Neighbors,
It’s a privilege to represent you and Precinct 5 on the Town Council.
In this newsletter, I review some Town Council accomplishments from 2025 and look ahead to 2026.
I appreciate hearing from you on any of these issues, or any other issue you would like the Town Council to take up.
Please forward this newsletter to neighbors and friends. They can sign up for the mail list at my town email address: John.Crow@town.barnstable.ma.us.
Best wishes in 2026.
Regards,
John Crow
2025 – What We Achieved Together
Community involvement made a difference in 2025.
Residents gathered facts, shared information, voiced concerns, offered ideas, and sometimes presented ready made solutions to the Town Council. Their time and effort showed genuine care for one another, for Barnstable, and for future generations. I’m grateful for every contribution.
- Protected, through Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution, the small beach at the end of Wianno Avenue from large scale electric infrastructure projects. That small beach, often called “Baby Beach,” was included as an “alternative” cable landing site in Avangrid’s “New England Wind 2” written plans.
- Secured the money needed to finish a new playground that will serve local families and attract visitors. The Town Council approved final funding required for the playground on West Bay Road. Credit goes to the dozens of residents and neighbors who contributed their time and guidance over many, many years – decades in fact – to bring the playground to fruition. Residents from across the Town of Barnstable and visitors alike will enjoy its design, which is tailored for children of all ages.
Construction will start in March 2026. The playground is expected to be ready for use in November 2026.
- Finalized the Housing Production and Local Comprehensive Plans that reflect some key community preferences: Our treasured village centers were left untouched, and zoning around those centers remains single-family only (no By Right duplexes or triplexes as staff originally proposed).
- Concluded the work of Ad Hoc Zoning and Housing Committees with practical solutions to some chief community concerns and challenges.
2025 – What Residents Asked of The Council
While Town government moved along important but routine business in 2025, residents kept the Council focused on what matters to them.
Residents gathered facts and data and organized compelling requests for action.
They fell into four main areas:
Protection of public health at Covell’s Beach: Residents asked the Town to be vigilant in gathering regular data and safeguarding our beachgoers from electromagnetic field exposure linked to nearby industrial electric infrastructure.
Timely enforcement of current rules and regulations: Residents asked the Town to ensure that zoning and other regulations are enforced fully and promptly, giving taxpayers the protection owed to them.
Improved traffic safety town-wide: Residents asked the Town to reduce town wide speeding to lower the risk of vehicular and pedestrian accidents.
Protecting Hyannis livability: Residents asked the Town to modify the new zoning rules that allow dense development By Right to relieve the pressure of massive new buildings, overcrowding, and congestion.
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