Dennisport revitalization showing positive signs
by Joseph SantangeloNearly two years after voters approved a visionary rezoning of Dennisport, redevelopment of the aging village along Route 28 is beginning one property a time. Planning efforts have won two awards, several properties have changed hands and major development proposals are starting to emerge.
Slowly, the tired half-mile strip of one-story structures is taking on a new face. A new library is open, as is Blondie’s Ice Cream, Brother’s Pizza, as well as the Crazy Flamingo and Oyster Company restaurants. Seven units of affordable workforce housing have been added over storefronts around a corner on Telegraph Road.
Now, all eyes are on an innovative 17,000-square-foot mixed-use proposal at the core of the rezoned district. The development planned on the south side of Route 28 at Hall Street would include space for 11 retail businesses, as well as 17 one-story and two-story residential dwellings above the shops. Owner Daniel Keefe said, “Financing is a challenge, but we’re working on it.”
“If we can get that project off the ground, we will see money invested in other projects,” predicted Town Planner Daniel Fortier. “There is a lot of interest. Things are happening; it’s just a matter of money being shaken loose.”
A second major development is under discussion but not formally proposed. At the eastern gateway to Dennisport at Division Street, new townhouses might be built near the existing Brooks pharmacy and the former Blockbuster video store.
Preliminary interest also involves a proposed bank in the area. “If a bank comes in and gets a foothold in the village, that would be tremendous,” added Fortier. “It says that this would be the place to go.”
The largest property in Dennisport is land occupied by Ocean State Job Lot and a vacant former A&P supermarket. That property, controlled by Stop & Shop supermarkets, so far has attracted an inquiry involving a convenience food store.
Town Planner Fortier said, “There is a lot of interest in Dennisport. People look at the construction costs, and it’s just a matter of how much to invest, and whether to be the first one in the door. The first investor in the door runs the greatest risk. We’re hoping for out-of-town money to come in. For the longest time, it was only mom-and-pop money invested in these buildings.”
In September 2004, Dennis voters approved a new zoning bylaw that encourages mixed commercial and residential construction of up to 42 feet high in the core village area and 36 feet in the surrounding area.
Thomas Huettner, as chairman of the Dennisport Revitalization Committee, helped rally business, government and community support for the 2004 rezoning. He observed, “Progress is slow but steady. People are very interested. We have set out initiatives for the next five or 10 years. Now we’re waiting for the private sector to make a move.”
Perhaps symbolic of the old Dennisport, a building formerly housing Henderson’s Hardware recently collapsed and was quickly demolished.
“With a little help from Mother Nature and a building falling down, that will move things along,” said Huettner.
After a 30-year decline, Dennisport may soon recapture some of its grand past as a livable, walkable, self-sustaining village center.
West Dennis village next for revitalization
Zoning changes may be in store for West Dennis Village, running east from the Bass River along Route 28, in order to stimulate revitalization of this aging section of town.
West Dennis Village is one of several sections of Dennis on the drawing boards for potential rezoning and redevelopment. Also under consideration elsewhere in town is a waterfront Hotel Resort District along Nantucket Sound, along with an Arts District near the Cape Playhouse on the north side of the Cape along Route 6A.
As with Dennisport, the goal is to encourage private investment in each of these areas that have potential for improvement. The idea is to concentrate development in existing centers, expand housing and job opportunities, conserve natural resources and encourage smart growth. These revitalized districts would attract additional visitor and resident spending.
For West Dennis’ revitalization, the town Planning Department has prepared a video presentation, printed a brochure and begun conducting meetings with owners, businesses and interested citizens.
The intent is to inject new life into the historic West Dennis Village, enhancing its tree-lined streets, inns and motels near a visually attractive waterfront park.
Voters already have approved a town purchase of waterfront property and demolition of the former Even Keel restaurant at the Bass River. This land is to be linked with a small adjacent waterfront park on the north side of Route 28 as a Marine Open Space Zone.
Next, along Route 28 to the east would be a Marine Mixed Use Zone, including the Bass River Marina and nearby motel properties.
Finally, to the east would be a West Dennis Village Center Zone, a Village Center Support Zone and nearby residential zones.
The West Dennis Village zone, along with the other potential waterfront and arts zones, would be major additions to the town’s local comprehensive plan.
Originally published in the Sept/Oct 2006 issue of Cape Business.
Joseph Santangelo Joseph Santangelo has been a statehouse bureau chief, a corporate executive and currently works for the Connecticut Legislature. 
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