Builders demonstrate
leadership with call
for regional planning
Under attack from politicians,
environmentalists, and irate citizens,
Cape Cod builders and
developers are circling the wagons
and firing back — with some eyeopening
proposals.
After 15 years of rapid development,
growth has become a political
hot potato in this easternmost
region of Massachusetts —
long favored for its sweeping
beaches and seaside charm. From
1975 to 1985, Barnstable County,
which encompasses most of the
Cape, was the fastest growing
county in all of New England.
While the boom in residential
and commercial building spurred
the local economy and brought
prosperity to builders, it also contributed
to the Cape's growing
list of problems and inflamed
local opposition to further development.
Last May, former U.S. Senator
Paul Tsongas jolted the