Good News From Leisure Shores

Leisure Shores was back before the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission on July 28. This time, however, it was to discuss the positive steps that have taken place in what, at times, looked like a massive environmental hazard.

Speaking on behalf of Robert Ringuette, Sr were his son, Bob, and manager, Dana Barrows. Ringuette shared an update with the commission that included waterside and landside objectives, current state conditions, and future improvements. It was all good news. Ringuette also named his new legal team, spearheaded by Jamy Buchanan Madeja of Buchanan and Associates, a Boston based firm. Madeja’s background is impressive to say the least. On her website, www.buchananassocates.com, she lists experience in environmental issues including permitting, licensing, ocean management and government relations. She is the former chief counsel to the executive office of Environmental Affairs for Massachusetts, having been appointed by Governor Weld.

The most contentious issue was the environmental hazard presented from disintegrating Styrofoam floats that have plagued the cove area of Brandt Beach for many years. Ringuette said that by 2016, 100% of all floats will meet Army Corps recommendations, with 50% of all floats in question being replaced by the end of 2014. Barrows’ team had found a methodology that was much less labor intensive and that allowed the clean up and improvements to the waterside of the business to move along faster and more cost effectively. The commission members were united in their delight at this news. Chairman Peter Newton said, “…we were a lot more concerned with getting things cleaned up than punishing anyone…”

Commission member Bob Rogers asked if during the winter months a boom could be placed around the float area to contain Styrofoam pellets and pieces that continue to foul the cove. At the end of the meeting, that suggestion, along with other matters concerning Leisure Shores, was discussed in executive session.

Regarding the landside issues, it was reported that violations brought by the building department had been resolved, and that DEP found no violations with respect to wetlands being filled in; however, they were waiting for the full written report.

Newton told Ringuette and Barrows that they would need to determine what types of services the operation would offer moving forward and get those appropriately permitted. Newton ended the hearing with Leisure Shores by closing the public hearing portion and advising them that conditions would be presented in two weeks and after executive session to discuss those conditions.

In other business, special conditions for Blue Wave LLC for a commercial solar farm on Crystal Spring Road were discussed, but verbal details were scarce as the commission members referred to a printed list of conditions drafted by Environmental Agent Elizabeth Leidhold and which were not clarified for the public at this meeting. No one from Blue Wave was present.

The Shaw Farm municipal certification was signed by the commission members and closing on the property will take place in September.

A Request for Determination of Applicability filed by the Highlander Trust for property located at 14 Ned’s Point Road received a negative 3 vote with a condition of limits of work being marked at the site.

A Notice of Intent filed by Robert and Kara Gauvin of 5 Seabreeze Lane received a standard order of conditions with an open order of conditions being cross-referenced. An open order of conditions will remain in place while a newer order complements it and was necessary since the scope of the original plan had changed.

A certificate of compliance was issued for 6 Deer Run.

Highway Superintendent Barry Denham brought the commission members up-to-date with ongoing issues and drainage planning at the Appaloosa Lane sub-division as previously discussed at a recent Planning Board meeting.

The Mattapoisett Conservation Commission will meet again on August 11 at 6:30 pm in the town hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell

 

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