The Monday meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board once again found the members exploring possible new land-development options. What began as informal discussions regarding affordable-housing needs and possible impact of ADU’s (accessory dwelling units) in the community grew to include such construction types as ADU, Route 6 corridor bylaws, and more recently “cottage communities.”
These discussions have had the effect of bringing up such matters as short-term rentals, building density, and neighborhood cultural changes due to possibly increased density-bylaw changes in cottage-style developments.
Board member William Wennerberg, a developer who has extensive experience building cottage-style communities, believes this type of development could fit well in the Mattapoisett aesthetic. To illustrate his point, Wennerberg shared floor plans from a development he built, including landscaping schemes. He said that landscaping is a critical element in this type of land development, not only for appearances but also for noise dampening.
Local businessman and property owner David McIntire said he supported Wennerberg’s concepts. He pointed to the nestled neighborhood that includes Cannon Street as an early example of high-density, cottage-style development. He said that today’s zoning bylaws would not support such limited setback requirements but that it could work today. Wennerberg noted, “You can accomplish a lot on a small lot.”
Regarding ADU construction, the board discussed topics such as not having ADU’s stacked on a lot, septic oversight where sewer is not available and allowing one ADU structure as a “by right” construction, while any others on the same parcel would require zoning approvals.
Member John Mathieu said that ADU’s should be regulated to preclude structures from being closer than the principal building’s frontage.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell