Ron Merlo, who has been a member of the Mattapoisett Planning Board for two terms totaling 10 years, wrapped up his second five-year stint at the May 4 meeting. But he had one final to-do to pass along to the other members – ceasing the continuing efforts of The Village at Mattapoisett condominium association to get town-supplied trash collection.
The condominium association has been seeking this town-supplied service in spite of it being expressly not allowed in their subdivision permit or ownership covenant.
Merlo was part of the Planning Board at the time of the subdivision application. He said, “I am whole-heartedly against overturning a decision make by a prior board.” Merlo said, by doing so, the wrong signal would be sent and a precedent put in place that could have far-reaching ramifications.
Selectman Jordan Collyer tasked Merlo to follow-up with town counsel for guidance to ascertain what rights the condominium association may have, as well as the best steps for the Town. Merlo said that counsel advised a special permit could be granted to the association after the Planning Board holds a public hearing. The board members did not take any action on this matter on this night.
In closing out his years of service, Merlo shared, “It has been a pleasure to serve … I hope I did it honorably.”
In other business, a request by resident Paul Osenkowski to have the board issue a cease and desist order to the developers of Brandt Point Village was discussed.
Chairman Tom Tucker said, after discussing the matter with town counsel, the developer would be invited to meet with town counsel.
The meeting will focus on what the Planning Board has permitted thus far for the subdivision, and what work has actually taken place that may be causing conflict with residents in the neighborhood.
The original investors are no longer part of the project, Tucker said.
The Appaloosa Lane subdivision engineer, Brian Grady of G.A.F. Engineering, came before the board to ask what the next steps are now that the new stormwater management plan has received conditioning by the Conservation Commission after months of work with the Town’s engineering firm, Field Engineering.
Tucker asked Highway Superintendent Barry Denham if he was satisfied with the project to which he replied, “It is the best situation for everybody out there.” Grady will return during the next meeting of the board to have updated plans signed.
Also meeting with the board was Tree Warden Roland Cote to discuss the removal of several trees located at 84 North Street. Cote was granted permission to remove one of three in question.
Eversource will be required to be present to plead their case as to why the other two trees in question need to be removed, Tucker told him.
Continuing on the theme of tree removal, Denham sought permission to remove diseased and compromised trees in the Tinkham Dam area.
He said that the upcoming dam repairs will require that the diseased tree(s) be removed while several other trees will need to be removed because of the damage they will sustain during reconstruction of the roadway.
Denham said he had met with the Tree Committee, which will be planting new trees after the work is completed and are in agreement with Denham’s plan.
The removal and replanting project will become part of an application by the Tree Committee for the town’s Tree City USA status with the state. The Planning Board approved the plan.
Board member Mary Crain distributed a draft handout she wrote intended to help voters understand the bylaw changes on the warrant.
After some discussion, they agreed that language needed to be added to each of the bylaws being proposed that clearly indicated the Planning Board’s support versus sponsorship.
Resident Bonne DeSousa asked for clarification on the difference between support and sponsorship. She was told that support meant the board agreed with the changes. Tucker made it clear however, that Brad Saunders, managing partner of D + E Management LLC who authored the changes and additions to zoning bylaws, will be presenting them on the floor of Town Meeting.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for May 18 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall conference room.
By Marilou Newell
