Seasonal resort zoning concept edc

Seasonal Resort Zoning Concept

Presentation to Dennis Economic Development Committee

Dennis has a long history of hosting “tourist” camps

• These “camps,” recreational vehicle parks and cottage colonies date back decades.

• For the past 40 years the town has not promoted re-investment.

New Cottage Resorts Have Started to be Developed

• Cottage communities are springing up on both coasts

• Washington State communities have developed standards which promote investment

And these aren’t your grandfather’s RV’s anymore

• Recreational “Vehicles” Parks have also changed dramatically in the past 40 years.

New cottages bring all the amenities

• Providing opportunities for investment in existing properties can accommodate existing populations and promote the modern travelers needs

And the modern RV does the same

• The modern RV is designed for comfort and to provide a traveler with desired amenities as well

After 37 years, perhaps a new approach is appropriate, one

that seeks to reinvigorate these sites

Perhaps its time to recognize they are part of the community,

and represent an economic opportunity for Dennis

Acceptance and establishing standards can bring value

• Summer Village Westford MA – starting at $174,000

New Generation RV’s also have greater value than traditional

“over the road models

Tourist accommodations come in all flavors

• As we think about tourist accommodations we need to think about inclusion, not exclusion.

• Inclusion is one of the precepts even in our earlier hotel zoning discussions.

In the end, we also need to remember our connection to the

past, it is part of what Dennis is all about