Dennisport Revitalization Project, Dennis MA

KKLA* helped the Town of Dennis test and rework a new zoning by-law and design guidelines to allow a mix of retail, commercial, and residential uses in a village core. The new zoning by-law promotes a clearly defined downtown area, presenting an economically attractive alternative to horizontal urbanization that undermines the character, natural resources and quality of life on Cape Cod.

The Dennis senior town planner and Dennis Economic Development committee had tried to rezone Dennisport for over 2 years in 2002-2004. Lack of community support for the new ordinance, however, continually led to the by-law being defeated at town meetings since residents were afraid that the allowance of 3 stories would create an 'urban feel' inappropriate for Cape Cod.

KKLA assisted the Town to overcome the public's adverse reaction to density. KKLA first documented all of the properties in the area and created a 3D FormZ digital model of existing conditions. Potential height, setback and density zoning options were tested in the model to decide which requirements would be most appropriate for Dennisport. Once the testing was completed, the model was used to create photo-realistic visualizations to help the community understand what was being proposed by the new zoning. The new village zoning by-law was passed at a Dennis Town Meeting in September 2004, 200 in favor and 44 opposed. The new ordinance was an overwhelming victory for compact, environmentally sensitive development on Cape Cod.

In addition, KKLA helped modify the proposed 'smart growth' zoning and design guidelines to include:
- Regulations to encourage water conservation and re-use
- Promotion of green building techniques and energy conservation
- Regulations to mandate passive storm water collection and cleaning wherever possible
- Design Guidelines to compliment vernacular architecture without requiring a particular architectural style.

* Work by KKLA was completed during a Whitlock Internship with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod

Client: Dan Fortier, Town Planner, Town of Dennis
Research, Advocacy & Financial Support: Association to Preserve Cape Cod, Barnstable MA

Awards:
2004 Honor Award, American Planning Association, Massachusetts Chapter
2004 MA Governors' Smart Growth Leadership Award

Publications:
Cape Cod Magazine, May 2005, p.40 'Who's Afraid of Building Up Now? With Dennisport as a model, Cape towns are flirting with the idea of cluster zoning.'
Cape Business Magazine, April/ May 2005