Two New Car Enterprises Planned

Applications for two more licenses to operate automobile businesses in Mattapoisett brings the total to four – four new businesses for the sale of new and/or the sale and repair of used cars.

During the October 13 meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen, Talor Rocha, 3 Church Street, requested a Class II Auto Dealer License.

His business model is similar to the two other retail auto sales businesses recently licensed; the business will operate via the Internet, no cars will be stored or repaired at his residence, and cars awaiting sale will be warehoused at the self-storage units located in the business park on Industrial Drive.

Rocha will purchase vehicles at car auction and “resale for the purpose of making a profit,” he told the board. The application was approved.

Also requesting a positive vote to operate an automobile sale and repair business were Kevin and David Ducharme of 508 Sports & Luxury Inc., 408 High Hill Road, Dartmouth. The father and son partnership owns and operates an established automobile business in New Bedford and came before the board seeking a Class II Auto Dealer license for property located at 79 Marion Road. The property is owned by Robert Gingras.

The Ducharmes proposed having up to 25 vehicles for sale on the property, with other space for the parking of cars waiting to be serviced in one of the two bays in the building.

The younger Ducharme said, “I’m not flying by the seat of my pants,” and provided the selectmen with a layout of the property to demonstrate the feasibility of having 25 vehicles on the site.

But Selectmen Paul Silva and Tyler Macallister voiced concern over the number of cars. Their primary issue was adequate clearance for cars entering and exiting the property.

“We need someone to tell us what the right number is,” said Silva.

Town Administrator Michael Gagne told the selectmen that other towns had also given thought to restricting the use of banners, flags, and lighting. The selectmen agreed that was a good point.

However, it was the issue of traffic safety on busy Route 6 that prompted the board to request a continuance so that police safety officer Justin King could be consulted regarding the appropriate number of cars to allow in the license.

The Ducharmes were asked to return on October 27 to complete discussions and, in the meantime, provide Officer King with a diagram of the parking plans.

The selectmen also met with two residents vying for the one remaining open seat on the Conservation Commission. Coming before them were Mike Dubuc and Diane Tsitsos.

Dubuc, currently a member of the Agricultural Commission, was first up saying that in his daily business activities as a cranberry grower in 12 towns, he is familiar with the Wetlands Protection Act. He said he would be available to attend most scheduled meetings.

Diane Tsitsos, a retired diplomat, told the selectmen that she wanted her skills to be used in a “substantive way,” and felt she was well suited for the Conservation Commission given her negotiating skills. She said she had experience in interpreting regulations and that her residence was situated in the middle of a wetlands area giving her intimate understanding of the importance of protecting natural resources.

After consideration of the two candidates towards the end of the meeting, Dubuc received the nod based on his basic understanding of the Wetlands Protection Act and that with his knowledge, he would be useful to the commission “right out of the gate,” as Macallister said it.

Mark Langevin requested and received permission to construct a horseshoe pit at the town landing located on Mattapoisett Neck Road. He was asked to coordinate with Harbormaster Jill Simmons and Highway Superintendent Barry Denham to ensure the location was correct for other activities at the site. Langevin was also told that Gagne would apply for a Request for Determination of Applicability with the Conservation Commission so that construction would meet regulations of the Wetlands Protection Act.

Gagne updated the board on the repairs on Acushnet Road. He said everything was on schedule and that Eversource had been very accommodating with the relocation of a utility pole.

Regarding the power aggregation program, Gagne said the Department of Public Utilities had approved the plan and was preparing bid specifications. He explained that public education would be ongoing with a brochure mailed to residents, the release of a video that is currently in production, and a series of public meetings to ensure that the residents would be fully informed.

“I’m amazed by the number of participants,” Gagne told the selectmen, noting that over 300,000 customers were in the aggregation group that included Mattapoisett.

On the matter of sewer rates, Gagne said, “It’s that time of the year.” He asked for approval from the selectmen to apply for state funding to help alleviate the debt service costs that currently stand at approximately $572,000. The application to the Consumer Sewer Rate Relief Fund was approved.

Shellfishing beds were also discussed. Gagne announced that due to extreme stormwater runoff from recent storms, Mattapoisett’s inner and outer harbor, Aucoot Cove, Crescent Beach, and Peases Point were closed until further notice. Water west of Mattapoisett Neck Road remains open. Further updates can be found on the town’s website.

Regarding fire safety, Gagne advised the selectmen that the Fire Department would be hosting a Village Safety Training program. He urged residents living in village neighborhoods to attend.

“I strongly urge anyone in the village to attend…. Old construction that is densely spaced can be a problem.” The event will take place on October 24 between 5:00 and 6:00 pm at the fire station.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for October 27 at 6:30 pm in the Mattapoisett Town Hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell

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