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Discussing Community Planning at Mashpee Commons

Bob visits with Jim Vaccaro and Tom Ferontie of Mashpee Commons, in New Mashpee, Massachusetts. This urban and community development is set to evolve over years. It has a mix of business, retail, professional, and housing space. There are apartments above storefronts and offices. By the time Mashpee Commons is complete, it will have 380 homes, including apartments, condominums, senior housing, and single-family homes. By choice and in deference to Act 40B, 25 percent of the new homes will be affordable to those earning a modest income. Vaccaro points out that there is a serious work-force housing shortage on the Cape. The goal of this project is to be part of the housing solution. Bob remarks that the architectural style is a classic New England mix, as if it grew over generations. Ferontie explains that the goal was to meld the Nantucket and Cape Cod styles in terms of materials, colors, and architectural details like cornices and windows, but keep a skeleton that is contemporoary and efficient. Most buildings are steel frame with brick or wood veneers. More information