To the editor:
The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has given extensive and thoughtful deliberation to the proposed zoning amendment to create a hotel overlay district on Commercial Street in Gloucester.
As part of this process, the Chamber gathered feedback from its Board of Directors, past presidents, and entire membership through an online survey.
The Chamber has determined that there is a strong sentiment among its membership in favor of the zoning amendment. In fact, over 80 percent of respondents are supportive of the proposal.
The Chamber Board of Directors recognizes that there is a clear and compelling need for increased, year-round hotel capacity in Gloucester, particularly for business travelers and for larger functions such as weddings, festivals and conferences. The lack of year-round, full service hotel space has led to a significant loss of room occupancy to off-Cape facilities.
The core mission of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is to serve as the principal voice of business on Cape Ann. In furtherance of this mission, it is Chamber policy and practice to review and make recommendations on legislative and public policy matters of broad business and community interest, while not taking or recommending positions on specific development projects.
The Chamber, in keeping with its mission and policies, recommends a comprehensive review and revision of Gloucester's city-wide zoning ordinance for the purposes of allowing for the development of more full service, year-round hotel space.
Making the city's regulatory climate more hotel-friendly and broadening the areas available for hotel development will boost commercial activity and have a positive impact on the overall economy of Cape Ann.
Robert Heidt
CEO, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
Gloucester
