Once again, coming before the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission were applicants Jay and Julie Duker of 112 Aucoot Road with their Notice of Intent to build a private recreational pier extending across a barrier beach and into Aucoot Cove. David Davignon of N. Douglas Schneider & Associates, representing the Dukers, provided the last pieces of information the commission requested – that all beaches shown on the plans were labeled as “barrier beaches” and that the pier may only be used for watercraft drafting 12-inches or less of water.
Before the hearing was opened for public comment, commission member Mike King said, “I am sympathetic to abutters, given the dynamic environment, but the design meets the wetlands act, so it can be permitted.”
Commission member Peter Newton added, “The applicant addressed questions.”
Chairman Bob Rogers looked into the audience and said, “We’ve been as methodical as you can on this project. In DEP’s eyes, this is a project that can be permitted.” He continued, “I’d like to see the issue of draft carried over to Chapter 91 plans.” He gave a nod to objections raised by abutters during previous meetings on this application saying, “It will be unfortunate someday when this thing gets hit by a storm.” He concluded, “We’ve got all the information we asked for; I’m prepared to close the public hearing.”
Rogers then acknowledged abutter Jane Hathaway and gave her an opportunity to state her concerns.
“Twelve-inch draft can be a pretty big boat,” said Hathaway. “We are concerned they were talking about small watercraft … I’d ask the Order of Conditions to specify the type of craft.”
But Newton responded, “We are going beyond restrictions imposed on other piers in town.”
Rogers shrugged and told Hathaway, “We are trying to do the best we can knowing we can’t straight out deny this.”
To the other commission members, Rogers said they would prepare a list of special conditions that they will provide to the applicants at the next meeting. Those special conditions will deal primarily with construction procedures and protections required to ensure eelgrass and beaches will not sustain damage during the building of the pier.
Brad Hathaway asked what the next steps might be for those objecting to the project.
Rogers replied that there is a 10-day period where objections based on the Wetlands Protection Act may be filed and that Hathaway should also approach the DEP. The Dukers still need to secure a Chapter 91 license from the DEP.
Moving on to other agenda items, the commissioners discussed how to go about closing actions and files now that conservation compliance has been received from Leisure Shores Marina. Rogers said he would discuss the matter with town counsel.
It came to light that Marylou Kelliher would also be leaving the Conservation Commission due to a change in her work schedule. With the departure of Tom Copps a few weeks ago, two seats are now open. Kelliher was thanked for her contributions to the commission, and she expressed a desire to return in the future.
ConCom then met with Edward Camara, another candidate for a seat on the commission. Camara was invited to share his interest in the opening and his background. He told the commissioners that he has been a resident for 40 years, has a background in biology and tidal zone ecology, had taught marine ecology, and that he might be able to provide a different viewpoint. Camara has also served as a member on the Marine Advisory Board.
The five candidates are Camara, Richard Francis, Dianne Tsitos, Mike DuBuc, and Joan Belknap.
The commission then cast a secret scoring ballot that produced names to present to the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen for their consideration.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for August 24 at 6:30 pm in the Mattapoisett Town Hall conference room.
By Marilou Newell
