with the town clerk. As of Tuesday night, no appeal had been filed, although Ruhe suggested one would be forthcoming. The hostel will remain closed after Sept. 15 until any future appeal process is complete. Town Administrator Sheila Vanderhoef said the only recourse for residents who want to help the hostel reopen is to get an article for a zoning bylaw change on the warrant for May's Town Meeting. However, she advised that any zoning bylaws must be broad in nature and cannot create "spot zoning."
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