Barnstable County Assembly Declares Housing Crisis

The Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates has declared a housing crisis, and members have voted to advance a resolution calling on Cape Cod's government to take a lead role in developing solutions.

The measure supports efforts to continue a shared regional housing office and calls for the creation of a working group of housing, environmental, and municipal leaders to recommend additional actions.

Harwich Delegate Elizabeth Harder, a co-sponsor of the resolution, emphasized the importance of supporting local towns: “This is about helping towns where they find a lack.”

“We’re not building our way out of this,” said Mashpee Delegate Michaela Wyman-Colombo, a co-sponsor of the resolution. “I think it’s important to look at the environmental concerns we have and not replicate the problem that brought us here to begin with, so we don’t end up with housing that’s still unaffordable and a worse environment.”

“We don’t need another study,” said Brewster Delegate Karl Fryzel. “To be successful, this working group is going to need to take some action in the short term. I’m encouraged and I will support this.” Truro Delegate Sallie Tighe reiterated this sentiment, “I’m looking for action.”

Delegates voiced widespread support for the measure, which passed by a vote of 14 – 1, representing a vote of 79% to 21% in an Assembly where delegates’ votes are weighted by their town’s population.

“This resolution needs more work, “ said Barnstable Delegate Frank Fredrickson, who cast the sole opposing vote but expressed support for advancing the shared housing office initiative. “There’s a shortage of housing and the County needs to assist our communities without being too bureaucratic,” said Frederickson

Delegates supported the measure by a vote of 14 to 1.

Delegate Frank Fredrickson cast the only opposing vote but did express support for advancing the shared housing office initiative.

The resolution now goes to the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners for consideration.

(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)