Making Mattapoisett Beautiful Inside and Out

When it comes to making a town beautiful as well as functional, it takes a consortium of talents, resources, and, well, imagination. That is just what is taking place in Mattapoisett.

Town Administrator Michael Gagne, at the behest of Selectman Paul Silva, has begun exploring the idea of a ‘community garden’ for Mattapoisett.

Gagne said the Town of Dartmouth had established a community garden where residents could grow their own vegetables or flowers for their personal use. On March 22, he received permission from the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen to invite the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust to discuss with the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the town’s Agricultural Commission the finer points of developing this type of community program.

On the topic of infrastructure, Gagne said the Massachusetts Department of Transportation joint transportation planning group may have funds available through what he called a “fifth year” of funding roadway and similar projects.

Gagne said Mattapoisett was one of four towns invited to present their project to the JTP, and the group moved to list the Mattapoisett village roadway project for possible funding. The group will be voting on the list of projects in April.

He said that the town will have to pony-up $300,000 for the mandatory 25 percent of engineering costs the DOT will require for the roadway project.

“It’s not a cheap endeavor,” Gagne said. He also said that Chapter 90 monies and debt exclusions will work together to help fund the $4.5 million needed to complete the project.

Highway Surveyor Barry Denham was on hand to present the current state of roadway and infrastructure improvements. He anticipates that Barstow, Cannon and Pearl Streets will be completed by the summer of 2017. The work will include water, stormwater management systems, sidewalks and paving.

On the subject of sidewalks, Denham said existing pink granite curbstones would be conserved and reused wherever possible in the village. Where such stones are not available, matching curbs will be sourced.

“So it stays more in character than the modern ones,” he said. ”These fixes are 50 plus year fixes,” Denham assured the selectmen.

Continuing on the theme of town improvements, Gagne said the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District, known as SRPEDD, will assist the town in developing a municipal projects list.

Gagne felt their efforts would best be applied to the section of Route 6 between Main and North Streets. He said the service doesn’t cost the town anything, and he foresees a planning strategy that includes private business owners and leaders along with the town to discuss and develop plans for the future of this business sector.

Earlier in the evening, the selectmen met with Freeman Bauer to discuss his Eagle Scout project. Bauer outlined a community event, a dog walk-a-thon, to raise about $1,000. The monies he said would be used to help make structural improvement at a Fairhaven animal shelter. Bauer said the event will take place rain or shine on August 27 between 8:00 am and noon. After reviewing the walking routes, the plan was approved.

The selectmen also met with Bill Haley, president of the Mattapoisett Lions Club. Haley requested permission to use Shipyard Park on June 11 for a “Spring Field Day” to promote awareness of childhood diabetes, healthy eating habits, and exercise. He said support materials would be made available to attendees. The selectmen voted to approve the request.

Fire Chief Andrew Murray met with the selectmen to discuss updating fees for services rendered by the department. A list of fees will be reviewed with Gagne. The selectmen voted to approve the suggested increases and changes, such as eliminating the $10 open burning permit and a $75 fee for radio box connections.

The selectmen also held the annual meeting of the Tri-Town Herring Committee. Art Benner reported that it appears the moratorium will “stay in place until the state comes up with a management plan.” He asked permission to send a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries to request permission to replace the fish counter at the ladder. That request was approved. Benner said that they have manually counted 3,841 herring since the run began.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for April 12 at 7:00 pm in the town hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell

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