Yarmouth Unveiled

6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 The Symbiosis of Tourism and Local Business The city of Yarmouth also recognizes the significant impact of tourism on local economies and strives to achieve a harmonious balance between its captivating natural attractions and thriving commercial endeavors. Whritenour elucidates the town’s nuanced approach to tourism, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between local businesses and the community’s natural beauty. “We are an environmentally-centered community. The protection of open space resources enhances the experience for visitors, making those values paramount in all our community planning,” he states. Whritenour also highlights the unique character of Yarmouth’s business landscape, noting, “This is not an area for big box retail or national chains. We have a New England village-oriented development pattern that people appreciate.” The town emphasizes public infrastructure investment to boost local business expansion. Whritenour mentions their proactive strategy to encourage the growth of small businesses. He also expresses gratitude for the presence of the Cape Cod Commission, a regional land use regulatory body, which safeguards the town from larger entities that could potentially dominate their desired development style. Yarmouth’s Next 18 Months and Beyond In the dynamic landscape of Yarmouth, Massachusetts, town leaders are constantly evaluating and setting strategic priorities to ensure sustainable growth and community well- being. With a blend of historical preservation and modern development, the town’s vision is clear. Greene outlines her top priorities for the next 18 months, emphasizing the Riverwalk Park project, wastewater planning, and housing initiatives. “We’re focusing on both the historic district and other areas,” she confirms. Greene also highlights ongoing investments in town-owned properties, such as the rehabilitation of a barn that serves as a significant tourist attraction. Whritenour describes the next 18 months as a “critical and generational time” for Yarmouth. “We’re embarking on a local comprehensive planning effort that will establish the framework for our planning for the next 30 years,” he states. Whritenour also mentions innovative financing strategies, including district increment financing, to support public infrastructure without significantly impacting taxes. Whritenour signs off with a thought- provoking remark: “No one knows how much work it takes to make a place look like it hasn’t changed in 100 years.” This statement embodies the town’s commitment to preserving its unique branding, environmental stewardship, and historical nature while stimulating business development and recreational opportunities. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Cape & Islands Kia www.capeislandskia.com