HARWICH – The planning board in Harwich has approved a site plan and a special permit for the redevelopment of the Stone Horse Motel Property.
Plans call for the construction of two dormitory buildings that will house nearly 180 seasonal workers and J-1 visa students.
Each building will have more than 40 rooms with each including two beds.
William Riley, an attorney for Main Street Stone Horse LLC, said design changes were made after negative feedback was received about how the building looked.
“We broke up the roof lines and made them hip rooves,” Riley said.
“The idea is that instead of one building it would look like two buildings kind of pushed together.”
The Stone Horse has been vacant for years and the three motel buildings will be demolished. The office building will be renovated and will include office space and six dorm rooms.
Plans call for the buildings to be used for seasonal workers from April through October, with the possibility of having some rooms available during the off-season.
Developers sought a parking waiver for the property as there are only plans for less than 20 parking spaces. Zoning requires more than 90 spaces for the 180 tenants.
Riley said most of the workers that will use the rooms and are in their twenties and come from Europe.
“They arrive here without vehicles. They ride bicycles. They take the bus,” Riley said.
Developers are also planning to work with the regional transit authority to add a bus stop at the property.
“The people who are staying with us will have, hopefully, ease of travel accommodation in either direction,” Riley said.
Riley said the principal of Main Street Stone Horse, Ronald Rudnick, has been operating similar units for several years, including about 100 units in neighboring Chatham.
“He has worked with the police department there to have controls and people on site to make sure there are no problems,” he said. “If a problem develops they are able to respond to it very quickly.”
Riley said the project has received the support of many local businesses.
“Since this project was announced, Mr. Rudnick has been approached by Chatham Bars Inn, Wequassett Resort and Stop & Shop,” Riley said. “They basically wanted to engage and reserve, basically, the entire property for their workers.”
Developers plan to make the first floors of each building ADA compliant and will seek a waiver from the state for the other floors.
An alternative septic treatment system for the property has been approved by the Harwich Board of Health
The planning board did not refer the project to the Cape Cod Commission despite calls to do so from some residents.
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