Representatives of two housing developments came before the Mattapoisett Planning Board to receive approval of covenants or to receive an extension.
For the Brandt Point Village development located off Brandt Island Road, an attorney was back before the board detailing the repairs and completion of other considerations that were previously required before the covenant would be approved. Barry Denham, Highway Supervisor, whose advice to the board during the earlier hearing generated some repairs, was present to attest that work had taken place. The covenant received approval.
Ted Gowdy, Director of Construction for a newly formed entity at the Bay Club site, the Preserve at Bay Club, came before the board to request an extension of an existing covenant. Gowdy told the board that his business would be moving forward with the development of 34 lots over the next three years with four lots being held in the covenant. He noted that this group of homes would have a price point between $500,000 to $600,000 to attract a different demographic than the first homes were geared toward. The homes will be 2,000 square feet, with Cape-style architecture. The group plans to start construction on a spec home in November. Presently, there are 51 homes occupied at Bay Club of the 180 lots available. Gowdy’s request for an extension of the covenant was approved for the next three years.
In other business, William Hall of 25 Mechanic St. appeared before the board to request approval for the removal of a maple tree located in his front yard. Ronald Cote, Tree Warden, was on hand to support Hall’s request. Denham noted that he was “pretty sure” the tree in question did not belong to the town, but instead was Hall’s, therefore the Planning Board did not have jurisdiction over the tree removal or the financial obligation to pay for its removal. The troublesome tree had sustained serious damage during Hurricane Bob, but the biggest problem was the root system that was wreaking havoc on the home’s drainage system and the health of the lawn. Board member John Mathieu moved that if the tree was the responsibility of the town it should be removed, if not, it was Hall’s responsibility. The motion carried.
The board then spent the balance of the evening continuing their work on improving language on zoning bylaws. They reviewed draft changes for parking and signs and began the work on screening, common driveways, and trailers. Chairman Ron Merlo again reassured the public that the board’s effort at improving zoning bylaw language was for easier implementation and use, and that all changes would be brought to the annual Town Meeting in the spring for public discussion and adoption.
The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for November 4 at 7:00 pm.
By Marilou Newell
