$2.9 million project could make it easier to get to Kalmus Beach. Here's the plan so far.

Susan Vaughn
·3 min read

HYANNIS — Ocean Street residents expressed concerns about speeding and lighting placement in a pedestrian improvement plan presented Monday night by Paul Graves, project manager for the Barnstable Public Works Department.

The $2.9 million project to create a mix of sidewalks and shared walking and biking shoulder paths from Veterans Park south to Kalmus Beach will also include a new driveway at Kalmus Beach, additional lighting and street resurfacing. Also part of the project, with additional funding of $480,000, will be a new water main to fix a gap from Yachtsman Avenue to Hawes Avenue to improve water quality and pressure.

The section of Ocean Street between Kalmus Beach and Gosnold Street where there is no sidewalk, forcing pedestrians to the road's edge.
The section of Ocean Street between Kalmus Beach and Gosnold Street where there is no sidewalk, forcing pedestrians to the road's edge.

The main problem for pedestrians is the current sidewalk on Ocean Street ends at Gosnold Street and there are no pedestrian paths for a half-mile to Kalmus Beach, Graves said. The current beach parking lot entrance is on a sharp curve that poses risks, so the driveway will be shifted farther north for a clearer view. The old vehicle entrance will be closed.

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Why the Ocean Street project doesn't include speed bumps

Speeding along the street was mentioned by several people as a serious issue. Ed Genem, who lives at the Yachtsman Condominiums, was the first of several residents to suggest adding speed bumps on parts of the busy street. Graves said Public Works staff have considered the bumps but concluded they do not significantly minimize speed and can accentuate noise, so they decided not to put any in the project. Some residents suggested different, modified versions of speed bumps.

“We hear you and we’ll look into it," Graves said, acknowledging the pros and cons of speed bumps.

Town Councilor Jennifer Cullum, who lives on Sea Street where speed bumps were added, said they haven’t slowed the traffic much. She suggested considering 3D paint to create the optical illusion of curbs in place of speed bumps.

Lighting along Ocean Street

Graves said he had heard mixed opinions about the kind of decorative light poles that were added in the Sea Street improvements. Members of the Ocean Street Neighborhood Enhancement Team, who consulted on the project planning, said they preferred less lighting and lighting that is more natural to the environment, such as the “cobra lamps” currently along the street.

Graves said the plan was to put additional cobra lights on existing utility poles.

“There should be beautiful and modern lighting like on Bearses Way," Cullum said.

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Trees removed at Kalmus Beach entrance

One woman asked how much vegetation and trees would be affected by the new Kalmus Beach entrance and if shade would be provided for the staff checking stickers. Graves said some trees would be removed and minimalist landscaping added along the entrance. The staff hut will remain closer to where it has been without shade.

The project design and permitting will be completed this spring and construction bids advertised, Graves said. The bulk of the work will be in the fall since none is allowed in the summer.

Residents have until Feb. 27 to submit additional comments about the project, preferably sent by email to Graves at paul.graves@town.barnstable.ma.us. A video of the meeting also will be posted on the Public Works website.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Kalmus Beach: Sidewalks, bike paths, and a new entrance possible