Waterfront Wish List Discussed

Mattapoisett’s most sensitive and important feature is its seaside location. Protecting the harbor, the water, and surrounding waterfront features falls to several boards and committees; yet, one has been quietly striving for months to give form and meaning to a harbor master plan fit for state certification, as well as a new set of rules, regulations, and fees for the boating community.

On October 29, the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board met to discuss these documents and to hear from Harbormaster Jill Simmons.

MAB member Robert Moore, who was not in attendance for this meeting, has reached out to town counsel, MAB Chairman John Cornish said, to vet new rules and regulations. The MAB has been tasked by the Board of Selectmen to provide updated guidelines for the boaters using Mattapoisett’s waterways, looking at everything from mooring fees to pump-out requirements for the growing recreational boating public. Not only does the MAB need to take residents’ needs into consideration, but also those of visiting boaters known as transients. Usage fees are a prime focus of the MAB’s task at hand.

Another major effort on the shoulders of the MAB is revising the harbor master plan into a coastal zone management document that will pass a number of state regulatory agencies.

During a previous meeting, Town Administrator Michael Gagne, along with South Coastal Regional Coordinator David Janik for the Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management Office, a branch of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, met with the MAB to discuss this matter. Now, months later, their work continues.

As the members poured over maps, Cornish said, “Let’s think about why we are writing this … to protect our harbor.”

Simmons reported that Gagne requested the MAB’s attendance at a future working meeting on November 12 with the selectmen. A time for the meeting was not confirmed. Gagne asked the MAB to prepare to discuss three main topics: 1) new fee schedule for 2016; 2) mapping for coastal zone management planning; and 3) priority list for capitol improvements along the waterfront.

The members cited insufficient information as the reason why they could not provide an updated fee structure to the selectmen.

Simmons said she had not been provided with all invoices from the town accountant’s office, making it difficult to ascertain the full costs associated with the waterfront enterprise.

“I don’t believe we have enough information on total expenses and income to work on new fees,” said member Mike Church.

Members were able to prioritize a wish list of capitol projects pulled together by Simmons. From most important to least, the list reads: expanded dinghy dock spaces, small boat purchase for inshore work, public safety float for fire boat, additional kayak racks at various locations, piling work on Long Wharf, parking lot re-paving, float for town landing, video security system, and a pump-out boat.

Simmons also presented the MAB with two conceptual drawings of potential new locations for dinghies.

In one drawing, a reconfiguration of spaces now along Barstow Pier with additional floats and a new ramp location drew positive responses from the members.

“I’ve been wanting this for years,” said Cornish.

A second concept showed a floating dock system between the town’s public beach and private property on Water Street. Simmons pointed out that there is a swim line there and a stone jetty, making the floating dock system idea another reasonable option, she felt.

“There isn’t any reason why we couldn’t have both,” said Cornish.

The next regular meeting of the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board is scheduled for November 19 at 7:00 pm in the Mattapoisett Town Hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell

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