FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 19. 2009

For further information, contact:
Leslie Richardson, Economic Development Officer, Cape Cod Commission, 508-362-3828
Paul Niedzwiecki, Executive Director, Cape Cod Commission, 508-362-3828
Dan Dray, Administrator, Cape Cod Economic Development Council, 508-362-8051
Wendy Northcross, Chief Executive Officer, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, 508-362-3225

BARNSTABLE COUNTY, MA -- The Cape Cod Commission, Barnstable County's land use planning agency, today released the findings of the 2008 Survey of Cape Cod Second-home Owners.

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute, working with Commission Economic Development Officer Leslie Richardson, conducted the study on behalf of the Commission to estimate the future conversion of second homes to primary homes and to estimate the impacts of those potential conversions.

Funded primarily by the Commission, with additional support from the Cape Cod Economic Development Council and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, the study was designed to aid land use and economic development planning, especially related to capital infrastructure and public services.

"We are pleased that the collaboration between the Commission, the EDC, and the Chamber produced solid data to help our organizations and others better envision the demographics of Cape Cod's communities five to fifteen years from now," says Commission Executive Director Paul Niedzwiecki. "Although conducted a year ago, the survey's high response rate ensures that the results are significant and relevant today as valuable planning aids for the future."

The researchers mailed nearly 16,000 questionnaires, and more than 30 percent of recipients responded. Richardson notes, "This is considered an excellent return rate for mailed surveys. In fact, Donahue Institute originally estimated only a 10-percent return for this study."

The statistically valid sample of the target population indicates that almost 22 percent of second-home owners plan to move to Cape Cod full time within the next 15 years.

Currently, second homes are used more for personal use than for rental use. In every season, survey results indicate that personal use is much higher than rental use, with 73 percent of respondents reporting using their second home solely for personal use, 5 percent reporting using it exclusively as a rental, and 21 percent reporting a combination of personal and rental uses.

Dan Dray, administrator for the Cape Cod Economic Development Council, says that the needs and expectations of second-home owners converting their homes to primary use should be "viewed as a bellwether for economic and social change on Cape Cod. Their demand for services, cultural venues, Internet access, and job opportunities will have a strong influence on the make-up of our economy and community in the foreseeable future."

The results show the significant current contribution of second-home owners to the local economy of Cape Cod, especially in the arts-and-culture sector, where the potential for an even greater positive impact is likely to be made when these owners convert their homes to primary residences.

"This survey sheds new light on a critical customer base for many Cape Cod businesses-the second-home owner," remarks Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Wendy Northcross. "Working with the County EDC and the Cape Cod Commission we have the opportunity to enlighten local businesses on how to appeal to this customer segment by understanding their plans and their needs."

The results about future conversions note potential impacts to water supply and wastewater management on Cape Cod. They also indicate the need for improved access to high-speed Internet services.

The technical report of the survey's findings is available on the web site: www.capecodcommission.org/econdevel/reports.htm

Workshops to help business and community groups interpret and use the study findings will be offered in the future.

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